Opening Week Highlights
The first full slate of high school football games in the South Bay delivered drama from the opening kickoff, with Palos Verdes hosting Bishop Moore at 3:30 p.m. in a clash that pits a defending CIF‑SS Division 3 finalist against a program eager to rewrite its narrative.
Palos Verdes arrived fresh off a 17‑14 victory over Serra, a win that avenged an earlier loss and underscored the team’s resilience. Quarterback Ryan Rakowski completed eight of ten passes for 125 yards, threading a touchdown pass while also picking off a pass in the red zone. Wide receiver Jalen Flowers added a touchdown reception and a kickoff return that shifted momentum, and veteran kicker Niko Dragin sealed the win with a game‑winning field goal as time expired.
For Bishop Moore, the spotlight falls on senior quarterback Blake McCullough, who threw for 37 touchdowns last season and rushed for two scores in the season‑opening win over Hawthorne. His dual‑threat ability will test a Palos Verdes defense that has built its identity around disciplined pass rush and secondary play.
Player Spotlights
South Torrance opened its campaign with a 45‑29 triumph over Burroughs, a game that showcased running back Chris Noubi’s four‑touchdown performance — three on the ground and one through the air — while also gaining 211 all‑purpose yards. Denver Schneider contributed 50 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards, giving the team a balanced attack heading into a matchup with Arroyo.
Arroyo, fresh from a 48‑0 shutout of Azusa in which quarterback Oscar Lopez tossed two touchdowns, will look to continue its dominant start. The game also marks a poignant moment for Ryan Rakowski, whose performance on Friday will serve as the final home opener of a standout high school career at Palos Verdes.
Both Chris Noubi and Ryan Rakowski have drawn early attention for their explosive starts, and coaches warn that their impact could extend far beyond the first week. As the season unfolds, the performances of these standout athletes will be pivotal in determining whether their teams can translate early success into deeper playoff runs.