Palos Verdes finally extends its football season

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The drought was a significant one. Palos Verdes (8-2-1) had not won a football playoff game since 1991. [Reader Dave reminds us, however, that Palos Verdes was closed from 1991-2002.] But that misery ended with the Sea Kings’ 34-20 victory over Santa Monica in Southern Section Western Division first-round play Friday.

‘It’s great to have the chance to play a football game after Thanksgiving,’ Coach Patrick Fresch said.

The Palos Verdes running game had as much to do with beating Santa Monica as did the passing of quarterback Marc Venning, who threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

The Sea Kings were without senior running back Robert Gregorio, who was out with an injury, but junior Joe Gonzalez stepped in and delivered 137 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries. When Gonzalez had to sit because of leg cramps, senior Jamel Guerrero took over and collected 65 yards in 11 carries.

That kind of balanced attack has to concern Gahr (9-2), a 35-17 winner over Lancaster that takes on Palos Verdes in the quarterfinals on Friday.

-- Mike Terry