Palos Verdes High School clinched a 28-10 victory over Bakersfield Christian in the Southern California Regional Division 2-A bowl game, with junior Jace DeMoss sealing the win with his first interception of the season, returning it 65 yards for a touchdown. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Rakowksi led the Sea Kings with 97 yards rushing and critical completions. The team will face Twelve Bridges in the CIF 2-A state bowl championship, marking Palos Verdes’ first trip to a state bowl.
DeMoss credited Rakowksi’s leadership and playmaking abilities, highlighting the team’s belief in their potential for success. Despite primarily playing on offense, DeMoss emphasized his enjoyment of defense for its challenges and creativity. Rakowksi’s 31-yard touchdown run in the second half, followed by Andrew Habif’s nine-yard rushing score, helped secure the team’s victory.
The Sea Kings’ successful season includes a 23-7 win over La Serna for the Southern Section Division 5 title and a six-game winning streak following a tough loss earlier in the season. Despite losing key players from last year’s squad, including 25 graduates, the team has rallied behind Rakowski’s strong performance, having thrown for 23 touchdowns last season and 18 this fall.
Bakersfield Christian put up a good fight in the game, with quarterback Lincoln Adame and receiver Andre Calderon making key plays, but Palos Verdes’ resilient defense held strong in the second half. DeMoss highlighted the team’s defensive strategy built around physicality, which played a crucial role in their success throughout the season.
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