JV Football Outscores Yankees, 43-21

All season long stingy defense has molded the identity of Palisades High’s junior varsity football squad.

On homecoming last Friday afternoon, however, it was the offense’s turn to shine in a 43-21 victory over Hamilton that kept the Dolphins undefeated in the Western League.

“Our O-line had only one sophomore and two boys were starting for the first time, but they did a great job protecting the quarterback and opening up holes,” head coach Ray Marsden said. “The defense played stellar as always. We gave up our first points of the year at home but we rebounded with an excellent second and third quarter. I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”

The Dolphins (6-1, 3-0) scored six touchdowns, made three out of four extra points and converted both of their two-point conversion tries.

“I felt like we were all unified and we played like a team, despite some turnovers,” said quarterback Noah Karp, who finished 6-of-9 for 80 yards. “I’m at my peak of comfortability and I love having the opportunity to throw the ball when needed.”

Karp’s go-to receiver throughout the season has been Alex Vaupen and the two connected on a 30-yard pass play to give the Dolphins a two-touchdown lead just before halftime.

“Noah and I are good friends off the field and we’ve worked on that particular route,” Vaupen said. “Sometimes I’m his first look and if the play is there, he’ll throw it to me. I love it when we open the playbook a little bit. Coach [Marsden] is probably more nervous than Noah is.”   

Palisades’ defense set up the score by stopping the Yankees on fourth down with one minute left.

Cameron Bailey, who was converted to running back in order to get the ball in his hands more, scored on a 10-yard toss and a kick return.

“It wasn’t Noah’s best game, but he did a great job managing the clock and the personnel playiong out of position,” Marsden said. “Chris Howard had a spectacular diving catch in the second quarter to extend a drive. Quietly, he’s having a terrific year.”

In 10 carries, Rayne Camden gained 100 yards and two touchdowns, both on a new play designed to utilize his speed.

With the outcome still in doubt, Palisades’ defense came through when Cameron Lewis returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown.

“We knew it would be hard to shut them out but our defense anchors our team,” Vaupen added. “This is the most points we’ve put up, so offensively I’m happy.”

After two quick touchdowns it appeared the Dolphins were on their way to easy victory, but the visitors responded with two scores of their own.

Two scores late in the second quarter gave the Dolphins the momentum back and it carried over into the third quarter.

“They started giving up when we started putting the points up,” Karp said. “Different players are carrying the load each game. Guys seem to step up whenever we need them to and that’s the reason we’ve been able to win.”

Palisades’ reserves played for the entire fourth quarter and kept the Dolphins ahead by a comfortable margin. For a team that lacks depth and has multiple players going both ways, rest for the starters is imperative.

“You’re not going to get a shut out every game,” Marsden said. “The key today was that we answered their scores and we were successful on the new plays we tried.”

— Steve Galluzzo