After leading the Palisades High football team to the City Section Division I playoffs in his first season, coach Tim Hyde is optimistic that the Dolphins can be even better this coming fall.
Nothing he saw at Saturday’s Bellflower passing tournament made him change his mind. Even without several key players the Dolphins went 5-1 in the seven-on-seven competition and showed signs that they are equipped to challenge Venice for Western League supremacy.
Quarterback P.J. Hurst’s cannon arm was on display Saturday, particularly on a 50-yard strike to fellow junior Raynard Beckham, who made a leaping one-handed, highlight-reel catch. The Dolphins won their three pool games, had impressive victories over Banning and Torrance, and led Long Beach Wilson at halftime before falling in the quarterfinals.
Click here for a video of Beckham’s spectacular grab.
“We had six kids at camps but my next guys in played tremendous for us,” Hyde said. “P.J. Hurst shined once again with Duane McBroom and Herbert Acosta at receiver. Wilson had a super fast kid who made some great plays, but we’re coming along.”
The Dolphins are scheduled to open the 2014 season Sept. 5 at Los Angeles Marshall.
Click here for a video of P.J. Hurst’s highlights from Saturday’s tournament.
— Steve Galluzzo
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