Ryan Rakowski leads Palos Verdes past Gardena Serra in playoff opener

Palos Verdes defeated Gardena Serra 38-20 in their CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoff opener on Friday night. Senior quarterback Ryan Rakowski completed 11 of 14 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for a three-yard score to send the Sea Kings into the quarterfinals. The victory marked the 200th career win for Palos Verdes head coach Guy Gardner, who has led the program since 2009.

Palos Verdes took early control with Rakowski's 53-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Reese on the game's opening play, followed by scoring strikes to Jalen Flowers and Aaden Brady. Weston Reis added a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Palos Verdes improved to 10-1 and advances to face Inglewood in the quarterfinals.