On Friday Oct. 21, Palos Verdes took on Mira Costa in their rivalry game. Rivalry week is always one of the most spirited weeks on campus, and this year was no different.
Leading up to the game, there were many activities on campus, put on by ASB and Red Tide, to get everyone hyped up for the game. These included “trick or trivia,” a horse costume race, water balloon toss, and a Halloween costume contest.
Every day had a different outfit theme as well, with Monday through Thursday being Pajama Day, Adam Sandler Day, Country Day, and Pool/Beach Clothes Day respectively. And of course, Friday was Hallowen– the biggest spirit day of all.
Palos Verdes has alway played Mira Costa, but they did not become Palos Verdes’ official rival until last season, when Peninsula changed divisions.
“The rivalry has always been big with Mira Costa, so it’s not new to us,” head coach Guy Gardner said.
The game went back and forth the entire way. Late in the fourth quarter, Sea Kings kicker Niko Dragin made a field goal that appeared to tie the game at 15.
However, a penalty on the Mustangs gave the Sea Kings a first down in the red zone, granting them another shot to take the lead. Seconds later, junior quarterback Ryan Rakowski connected with sophmore running back Christian Reis for a 5-yard touchdown pass, putting the Sea Kings up 18-15. After the defense got a big stop, the Sea Kings were able to run the clock out and secure a win.
Winning a rivalry matchup is always satisfying, but a close game like this makes it even better.
“It feels really good. We haven’t lost to them in nine years so it’s good to keep the streak alive,” senior cornerback Nick Yakubik said.
The stakes of this game were extremely high. With this win, Palos Verdes jumped ahead of Mira Costa for second place in the Bay League, officially securing a spot in the Division 3 CIF Playoffs. The first playoff matchup is on Friday, Nov.7 against Valencia High School.
The team has very high hopes for this year’s playoffs.
“I feel like we have yet to reach our peak and have a good mentality going into the playoffs,” senior wide receiver Morley Boyd said. After winning the state championship last year, Palos Verdes will be on a mission to repeat as champions.