With Win Over Redondo, PV Takes Bay League Top Spot

After dropping their first two games of the season, the Sea Kings have reeled off five straight victories with an average 37-point margin of victory, giving them confidence and leaving future opponents fearful.

Last week’s 37-28 win over West Torrance was by far the narrowest win of the season for the team and provided visiting Redondo Union with some optimism for Friday’s matchup of two 3-0 Bay League teams.

All that optimism vanished quickly, however, as the Sea Kings scored on their opening possession and never looked back, winning their seventh straight game, 31-6 over the Sea Hawks (4-5, 3-1) to claim sole possession of first place in the Bay League (7-2, 4-0) with only rival Peninsula remaining in the season.

The Sea Kings demonstrated uncommon depth in the backfield, gaining almost 250 yards on the ground.

“Their offensive line is very well coached," said Redondo linebacker Ryan Spiwak. "They have great footwork and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them on Saturdays next year. Kudos to them, they did a great job." 

Even more impressive was that Palos Verdes managed 249 yards without their top tailback Zack Henkhaus, who sat out Friday’s game after suffering a concussion in the second half of last week’s game against West Torrance.

Matt Lopes and Sal Vitale did the lion’s share of the rushing work, with Lopes leading the way with 114 yards on 20 carries and finding the end zone twice.

“The linemen are doing a great job," Lopes said. "I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. They are opening up some big holes.”  

Vitale, who started the game, added 74 yards and a touchdown. 

Quarterback Zack Fixen chipped in 47 yards on the ground and was the beneficiary of the dominant ground attack.

“It was huge to be able to run the ball like that," Fixen said. "It eats the clock and keeps their offense off the field."

The senior signal caller was an efficient 8 for 10 for 74 yards and tossed an 18-yard touchdown to Robby Kolanz before halftime.

“Zach made a great audible down there. I thought our guys rebounded from a tough game against West and we had a great week of practice to set us up for today,” Palos Verdes head coach Guy Gardner said.

Redondo, who had run up 102 points in their last two games, struggled from the outset, going three-and-out on their first three possessions.

“Overall, we thought we prepared well," said Redondo head coach Gene Simon. "We wanted to control the ball and get first downs. We just weren’t able to do it."

Coming out of halftime trailing 17-0, Sea Hawk sophomore quarterback Harrison Faecher (11-19, 94 yards) was intercepted by Chad Mensinger on his first throw.

Faecher would throw three picks in the second half, including one by Lopes at the Palos Verdes one-yard line.

“On offense, you pretty much have to score," Simon said. "They have put points up all year, so we had to do that and we didn’t.” 

Redondo avoided being shut out when wide receiver Hunter Bradshaw made an incredible individual effort on a 4-yard pass from Faecher in the end zone.

Bradshaw reached over the top of Lopes to snatch the ball as it nearly rested on the defender's back with 6:48 remaining in the game.

“They run the ball well, their quarterback is dynamic and they are just a very good team. Losing to them is nothing to be ashamed about, but we hoped to play better,” Simon said.