Pali High Football Looks to Turn Tide

In the early days it was known as the "Rotary Bowl." Recently, it has been dubbed the "Battle by the Beach."

Whatever the nickname, the annual gridiron showdown between Palisades and Santa Monica high schools is more than a football game... it's a matter of pride.

The 26th chapter in the heated rivalry will be written tonight and Palisades seeks to snap a seven-game losing streak to its intersectional nemesis. Kickoff is at 7 at Santa Monica College. 

"It's been a long time since our varsity has beaten them, so we want to be the team that does it," said Palisades running back Arte' Miura, who rushed for 167 yards and one touchdown in last week's 24-21 loss to El Camino Real. "Last year, we were physically there but mentally we weren't into the game. I think we're better this year, we have a better understanding of the offense, and we can execute our plays against them."

Second-year Dolphins coach Perry Jones watched the film of Santa Monica's 35-0 blowout of Leuzinger last week and described the Vikings as "very deep, fast and athletic." He stressed the importance of getting off to a better start this time, having watched his team spot Samo a 21-0 lead last year on its way to losing 42-20 at Stadium by the Sea.

"They may not have one running back like we just faced in [ECR's] Kawan Rally, but they have three or four who are all very good and that makes them hard to defend," Jones said. "We're not typically a blitzing-style team, so we'll see how our corners do, but I think our secondary is further along than last year."

Palisades' last victory over the Vikings was in 2003 under head coach Jason Blatt. Jones is the program's third head coach since then. Having now coached in the game twice (first as Palisades' defensive coordinator in 2009 and as head coach in 2010), he knows the significance of the game to both programs. 

"I think our kids are over the psychological hurdle with those guys," Jones said. "Going deep in the playoffs last year was huge. We've played in big games, we've been in pressure situations now. If Samo wins, it'll be because they executed better, not because we're scared of them. This is going to be a tough game, but our schedule is full of tough games, so it's nothing unusual."

Samohi coach Travis Clark also understands the importance of the game, having played in it three times (1984-86) and winning each time against the Dolphins. Since taking over as coach at his alma mater two years ago, he has seen the intensity of the game grow. 

"I've got a lot of respect for Coach Jones and after this game I'll be rooting for Palisades the rest of the season," Clark said. "It's great to see both programs on the rise and it makes our rivalry that much bigger. They're a good team and they'll be motivated to beat us."

The rivalry dates back to 1979 and Santa Monica holds a 17-6-2 advantage. Below are the results of the first 25 meetings:

2010 -- Santa Monica 42, Palisades 20

2009 -- Santa Monica 35, Palisades 0

2008 -- Santa Monica 42, Palisades 6

2007 -- Santa Monica 35, Palisades 0

2006 -- Santa Monica 42, Palisades 7

2005 -- Santa Monica 24, Palisades 14

2004 -- Santa Monica 20, Palisades 7

2003 -- Palisades 16, Santa Monica 2

2002 -- Santa Monica 20, Palisades 9

1999 -- Palisades 61, Santa Monica 37

1998 -- Palisades 23, Santa Monica 21

1997 -- Palisades 15, Santa Monica 13

1996 -- Santa Monica 35, Palisades 28

1990 -- Palisades 0, Santa Monica 0

1989 -- Santa Monica 24, Palisades 8

1988 -- Santa Monica 21, Palisades 0

1987 -- Santa Monica 48, Palisades 42

1986 -- Santa Monica 32, Palisades 0

1985 -- Santa Monica 34, Palisades 6

1984 -- Santa Monica 28, Palisades 7

1983 -- Palisades 26, Santa Monica 13

1982 -- Santa Monica 21, Palisades 0

1981 -- Palisades 14, Santa Monica 14

1980 -- Palisades 21, Santa Monica 15

1979 -- Santa Monica 24, Palisades 15

Quick Facts:

Largest Margin of Victory -- 36 points (Santa Monica 42-6 in 2008)

Longest winning streak by Santa Monica -- 7 games (2004-present)

Longest winning streak by Palisades -- 3 games (1997-99)

Most points scored by winning team -- 61 (Palisades in 1999)

Most points scored by both teams -- 98 (Palisades 61-37 in 1999)

Fewest points scored by winning team -- 15 (Palisades in 1997)

Fewest points scored by both teams -- 0 (scoreless tie in 1990)