Passing Grade

Backup Signal Caller Keeps the Dolphins’ Offense on the Move

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

When starting quarterback Dylan Hassid suffered a foot injury late in Palisades High’s 33-13 win at Reseda on Sept. 10, offensive coordinator Rocky Montz and quarterbacks coach Jonah Manheim had to decide whether or not to alter the Dolphins’ no-huddle offense, not knowing how long Hassid would be sidelined. After all, he had thrown seven touchdowns against only one interception while building a 142.2 QB rating over the team’s first four games—all wins.                      

Into the fray stepped sophomore backup Sammy Silvia and under his leadership the offense hasn’t missed a beat. All he has done in three consecutive starts is throw for 602 yards and seven touchdowns with only one interception—that coming in his first varsity start at Brentwood on Sept. 25. He finished that game with 108 yards, connecting on seven of 18 pass attempts. He was even more efficient the following week against Venice, completing 18 of his 29 throws for 301 yards and three touchdowns—all to wideout Moses Ross.

Any fears his coaches might have had about Silvia’s ability to handle the pressure of the most high-profile position on the field were laid to rest last Friday night when he turned in a near flawless performance—completing all but one of his 12 passes for 193 yards and four—yes four—touchdowns in a 55-0 rout of visiting University. Silvia spread the ball around effectively, completing passes to five different receivers, including touchdown tosses to Ross (twice), Kwazi Estes and Xavier Smith.

Including mop-up duty over the first four games this season, Silvia has completed over 50 percent of his passes (48-of-82 for 740 yards) with 10 touchdowns, one interception and a 123.0 QB rating. Silvia is averaging 105.7 yards per game through the air and 15.4 yards per completion. Not too shabby considering the Dolphins’ quick-tempo offense predicated on getting to the line of scrimmage quickly and snapping the ball before the defense can adjust.

Hassid, who has been vocal while on the sideline in crutches, is eager to get back in the huddle but in the meantime he is providing plenty of advice and encouragement to his backup, who is showing poise and maturity beyond his years.