Going the Extra Yard

When coach Perry Jones asked his players what their expectations were heading into the 2010 season, the response was more than he could have expected: ‘We want a ring!’ Instilled with a feisty attitude and trained in a new offensive scheme, the Dolphins are ready to tackle every challenge with a renewed vigor and enthusiasm. “It’s been building and building every practice and now we’re just ready to play football,” said senior running back and outside linebacker Hakeem Jawanza, one of the team’s vocal leaders. “We’re ready to start winning.” Last season produced only one victory and the frustration of going 1-9 still resonates with quarterback Branden Sanett, who turned heads at the annual Top Gun Camp in Williamsburg, Virginia in July. “That gave me a serious reality check,” said Sanett, who split time at the position with Preon Morgan last year, completing 32 of 65 passes for 525 yards and three touchdowns. “I proved to myself I can compete with anyone in the country.” Sanett, now a senior, is ready to take on the leadership role after a spirited competition with junior Nathan Dodson, who enjoyed a stellar year on the frosh/soph squad last fall. “Nathan has pushed me to a whole new level,” Sanett said of his understudy, who battled him hard for the starting spot all summer long. “We’ve made each other better and if I can’t do the job for I’m sure he’ll step in and do great.” Dodson agreed the competition has benefited both quarterbacks. “Me and Branden have been rotating with the first team, so I’ve gotten my share of reps. I didn’t move up to varsity to sit–I’m looking to contribute whenever my number is called.” Thanks to Jones’ rigorous off-season program, Sanett believes the Dolphins are better prepared heading into this season. “We’re running a wishbone now, which gives us a lot more options on offense,” he said. “Also, our line is a lot more stable, the protection will be better and the morale is real high.” Echoing the mantra of his fellow seniors, Sanett pulled no punches when asked how many games the Dolphins can win: “Not to sound cocky, but if we just eliminate our mistakes, I don’t think we can lose. I think we can win every game.” Much of Palisades’ success will depend on the ability of its offensive line to open holes for the running backs and pass block for the signal-callers. Junior Brian Berookhim will start at center, flanked by seniors Tommy Brown (right guard) and Alex Fuentes (left guard). Rounding out the front five are senior right tackle Maurquice Shakir and junior Roman Thomas. “I’ve run this offense before and I’ve won CIF championships with it,” said offensive coordinator Pat Jones, Perry’s father, who joked he has 300 years’ experience. “I think it’s going to be an exciting group to watch.” Although the Dolphins’ schedule is daunting, six of their 10 games are at home where they went 0-5 last year. “That’s something we definitely need to change,” Sanett said. “You never want to let other teams come to your place and beat you.” Getting the bulk of the carries at running back will be senior Malcolm Creer, who rushed for 660 yards and averaged 6.74 yards a carry last year. He will be joined in the backfield by senior Kemonta Reed (29 runs for 151 yards last fall), juniors Willie Anderson, Michael Evans, Ricky Lynch and Arte Miura and seniors Eusebio Hoskins, Jonathan Jones, Kolmus Iheanacho and Mylz Blake. Sanett’s primary target will be senior Kevin Mann (who had 22 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns and averaged 13.59 yards per catch in 2009). Other wide receivers will include juniors Jake Gelber, Eric Jakckson, Malachi Beasley, Ben Ingram, Marcus Moore and seniors Brian Brewer, Warren Satz, Paul Logan, Solomon Israel and Jesse Sanchez. Palisades’ kicking game will rely on the strong foot of returner Alex Anastasi, who averaged 34.2 yards per punt last year, including three over 50 yards. “I’ve been reaching the end zone consistently on kickoffs and my punt average is about 45 yards,” Anastasi said. “I’ve been kicking off the tee everyday in practice, I’m a lot stronger thanks to the weight program and I think I can help the team a lot more this year.” Jawanza expects the defense to be fast and physical. “We like to bring the hat,” he said. “Our mentality on defense is to swarm to the ball, which should lead to a lot of turnovers.” Jawanza (67 tackles last fall) and cornerback Lawrence Villasenor (50 tackles) are the catalysts on defense but will get plenty of help from ends Edwin Aranga, Ricky Carillo and Robert Swanson. “Every team we play will underestimate us because of our record last year,” Jawanza said. “That’s okay, I just want to shake hands at the end of the game and be able to enjoy it knowing we won.” After going at each other hard since the beginning of August, the Dolphins will finally line up opposite another team Friday afternoon when they scrimmage Kilpatrick at Stadium by the Sea. Frosh/Soph Coach Ray Marsden has three goals for his team: repeat as Western League champion, go undefeated in league, and beat Santa Monica. “Our line is big, our defense likes to hit, our halfbacks are small but good and we’re not as deep as I’d like us to be,” said Marsden, who led the Dolphins to an 8-2 mark last fall. “We have more kids than we’ve ever had but we need to find 22 solid starters.” Elijah Thomas, who was the third-string quarterback as a freshman last year, will start the season under center but Ju’uan Tate will challenge for the starting spot. 2010 Palisades High Football Schedule Date Opponent Kickoff 9/3 Kilpatrick (practice) JV 1 / V 3 9/10 El Camino Real JV 4 / V 7 9/16 Santa Monica JV 4 / V 7 9/24 at Lynwood** JV 4 / V 7 10/1 Granada Hills JV 4 / V 7 10/8 Vista Murrieta JV 4 / V 7 10/15 at Venice* JV 4 / V 7 10/22 University* JV 4 / V 7 10/28 at Hamilton* JV 3 10/29 at Hamilton* Varsity 3 11/5 Fairfax* JV 4 / V 7 11/12 at Westchester* JV 4 / V 7 ** at Lynwood Middle School * Western League game