Photo: Steve Galluzzo
Ex-Arena Leaguer Dwight Hamilton Hired to Coach JV Team
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Listening to Dwight Hamilton talk at Palisades High football practice it will not be long before he uses what he calls the A-word. The “A” stands for accountability and that is what the program’s new junior varsity pilot demands of himself, his staff and his players.
Like first-year head coach Dylen Smith, Hamilton played football at Santa Monica High, except he played linebacker not quarterback. After graduating in 1995 he played two years at Santa Monica College before transferring to Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. He coached the defensive line at Southwest College last year and was not expecting to coach this year—until he got a text from Smith, who he has known over the years.
“We met at Starbuck’s and it was a very organic, easy conversation,” he said. “We both still live in Santa Monica so it made sense. I’m excited to be at Palisades. We played them all four years back in the day and this is the first time I’ve been on this campus since my junior year. It’s my first head [coaching] job and the first thing I had to do was learn everyone’s names. The majority of them—I’d say about 80 percent out of 40 kids—have never played football before. So I’m starting with the basics, like explaining the rules and how to put on their pads and helmets. I’ll be running the offense while [defensive coordinator] Christian Featherstone will handle the defensive side of things. In my intro to the parents I used the A-word a lot and gave all of the players a to-do list.”
Having coached the defensive line and linebackers at St. Bernard in Playa del Rey and having played the sport at a high level, Hamilton knows how to beat a defense.
“Mattias Hernandez will be our quarterback and it’s all about building a bond with him,” Hamilton added. “Things may sound self-explanatory but we do a lot of walk throughs so everyone’s on the same page.”
An intimidating presence on the field, Hamilton is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 290 pounds—about 25 over his playing weight of 265 when he was a defensive end for the New Mexico Stars in the Arena League in 2016 and 2017.
“I’m always about winning, but more than that I want to teach them life lessons and to learn to play as a team,” he said. “Be accountable, put the work in and the wins will come. Priority No. 1 is teaching the O-line how to block because in the passing league those guys weren’t in. It’s a really good group of kids. We have some explosive receivers and the defense is still gelling. We’re running the same system and formations as Coach Smith so the kids should be prepared whenever they make the transition to varsity. We also have a good kicker and that can make or break you at the JV level.”
Hamilton takes over for Tharen Todd, who guided the JV to a 7-2 record in his first and only season last fall, including a 47-7 rout of Venice that clinched the Western League crown. Palisades’ only losses came on the road against St. Genevieve and Roosevelt. In addition to Venice, the JV squad beat El Camino Real (20-8), San Fernando (34-14), Cleveland (28-8), Brentwood (27-7), Hamilton (35-6) and Fairfax (41-0).
IN THEIR WORDS
Roman La Scala Senior Quarterback
“It’s a whole new offense from last season. Besides the no huddle evey play is different but we’ve been going at it for six months. I’m a sponge, I take all the information in so I know what each play is designed to do. Coach [Dylen] Smith knows my strengths and he’s installed a lot of roll outs and plays to get me out of the pocket. The biggest thing for the receivers is learning their routes but theyll get it down with more reps. There’s no substitute for experience and reaching the finals last year gave us four games to perform under playoff pressure. What I’ve improved on most is my confidence in the pocket and my decision making. As for the team we’ve got to focus harder in practice. If we do it should be another step forward for us.”
Evan Nehrenberg Senior Defensive End
“We may have less raw talent but better intangibles for sure. We’re more focused and better tacklers. Last summer I spent more time lifting but this year I focused more on speed, agility and being quick off the ball. I love rushing the passer. My goal last year was 10 sacks and I got nine. This year I want to get 20 and be Western League Player of the Year. As a defense we take pride in winning every practice. The offense gets yelled at a lot more than we do, they’ll tell you that too. Fatigue set in at the end last season and there was a sense of relief when it was over. I’m looking forward most to the Granada Hills game. They got us in the finals but we seniors have something special planned for them.
Matt Spoonamore Senior Safety
“Last year everyone said we’d be trash and we made it to the final so when it comes to game time we’ll see where we end up. I’m just out there to do my job in the secondary and as our long snapper. I’m proud to be one of the captains and I want to make the most of my senior year. I’m watching a lot of film and think my awareness has improved. I like our defense, we’re running the same coverages as last year. We’re all on the same page and the younger players look really good. We’re going to depend on them to help us. My brother [Nathan] are super competitive. He was Western League Lineman of the Year and Team MVP last season so I’m motivated to be the same this year and keep it in the family.”
Isaiah Sensabaugh Sophomore Cornerback
“I got moved up to varsity for the playoffs and I got to play in three games last year. I’m glad I got that time because it gave me a confidence boost that I can play at the varsity level. It’s way faster and more physical than JV. In the offseason I worked on technique, physicality, eye discipline, patience and quickness. On varsity there are more blitzes I have to know but coverages are mostly the same. I’m hoping for a lot of interceptions. We run a lot of crazy blitzes which will lead to that. We have the best linebacker trio in the City and our backups are eager to get on the field and compete with the starters, which is great competition for everybody.”
Dylan McDowell Senior Offensive Tackle
“This year it’s make or break, especially for the seniors. Last year we got a taste of the championship but didn’t get to eat it. Now we’re going in for the full meal. We have work to do but I’m very confident in this group. I take pride in pass protection. No one touches my quarterback. When I look at our schedule we should be able to go 9-1 or 8-2. We should have a shot in Division I or maybe even make the Open Division. We’ll see.”
Braydon Sanford Senior Wide Receiver
“Yes, we have an entirely different offense from last year but Coach Smith is helping us learn it and he sees things through the eyes of the quarterback since that’s what he was. It’s a more up tempo style and I think we’re ready for it. He keeps us going in practice and lays down the law when he needs to. We can’t get away with slacking off. He told us right off the bat what he expects and what he cares about most is effort. I’ve worked on improving my speed the most. There was a play against Brentwood last season where I got caught from behind and I don’t want that to happen again. It’s iron sharpening iron with Roman and I. We’d just learned the offense at the 7-on-7 in Culver City but we hooked up for a lot of touchdowns. For me, it’s about gaining his trust and being someone he can count on to get open and make the catch. I’m obsessive when it comes to film study. I want to master my routes and get them just right. I learned a lot from last year and now as one of the leaders it’s important to wear the jersey with pride and hopefully we’ll have people asking how is Pali in this [playoff] bracket.”
Jake Treibatch Junior Linebacker
“I’ll be helping out some at tight end on offense, but I’ll primarily be our Sam (strong side) linebacker, a position I really like. My dad played linebacker in high school at Montclair Prrep and strong safety in college at CSUN. Last year was a great run but it’s tough when you put in all that work and lose. I played volleyball with Roman in the spring and this year I’m a little bigger, stronger and just a better athlete overall. I weighed 180 last year but now I’m 195 and I’m moving just as well. My footwork’s much improved. I like playing where I do since you get a taste of blitzing and pass coverage in our formation. We have a bunch of guys back on defense so we’ll be strong.”
Shane Shayan Senior Tight End
“I think we can be better than last year. We have all the pieces. The new system is pretty easy to adjust to and our coaches are making sure we’re not confused as far as where we line up and what patterns we’re supposed to run. We have a lot of veterans who were here last year and know what we need to do. Our goal is to finish undefeated, get back to City finals and win it.”
LeHenry Solomon Sophomore Wideout
“My dad is the receivers coach and he’s super hard on me but at the same time it’s awesome having him at practice everyday and being able to talk to him. I was one of the JV players who got pulled up last year so I got to see a little varsity time and even being on the sideline helped me to see certain coverages. Even though you’d rather be playing you can learn by paying attention to details and listening to what the coaches say. I’m still getting used to things on varsity, I’m still learning the playbook. I make my share of mistakes, but I’m figuring out how to get open and we’ve got screens and stuff that’ll allow me to use my speed. My best asset is making guys miss. Yards after the catch is where I make my money.”
Kellan Ford Senior Placekicker
“Since last season I’d say what I’ve worked on the most is my accuracy, but I’ve improved my distance too. Also the angles on kickoffs so I pin returners to the sideline. As a kicker you strive for consistency. A special teams play can change field position and momentum so I have to be ready at any time. I missed four PATs last year, so I want to be perfect in that area this season.”
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