Driver’s Seat

Dolphins Seize Control of Western League Race with 31-0 Win at University

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Taking care of business. That was the mantra of Palisades High’s football team in the three days leading up to Friday night’s  game at University.      Having beaten archrival Venice soundly four days earlier it would have been easy for the Dolphins to  have a bit of a letdown playing for the second time in one week, but captain Syaire Riley made sure that didn’t happen.

The senior linebacker warned his teammates that they needed to be focused and while the Dolphins didn’t turn in their sharpest effort of the season it was enough for a 31-0 victory that, coupled with Venice’s triumph over Fairfax, vaulted Palisades into first place in the Western League with two games left and kept them in line for the Open Division playoffs.

It was Palisades’ second shutout of the season and 10th in seven seasons under Coach Tim Hyde, who improved to 7-0 against the Wildcats while notching his 51st career victory at Palisades against 25 losses.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever had to prepare a team for two games in one week and the lesson is that you still have to give 100 percent,” Hyde told his team afterwards. “It’s hard doing that and I knew we’d be sloppy. We didn’t respect them enough to give them our best. We have another chance next week against Hamilton, so let’s see what we’re made of. I hope we don’t get dinged for this performance. I want a home game in the Open Division. Let’s host somebody, but you’ve got to work and earn that.”      

Brandon Forrest gave the Dolphins the only points they would need by returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and Tommy Meek added the extra point to make it 7-0.

After University went three-and-out on its first series Palisades got the ball back at its own 44 and  drove to the Wildcats’ 21 before settling for Meek’s 38-yard field goal to make it 10-0.

Palisades threatened to score again on its next possession, but Forrest Brock was intercepted for the ninth time this season and the Wildcats took over at their 27. The Dolphins’ defense forced another three-and-out and Brock capped the ensuing drive with a 10-yard  touchdown pass to receiver Jared La Violette and this time it was Sebastian Conway-Burt booting the extra point for a 17-0 lead.   

Later in the second quarter, Brock found Teddy Suisman down the sideline for a 36-yard scoring strike and Meek added the point after to increase the margin to 24 points. It was Suisman’s team-high ninth touchdown catch and Brock’s 16th touchdown toss.

University turned the ball over on downs to start the second  half and after the teams traded punts Palisades marched 51 yards in 12 plays and scoring on Isaias Alegria’s 12-yard run. Conway-Burt added the extra point to close the scoring. Jaxon Bell took over for Brock at quaterback for the last two series and by the time he took a knee to run the final seconds off the clock the Dolphins were already lining up at midfield for the postgame handshakes. 

Brock completed 10 of 15 attempts for 111 yards, Kenny Cline had 100 yards in eight carries and  Alegria added 61 yards in eight carries. Suisman had two catches for 40 yards and Max Palees had four receptions for 32 yards.

Johnny Babala, Jack Babala and Adam Crayton each deflected a pass and Riley led the defense with 10 tackles.

“I didn’t feel any effects from the, but we wanted to put up more points,” Riley said. “Our goal is to win league in dominant fashion. Hosting an Open game is a daunting task, but we have to go for it!”