Big plays and a stingy defense provided defending champion Palos Verdes the opportunity to defend its title after defeating Bay League rival Mira Costa 25-10 in a CIF-Southern Section Western Division semifinal game played Friday night at San Pedro High School.
The second-seeded Sea Kings (10-3) will attempt to hold onto their crown when they travel to face top-seeded Calabasas (12-1) who defeated Redondo 41-17 in its semifinal contest.
Palos Verdes edged Mira Costa (10-3) 9-7 in its Bay League game and the rematch was just as physical highlighted by two strong defenses.
After a field goal early in the second quarter put Palos Verdes on the board 3-0, Nick Alessi returned a Mira Costa punt 70 yards for a touchdown and a 9-0 lead.
Mira Costa responded when quarterback David Arredondo connected with Ta’utino Sione on a 20-yard touchdown reception pulling to within 9-7. The celebration was short lived, however, as Anthony Messori returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards to pay dirt.
Mira Costa drove to the Palos Verdes 14-yard line with less than one minute remaining in the second quarter but the Sea Kings defense forced the Mustangs to settle for a field goal closing the gap to 16-10 at halftime.
Coach Don Morrow’s Mustangs were optimistic after winning their first two playoff games with second-half comebacks and had opportunities to pull ahead of Palos Verdes.
Palos Verdes’ defense stiffened inside its own 20-yard line pitching a shutout in the second half thanks largely to three interceptions.
The Sea Kings lone offensive touchdown came on a 1-yard run in the third quarter after an Adison Umrarong interception.
“I’m very proud of this team. We’re a young team but the guys played hard and never gave up,” said Morrow, whose team reached the semifinals for the first time since 2009. “PV has a strong front four with Irwin and Messinger. Sometimes David (Arredondo) holds onto the ball a little long but he’s just trying to make plays.”
Palos Verdes will attempt to slow down Calabasas’ high-octane offense that is averaging 43.3 points per game in the postseason. The Coyotes have outscored opponents 525-191 this season behind the arm of 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior quarterback Tristan Gebbia.
Gebbia has passed for nearly 4,000 yards with three receivers amassing more than 800 yards this season.
Palos Verdes has outscored its opponents 262-148 this season with sophomore quarterback Jake Nolls running the Sea King offense.
