The Palisades High junior varsity football team has played a few tight games this season, so it was a pleasant surprise for head coach Ray Marsden to watch his team build a comfortable lead by halftime Friday afternoon at University.
The Wildcats scored twice in the fourth quarter against Palisades’ reserves but all of the Dolphins got a chance to play during a 29-14 victory that kept them atop the Western League standings.
Sophomore lineman Jack Estabrook got Palisades (5-1 overall, 2-0 in Western League) on the board on the first play from scrimmage, rumbling 60 yards on a punt return for his first career touchdown. The two-point conversion failed.
Later in the first quarter, Devin Fry scored on a 10-yard off tackle run and this time the two-point try was successful.
On third-and-goal at the 8-yard line, Rayne Camden scored the Dolphins’ third touchdown on a sweep and Noah Karp added the extra point kick for a 21-0 lead.
Karp scored Palisades’ final touchdown on a quarterback keeper and the two-point conversion was successful.
“The offensive line continues to improve, protecting our quarterback and opening holes for the running backs,” Marsden said. “The defense continues to stifle our opponents and the best part is that our backups played the entire second half against Uni’s starters and played very well.”
Marsden praised Kian Farahdel for sacking the quarterback (and causing a fumble that Palisades recovered) and TJ Michael for his steady play at center and his long snapping.
— Steve Galluzzo
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