Mira Costa, Palos Verdes football teams come up short in non-league defeats
Mira Costa quarterback Reed Vabrey plays a vital role in the Mustang’s dual-quarterback system. Photo
Football teams from Mira Costa and Palos Verdes look to get back on track tomorrow after suffering losses last week while Redondo looks for its first victory of the young season.
Mira Costa (1-1) entered its game against La Serna (3-0) ranked No. 5 in the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 poll while La Serna moved up to the No. 7 spot in Division 5.
Mira Costa’s defense did its part, holding the Lancers to seven points in the second half, but miscues by the Mustangs denied the team a victory as the hosts fell 23-20.
After Mira Costa tied the game 7-7 on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Nick Carpino to Cole Trejo, a Mustang drive that started on La Serna’s 17 yard line was thwarted after a holding penalty and a sack, moving the home team outside of field goal range.
Trailing 17-7 at halftime, Mira Costa had opportunities with 23 of its 27 offensive plays in the third quarter held on La Serna’s side of the field. The Mustangs closed the gap to 17-14 after Brody Mckinnon scored on a 23-yard screen pass, but Mira Costa could not pull any closer.
Carpino was 22 of 45 passing for 305 yards and three touchdowns, and now must focus on a pivotal third game of the season.
Friday, the Mustangs make a short trip to take on El Segundo in the first of four Touchdowns Against Cancer games. All games played in September fall into the nationwide program with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, visit pledgeit.org.
El Segundo (1-1) is coming off a 24-17 road loss to North Torrance. Arman Sayson led the Eagles rushing for 111 yards on 13 carries.
PV seeks first win
Palos Verdes (0-2) is coming off losses to highly-touted teams falling to Corona del Mar 28-6 and Narbonne 34-10.
Junior Julian Alessi is Palos Verdes’ leading receiver and scorer. Photo
Corona Del Mar is ranked No. 3 in CIF-Southern Section Division 4 while Narbonne is No. 1 in the LA City Section and 16th in the State polls
Palos Verdes will host Madison of San Diego in a 3 p.m. contest on Friday.
Junior Julian Alessi leads the Sea King’s receiving corps with eight receptions for 174 yards (21.8 yards per catch average) and two touchdowns.
Quarterback duties have been shared by senior Ben Davidson and junior Jake Jellison.
In two games, Davidson is 9 for 18 for 110 yards (12.2 avg.) and one touchdown. Jellison has played in one game and is 6 for 15 for 104 yards (17.3 avg.) and one touchdown.
Defensively, Palos Verdes is led by senior Luke Kielbasa and junior Anthony Habif, each who have recorded 20 tackles. Alessi has added 16 tackles.
Sea Hawks regroup
Redondo (0-3) had little chance in a 42-7 loss to Sierra Canyon in a game played at Cal Lutheran University.
“It was a tough night for Sea Hawk football players and fans,” Redondo head coach Matt Ballard said. “Sierra Canyon is a good team, and they beat us pretty soundly. We must continue to buy in, have faith in the process, and trust in one another; knowing we are still capable of more. If we can keep grinding, continue to improve, grow and learn from our mistakes, we will be just fine.”
Players of the Week included: Junior lineman Tyler Litchman (Offense), junior linebacker Grant Brigma (Defense) and sophomore quarterback/linebacker Alex Wunderli (Scout “Eager Beaver”).
Redondo hopes to begin a winning streak this week but will travel to Florida to do it. The Sea Hawks (and parents) will be traveling to Clermont, FL. to take on the East Ridge Knights (0-2) on Thursday.
“We believe this team trip to Florida next week is coming at a perfect time,” Ballard said. “Its intent was never just an opportunity to play an out of state football game. It has always been about coming together as a team, rallying around one another, and fighting on with pride, regardless of circumstance. We decided to take this travel week to thank, and point out, our awesome football parents. We couldn’t have this program, and definitely couldn’t pull off a team trip to Florida, without our parent support.”