Pali High junior linebacker Alec Simpson talks about Friday’s intrasquad scrimmage.
The Palisades High varsity football team was supposed to have a practice game against San Fernando on Friday, but when it got canceled head coach Tim Hyde instead held a spirited intrasquad scrimmage and several Dolphins shined under the lights at Stadium by the Sea.
One standout was junior linebacker Alec Simpson, who forced two fumbles, recovering both, and added an interception return for a touchdown in a two-minute drill against the first-string offense. A four-star recruit, Simpson played with intensity and showed why he was selected to the Cal-Hi Sports City Section preaseason team along with safety Duane McBroom, who also had a strong outing with several tackles for losses.
“We may not be the biggest defense out there but we’ll be the fastest and we’re just ready to hit people,” Simpson said. “The offense we’ve gone against is our own and we’ve really progressed a lot. We are now in one odd set and we feel very comfortable with it. This is actually our bye week and it’s a week to prepare, so we’re excited and ready to go for the season.”
Wide receiver Herbert Acosta had two touchdown receptions and fellow senior Dhaamir Lomax made impact plays on both sides of the ball, breaking several long runs while playing quarterback in the Dolphins’ Wildcat offense and intercepting a pass on defense.
“It’s okay that we didn’t scrimmage San Fernando because I love it when we go against our own guys,” Hyde said. “Alec [Simpson] did an awesome job tonight, his energy was great, he had the big pick-six and Duane [McBroom] was in the backfield almost every play. I like what I’m seeing and if we keep working hard and improving we’re going to be good.”
The Dolphins will have another night practice next Friday before opening the season September 5 at Marshall.
— Steve Galluzzo
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
