Dolphin ‘D’ Dominates

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The first words from head coach Ray Marsden after  last Friday’s season opener were music to the ears of Palisades High JV football players.

“Donuts will be waiting for you outside my office at nutrition on Monday,” Marsden said, keeping with thetradition of rewarding his team for a shut out. “It’s a good ‘W’ but there’s no looking back.”

The Dolphins earned the meal and praise after blanking Cleveland 8-0, despite committing four turnovers—three fumbles and an interception.    

Jared La Violette scored the Dolphins’ first touchdown of the year on a two-yard run to complete a 10-play, 89-yard drive in the second quarter and Kaalan Day added the conversion run to close out the scoring.

“I see that hole and I just go,” La Violette said. “Our defense gave us this game. I fumbled so yeah, I could’ve handled the ball a little better. I don’t mind being the short yardage guy if that’s what we need, but I want to go 99 yards. I want to take it all the way. That’s the goal. Coach said I could do it and I believe it too.”

The Dolphins’ swarming defense was led by 6-2, 190-pound Malachi Gregory, who made several tackles in the backfield and batted down two passes.     

“We have to work on tackling better,” Gregory said. “I try to get sack and get to the quarterback. It was good stopping them twice inside the 10-yard line.”

Nick Ghysels showed resilience at quarterback and backup Forrest Brock also saw action. Balancing the run game were Tayari Gloster and Kenneth Cline and linebacker Willliam Clifford made big plays in the secondary.

“When we converted the two -point play that was as big as a touchdown,” Marsden said. “I’m proud of our defense. Those kids  dug their heels in and just kept pursuing. Scoring first was huge. We’re exactly where I thought we’d be in all facets. We have a stable of backs who all contributed. Four turnovers? That won’t happen again.