By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Innocent okoh was almost at a loss for words after the best season any running back at Palisades High has ever had.
Still stinging from a narrow playoff defeat to San Pedro, the senior had no time to reflect on his remarkable season in which he amassed 1,965 yards and 19 touchdowns in 12 games to lead all City Division I rushers–the first time a Dolphin has ever led the section in that category. He carried the ball 247 times, had 11 straight 100-yard games, five 200-yard games and averaged 8.0 yards per carry. Statistically speaking, he had the best single season by a runner in the program’s 56-year history.
Of course, a big reason for his success in 2016 was the offensive line, easily the Dolphins’ best in four seasons under head coach Tim Hyde.
“I couldn’t do what I do without them,” Okoh said, speaking of Ari Sallis, Brandon Castro, Nathan Campos, Syr Riley, Cole Aragon, Jimmy Reyes and all of the linemen who held their blocks long enough for Okoh to find the the holes.
Okoh was brought up to varsity midway through his sophomore season and has never looked back.
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