Dolphins Cruise in League Opener

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

There was praise all around for the Palisades High junior varsity football team—and rightfully so—after last Friday’s 50-0 rout of Hamilton. However, with perhaps the most important game of the season looming, coach Ray Marsden reminded his players to celebrate over the weekend, but come ready to practice Monday.

“Next Friday is a business trip,” Marsden said, referring to  tomorrow’s game at Fairfax. “And we want to come back 7-0.”

Three minutes into the Hamilton game there was little doubt the Dolphins would improve their record to 6-0. They scored touchdowns on their first two offensive plays and three of their first five en route to their most lopsided win since a 60-6 romp at Marshall to open the 2014 season. Ironically, the last time Palisades scored  50 or more points in a shutout was also versus Hamilton—and by the same score—back in 2010.

Statistically speaking, this has been one of the JV program’s best seasons ever. The Dolphins have outscored their opponents 180-13.

Jake Lyon recovered a fumble at the Yankees’ 3-yard line on the third play from scrimmage and on Palisades’ first snap Kenneth Cline ran up the middle for a touchdown. Defensive end Malachi Gregory’s sack forced a punt and Jared La Violette returned the kick to the Hamilton 14. Kaalan Day swept around left end for the Dolphins’ second touchdown  just over three minutes into the game.

After the defense forced another three-and-out, Chandler Hooks’ return set the Dolphins up at the Hamilton 11 and three plays later Brandon Forrest plowed over the goal line from one yard out to make it 21-0.

As they have all season, Nick Ghysels and Forrest Brock took turns at quarterback.

“We didn’t throw a pass in the second half… I even let the quarterbacks call the plays,” Marsden said. “I have confidence in both guys so why not let them share the responsibility? They have different skill sets, but they’re equally effective leaders.”

Gregory tackled the Yankees’ quarterback in the end zone for a safety and on third play of the ensuing drive, Brock rolled right and threw a strike to a wide open Eli Manheim, who caught it at the 10 and trotted into the end zone for a 39-yard reception that made it 30-0 late in the first quarter.

Isaias Alegria’s one-yard plunge on the final play of the first half made it 36-0. Forrest scored his second touchdown on a six-yard run late in the third quarter and Matthew King recovered a fumble to snuff out Hamilton’s next possession. Lyon scooped up a fumble and ran 19 yards for a touchdown to close the scoring midway through the final quarter.   

Kicker Tommy Meek was a perfect six-for-six on point-after tries as the Dolphins’ defense limited Hamilton to three first downs, two of which came on penalties.   

“It’s all about Fairfax now,” Marsden said. “They scored with one second left to beat us last year and we want to pay them back.”