The Palos Verdes football team is set to compete for its second consecutive CIF-Southern Section (CIF-SS) Division 3 championship. The Sea Kings, boasting a record of 10 wins and 3 losses, will host the undefeated Pacifica of Oxnard, who stands at 13-0, on November 24, 2023, at 19:00 local time.
Reflecting on their season, Palos Verdes coach Guy Gardner described the journey as significant. “Every team is different. This is a different group than last year,” he stated. The Sea Kings are determined to build on last year’s success, which included victories in the CIF-SS Division 5, SoCal Regional, and State Bowl Games.
The path to the championship has not been without obstacles. The team faces the challenge of replacing junior quarterback Ryan Rakowski, who has thrown 24 touchdowns and rushed for 8 more. Rakowski sustained a thumb injury during last week’s semifinal match against Edison and attended the CIF-SS championship luncheon wearing a cast. In his absence, sophomore Giorgio DiMascio, who has played in nine games this season, steps in as the starter.
The Sea Kings’ season began with a tough loss to Serra, followed by a heartbreaking one-point defeat against Edison. They also faced a significant challenge in their Bay League opener, losing to Leuzinger 40-14. However, after a win against Inglewood, the team’s dynamics began to shift positively. “I think our guys really took the right direction, just being more cohesive,” Gardner remarked, noting the team’s growth in unity and maturity.
Palos Verdes will need to fortify its defense against a formidable Pacifica offense. Since conceding 40 points to Leuzinger, the Sea Kings have tightened their defensive strategy. They allowed 34 points in the playoff opener against Valencia but have since improved significantly, limiting scoring in subsequent games.
Defensive standout Weston Reis leads the team with 94 tackles, while teammates Jalen Flowers and Nick Yakubik have recorded four and three interceptions, respectively. Notably, the return of lineman Dabe Nwude has strengthened the defensive line. After missing the prior season due to injury, Nwude’s recovery has enhanced his speed and confidence on the field.
“It will take another all-hands-in effort from the PV defense against the Tritons,” Gardner stated, acknowledging the challenge ahead. Pacifica, last year’s CIF-SS Division 4 champions, averages an impressive 42.9 points per game.
Gardner characterized Pacifica as “big, athletic,” and acknowledged their consistent performance throughout the season. “You know you’re playing a good team when you can’t find a weakness on that film, and that’s why they’re 13-0,” he added.
Palos Verdes aims to achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first South Bay school to repeat as CIF-SS champions since Serra did so in 2009-10. No public school from the South Bay has won consecutive titles since Redondo Union in 1943-44.
“There’s nothing easy about this. Even this playoff run that we’ve had, there’s nothing easy about it,” Gardner commented. He emphasized the importance of staying focused on each practice and game, regardless of early-season challenges. “You just can’t really look far ahead. Keep your goals behind you and let them motivate you, but just try to get better each day.”
As anticipation builds for the championship showdown, Palos Verdes looks to cement its legacy in local high school football.
