Turnovers Costly in Venice Loss

Late in the first quarter of last Friday night’s game at Venice High, the Palisades High varsity football team was in a position to take the lead and the momentum in its Western League opener against the defending champions. The Dolphins were on the verge of scoring at their opponents’ 10-yard line, but they fumbled and the Gondos recovered. Venice quickly scored to go ahead 14-7–a 14-point swing from which Palisades never recovered. Venice went on to win 30-13, although the final score was a bit deceiving–Palisades was in the game all the way, thanks in part to a myriad of Venice turnovers. “That was a huge turning point right there,” Dolphins head coach Perry Jones said. “Instead of us taking the lead, we gave it back to them and they scored instead of us.” Jones said plays that appeared to be well-blocked were busted and it wasn’t until he broke down the film later that he discovered why. “Our linemen were doing the job, but they exposed us on the edges and guys that we had accounted for were the ones that were making the tackles,” Jones said. “Man, I wish we could have that game back because we can play with those guys. It’s not like they played mistake-free football. They were giving us the ball every time we turned around.” Malcolm Creer made big plays on both sides of the ball for Palisades, running for a touchdown and intercepting two passes. Jones was also pleased with the progess of quarterbacks Nathan Dodson and Kemonte Reed, each of whom is effective in his own way. “It’s great having two guys who do different things because it gives each of them a chance to rest for a series and at the same time it keeps the defense off balance,” Jones said. “Nate is a real accurate thrower, but he can run the option very well, too. Kemonte is more of a run-first guy, but he can throw well enough to make teams account for that.’ Palisades (2-4) stayed within striking distance until late in the game, when the host Gondos (2-4) added a fourth-quarter touchdown to pad their lead. It was the Dolphins’ 10th straight defeat to their beach rivals and Jones said psychology may have played a part in the outcome. “We wanted that game and we were definitely showed up ready to play,” Jones said. “Venice is in these kids’ heads a little bit. We have to believe in our success and build on it. It’s not a fluke that we’re hanging with good teams–it’s because we’re good enough. That’s a sign that we’re turning the corner. We just have to be more consistent with that level of play and that winning mentality.” Frosh/Soph Palisades opened defense of its league championship against a squad it shut had shut out last year, but this time the host Gondos turned the tables with a 22-0 victory. All three Venice touchdowns came on pass plays–surprising since the Dolphins’ had only allowed one score through the air in their first five games combined. Western League Standings Team League Overall PF PA Fairfax 1-0 4-1-1 208 115 Hamilton 1-0 3-2-0 79 113 Venice 1-0 2-4-0 161 174 Westchester 0-1 3-3-0 147 77 Palisades 0-1 2-4-0 135 153 University 0-1 0-5-0 57 166 Last week’s results: Friday’s Schedule: Venice 30, Palisades 13 University at Palisades, 7 Fairfax 24, Westchester 13 Hamilton at Westchester, 7 Hamilton 35, University 12 Fairfax at Venice, 7