Dolphins Turning Pain into Gain

All you need to know about the change in attitude surrounding the Palisades High football program this season can be summed up in a simple phrase, written in bold across the back of the Dolphins’ practice jerseys: “You must love pain to play this game.” Head Coach Kelly Loftus knows respect isn’t gained overnight. He is content to earn it one snap, one play, one yard at a time. To do so, however, takes sacrifice–both on and off the field–and that means playing through pain. “There’s a difference between being sore, being hurt and being injured,” Loftus told his players after Monday afternoon’s practice at Stadium by the Sea. “You’re going to be sore from now until January and there’s times you might have to play hurt–that’s the nature of the sport.” Full pad practice doesn’t start until next week but already there are signs that the Dolphins are not only determined but capable of erasing the memory of last fall’s disappointing 1-9 season. “I think this team has the opportunity to sneak up on some people,” said Larry Wein, Pali’s new offensive coordinator. “Kelly [Loftus] has a good group of kids and he’s assembled a great staff.” One reason for optimism is Palisades’ noticeable improvement on the offensive and defensive lines–where football games are won and lost. “I like the effort I’m seeing both on the field and in the weight room and we should be much better in the trenches,” said Loftus, who is beginning his second year at the helm. “We have more experience and I expect us to be more physical on both sides of the ball.” Senior Bryce Williams, a 6′ 3″, 302 lb. senior offensive tackle, was given the “Gladiator Award” as the top-rated player at a Linemen Inc. camp in Long Beach State earlier this summer while teammate Chris Chucca was rated No. 2. “The expectations are definitely higher,” said Williams, who has dropped 16 pounds since his impressive showing at the Linemen Inc. camp June 21-23. “We’re excited to be in the upper bracket and I think we can beat Venice this year.” Loftus moved Palisades from the City Section’s Invitational Division to the Championship Division and with six straight home games to start the season, making the playoffs seems an attainable goal. “We’re going to be fun to watch,” Loftus predicted. “[Quarterback] Conner Preston has looked terrific so far and he’s going to have five, six, seven good receivers to throw to.” Don’t expect a “sophomore slump” from Preston, who exudes confidence and has taken his game to a new level by working with renowned quarterbacks coach Steve Clarkson. “We want to have a fast-paced, no huddle-style offense,” Preston said. “We have a lot screens, dump-offs and quick-hitting plays. It’s all timing. When I drop back I count one, two, three seconds’ then it’s throw or go.” Palisades plays Washington in a scrimmage on September 4 and opens the season against Hollywood Sept. 12 at Stadium by the Sea.