Jones Starts Rebuilding Process

It’s been 10 long years since the Palisades High varsity football team enjoyed a winning season. Given the stockpile of talent on campus it’s hard to believe the Dolphins haven’t had more victories than defeats since 2000, when they went 8-3 in Ron Price’s last season. That was a decade and five head coaches ago. Sure, the numbers over the last nine seasons aren’t pretty: a record of 26-65 (an average of 2.8 wins per season) and no higher than a fourth place finish in the Western League. For first-year head coach Perry Jones, however, it’s all about the here and now. “We can’t do anything to change the past, the only thing we can do is move forward and that’s where the focus is,” said Jones, who served as the defensive coordinator under Kelly Loftus last fall. “If we’re going to turn this program around, the first thing that has to happen is the players need to be accountable.” Jones set the tone back in November, barely a week after last season ended and long before he was even hired as the new coach. He organized a weight and conditioning schedule for returning players. “What I want to do is coach these guys to the standard of doing what they can do,” Jones said. “That’s to have solid schemes, be well-conditioned and play disciplined football.” Jones has assembled a cadre of coaches to help him lead the varsity back to respectability. His dad, Pat, Jones will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Kyle Cassels and John Aken are the offensive and defensive line coaches; Tony Ryan will handle special teams and running backs; Rocky Montz will work with the tight ends and defensive ends and Donnel Williams will be defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. “This is a rebuilding year for us,” Jones admitted. “It’s not about the wins and losses, but rather how we play and how much we improve.” Ray Marsden is back to coach the junior varsity after leading the Dolphins to a 8-2 record last fall. Bill Jacobson returns to coach the offense and Miguel Perez the defensive coordinator. “I like this coaching staff,” Jones said. “From the top down, we’re all on the same page in terms of what we expect and what our goal is. Everyone is committed to the process of making these kids fundamentally better.’ Palisades had its first intrasquad game last Saturday and Jones liked what he saw: “We’ve got great competition at almost every spot on the field. Branden Sanett is looking good at quarterback. Nate Dodson has been pushing him, though, and Branden has responded really well.” The Dolphins will have another open scrimmage Saturday morning at Stadium by the Sea (JV at 9 and varsity at 11). Continental breakfast will be served and the public is invited to attend. “Hopefully, fans will find our up-tempo style exciting and will want to come to some games this year,” Jones said. “This is an opportunity to get a sneak peek at what they’ll see Friday nights.” Palisades hosts El Camino Real in its season-opener September 10. It is the first on a slate of difficult games for Jones’ team. The Conquistadores lost to Hamilton in the City Division II finals in December and return several key starters, including 235-pound running back Kawan Rally, who rushed for 1,094 yards and scored 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. “We’ll be a little more run-oriented this year, but if they give us the pass we’ll take it,” Jones said. “The main thing is to control the ball a little more, manage the pace of the game and give the defense time to rest.” AT A LOSS Palisades’ varsity team hasn’t had a winning season since 2000 and last won a playoff game in 1999. A year-by-year glance: Season Record Coach 2009 1-9 Kelly Loftus 2008 5-5 Kelly Loftus 2007 1-4 Kelly Loftus 2006 5-6* Leo Castro 2005 3-7 Leo Castro 2004 1-9 Leo Castro 2003 4-7 Jason Blatt 2002 5-6* Jason Blatt 2001 1-7 Carter Austin * Made City playoffs