Pali High JV Football Dominates Second Half to Beat Venice, 40-6

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The road to the Western League title always goes through Venice and the Palisades High junior varsity football team found itself locked in a tight defensive struggle in the first half Friday afternoon against the host Gondoliers.

Clinging to a 7-6 lead at intermission, the Dolphins exploded for three quick touchdowns in the third quarter to break it open and cruised to a 40-6 victory that put them in the driver’s seat atop the league standings.

Palisades (6-1, 3-0 in league) won for the 18th time in 19 games and will repeat as league champion with wins in its last two games against University and Hamilton.

Star tailback Brandon Forrest scored three touchdowns, earning a call-up to varsity this week, Matt King scored his first touchdown of the season on an interception return and Daniel Anoh rushed for the last two scores.

“That first half just wasn’t us, but we came out for the second and boom, boom, boom—game, set and match,” Coach Ray Marsden said. “Brandon has been our stallion all year, so I’m glad he’s moving up. Winning cures everything and this is a good ending to a tough week. This is always our biggest game. You can go 1-9 as long as you beat Venice.”