If you thought the California State Championship was going to be a quiet affair, think again. Lane Kiffin’s son, Knox Kiffin, stepped onto the field and low-key stole the spotlight—not because he put up insane numbers, but because his mere presence screamed future star vibes. Palos Verdes delivered an absolute beat-down, ending Twelve Bridges’ undefeated season with a stunning 55-19 win in the CIF California Division 2-A State Bowl Championship. That’s not just a win—that’s a mic drop on the season. Imagine being 14-0 and losing to a 11-5 team on the State championship title game, low-key diabolical.

Now, let’s not get it twisted: Knox Kiffin wasn’t exactly slinging the rock like Peyton Manning out there. The 16-year-old QB only saw a few snaps, going 1-for-2 for a humble eight yards. But his one shining moment came when he handed the ball off to Christian Ries for a 5-yard touchdown. Sure, it’s ain’t SportsCenter highlight material, but give the kid his flowers—he’s just barely 16 and already drawing offers from SMU, Arkansas State, and even Mississippi College.

Look, you can’t say it’s all nepotism, the kid balled out in camp, that made SMU & Arkansas pull an offer for Lane’s kid. And let’s not forget the pep talk from Pops himself. Earlier this year, Lane Kiffin posted on IG: “Follow your dreams, son! Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. ❤” Nepotism? Maybe. But hey, nepotism can only take you to the locker room, not up to the field, after that it’s all up-to you.

Look, Lane Kiffin’s already planning to move Knox closer to Oxford next summer so he can ball out at Oxford High. You gotta respect the move—Lane’s trying to set his son up for success, and with the kid’s raw talent, the sky’s the limit. Sure, he’s got the Kiffin name, but if you’ve seen his tape, you know the kid’s got more than just a famous last name. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be talking about him leading Ole Miss—or some other powerhouse program—to glory.

Palos Verdes vs. Twelve Bridges: CIF California Division 2-A State Bowl Championship

Alright, enough Knox talk—let’s get into the real fireworks. Palos Verdes’ sophomore QB Ryan Rakowski was out there looking like the second coming of Patrick Mahomes. Dude went off, completing 20-of-25 passes for a jaw-dropping 353 yards and six touchdowns. Yep, SIX. Rakowski turned the Twelve Bridges defense into Swiss cheese, dropping dimes all over the field like it’s Christmas already. With this win, Palos Verdes didn’t just secure their first state championship—they sent a message. There’s a new team in the Town.

For a program that’s been grinding since 1961, this was their moment. And boy, did they deliver. The Sea Kings offense was unstoppable, racking up 514 total yards, including a monster 72-yard touchdown run from Soren Hong. Twelve Bridges came in undefeated with a 14-0 record, but their Cinderella run ended with a harsh dose of reality. Palos Verdes wasn’t just playing football—they were putting on a clinic.

The Sea Kings’ offense was firing on all cylinders. It wasn’t just Rakowski dropping bombs; their run game was cooking too. Hong’s 78 rushing yards added the perfect balance to an already lethal air attack. Look, not gonna lie, it’s crazy to think this team started O-3 and somehow found their groove when it mattered most. That’s diabolical, fellas.

On the flip side, Twelve Bridges had been riding high all season, but they ran into a BuzzSaw. It’s a tough way to end an otherwise historic run, especially for a program only in its third year. But hey, sometimes you’re the hammer, and sometimes you’re the nail. This time, Palos Verdes brought the hammer down hard.

Palos Verdes’ championship win wasn’t just about the scoreboard. It was about history, grit, and the future of football. From Rakowski’s fireworks to Knox Kiffin’s quiet but meaningful contribution, this game had it all. Twelve Bridges might’ve been the story of the season, but Palos Verdes wrote the final chapter, and this one finna sting for some time.