Football in Palos Verdes crushes the Costa World with dominant all-around effort

MANHATTAN BEACH >> The first trip was the organized march of the Palos Verdes football team.

The PV used 17 moves to cover 60 yards in a heartbreaking 8-minute and 42-second race to set the tone.

Then in the second quarter a goal was scored with 15 games and 80 yards, which took 7 minutes and 2 seconds.

“Our big boys imposed their will on them,” said running Ken Knapp.

“We just shredded them. They knew what was coming and still couldn’t stop us. “

PV put on an inspiring all-around for a 33-0 Gulf League win over host Mira Costa on Friday night.

It was a much-needed win for the PV squad, which posted a 1-4 record against a challenging off-league schedule that included constant rivals Mission Hills, Corona del Mar, Edison, Banning and Inglewood.

PV (2-4, 1-0) looks set to challenge the Bay League title after losing 10 years of league control in last year’s pandemic-shortened season.

“It was definitely easier tonight,” said lineman Stephen Nagy. “Our tough preseason set us up for success. The other teams we played on had a lot more players than we did. After playing with such teams, we felt more prepared for the Gulf League. “

Knapp had 201 yards and a touchdown on 26 transfers, including a 76-yard run in which he broke into center.

Mira Costa (2-5, 0-2) in the first half held the ball for only 5 minutes 26 seconds, although the Mustangs had a chance.

Mira Costa lost in the first quarter, conceding a field goal and intercepting the ball twice. It was a completely different result for a team that had lost nine points or fewer in each of its four previous losses.

“We just screamed. – said the coach of Mira Costa Don Morrow. “We screwed up on that first trip. We didn’t have the right staff on the goal line and we tried to call a time-out, but then the ball was intercepted and things got messy.

“Every week we try to get better. Let’s go back to the drawing board. “

PV defense seemed to find another level against Mira Costa.

Justin Mabry fired Mira Costa quarterback Casey Pavlik in the end zone in the first game after a second-half draw.

However, it was sophomore Cameron Gerardi who spearheaded the defensive attack, making his first two interceptions of his career and taking advantage of an early game that was a game-changer on the 1-yard line.

“When the ball popped out, it was just ‘see the ball, get the ball.’ It’s the same with interceptions, ”Gherardi said. “It was definitely an outstanding game for us. And it was just preparation for the week. PV doesn’t have all DI dudes. We divide ourselves by how we prepare, how we watch a movie, how hard we work.

“We were in a perfect position today.”