In a thrilling matchup on Thursday night, Ryan Rakowski showcased his remarkable skills as the starting quarterback for Palos Verdes High School, leading his team to a 35-20 victory over Carson. This game, held in front of a packed crowd of nearly 2,000 fans at Carson, marked another impressive win for Palos Verdes, bringing their record to 3-0 this season.
The senior quarterback, who is committed to play at the University of Nevada, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, passing for two touchdowns and rushing for three more. His performance was a testament to his experience in his fourth season as a starter, where he has developed an uncanny ability to improvise and evade defenders. "He does a great job keeping plays alive," noted Carson coach William Lowe, highlighting Rakowski's knack for extending plays.
Rakowski's scoring included touchdown runs of 19, three, and one yard, alongside touchdown passes of 25 and 41 yards. Despite being listed at only 6 feet tall, he has proven that size is not the only determinant of success for quarterbacks, as many players in both college and the NFL have shown. "Awareness and knowing the game in and out are my strengths," Rakowski stated, emphasizing his understanding of the sport.
Carson's game plan focused on containing Rakowski, employing a “spy” to limit his rushing opportunities. Nevertheless, he managed to rush for 70 yards on 10 carries and completed five of his five passes in the second half, accumulating a total of 156 passing yards. His ability to adapt was crucial in maintaining Palos Verdes' lead.
Adding to the offensive firepower was junior receiver Jalen Flowers, who made significant contributions with a touchdown reception, a 46-yard punt return, and another impressive catch. Flowers, who primarily plays safety, has been a varsity player since his freshman year and has shown remarkable growth this season. He likened his current form to that of Trent Mosley, a standout player, as he continues to make game-changing plays.
Despite Carson's efforts to double-cover Flowers, he remained unfazed, stating, "I feel I have to see that every week from here on out." His chemistry with Rakowski was evident, as Flowers praised his quarterback's ability to extend plays, which has become a hallmark of Rakowski's playing style.
The first half of the game was a back-and-forth affair, with Palos Verdes taking a narrow 14-13 lead. Both quarterbacks were effective, as Carson's Chris Fields III led an 80-yard opening drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run. Rakowski responded with a five-yard pass to Flowers, who turned it into a 25-yard touchdown. The Colts also found success with Fields scoring on a seven-yard run.
Carson, currently one of the top teams in the City Section, aimed to prove their competitiveness against a formidable Southern Section opponent. For a half, they succeeded in keeping pace with Palos Verdes. However, the second half saw Palos Verdes begin to assert their dominance, aided by Weston Reis's strong running game, which complemented Rakowski and Flowers.
Fields finished the game with 88 rushing yards and three touchdowns, but he faced challenges in the second half, including two sacks. He also passed for 77 yards. The game was momentarily delayed due to a leg injury to standout lineman Logan Lara, which required paramedics to attend to the situation.
This victory further solidifies Palos Verdes' status as a team to watch this season, especially with their impressive start against tough opponents. As they continue their campaign, the synergy between Rakowski and his teammates will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
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