Football Players Honored at Banquet

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Having made an unexpected run to the City Section Division I championship game this season, the Palisades High football program is looking strong for the future but the focus of Sunday afternoon’s Awards Ceremony and Banquet in Mercer Hall was to recognize the players, coaches and supporters that made the 2022 campaign such a success.

Outgoing Pali Quarterback Club President Lisa Manheim, who steps down when her term ends, started the luncheon off by expressing her grattitude to parent volunteers and her fellow board members: “Since  2013, this has been ny fourth child. This is my last banquet but it’s been an incredible 10 years. I’ll always be a proud Pali parent.”

Manheim’s three boys, Jonah, Eli and Toby, all played at Palisades and Jonah is currently on the coaching staff. Following her speech, board members James and Maisha Riley presented her with a gift bag and asked all in attendance to stand and clap for “Mama Manheim.”

Next up was first-year junior varsity head coach Tharen Todd, who  presented certificates to each of his players and shook their hands. The JV squad finished 7-2 and went undefeated in Western League play.

Sophomore Matthew Franco was the Lineman of the Year; freshman receiver/defensive back LeHenry Solomon was selected Rookie of the Year; freshman tailback Harrison     Carter was named Offensive Player of the Year; sophomore linebacker Liam Giannantonio was chosen Defensive Player of the Year; and  freshman running back/defensive back was announced as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Then, varsity head coach Chris Hyduke stepped up to the podium and reflected on his second season at the helm,beginning by thanking  his predecessor Tim Hyde, whom he coached at Redondo Union: “When Tim got this job I’d just retired from teaching and he asked if I’d come help him out, not knowing I’d be standing here as the head coach. I’m the one who convinced him to try out for football in high school and he’s become a terrific coach himself.

I give Tim credit for getting this program back on track. He’s freezing back in New Hampshire now, but he misses Pali. As far as this season, we graduated 30 seniors and to go 10-4 and make the finals    is a great accomplishment. It goes back to the El Camino Real 7-on-7 tournament in August when it was so hot that our shoes were melting, but guys battled, showed fortitude, and it set the tone. Our linebackers were all sophomores and they did an outstanding job for us all year.”

One by one, the players stepped forward to receive their varsity letters and certificates. The assistant coaches took turns handing out the individual awards, beginning with the Offensive/Defensive Coaches’ Awards, which went to senior guard Griffin White and senior cornerback Marcus Brown, Jr., respectively.

   Captain Savyour Riley, who led the team with 91 tackles, was the Defensive Skill Player of the Year while quarterback Roman La Scala, who threw for 1,809 yards and 24 touchdowns, was chosen Offensive Skill Player of the Year. Immanuel Robinson and Eric Daniels were co-winners of the Defensive Lineman of the Year Award while Nick Washington took home the Pancake Award (for most pancake blocks) and Offensive Lineman of the Year.     

Senior Amari Yolas, who led the squad in kickoff and punt return yardage, was named Special Teams Player of the Year. Tenth-grade middle linebacker Jesse Ettus (87 tackles, including 14 in the City quarterfinals versus Dymally) was named Defensive Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors went to senior Chris Washington, who ran for 1,292  yards and scored a team-best 15 touchdowns (12 rushing, three receiving). The team MVP as selected by the coaches was senior offensive guard and nose tackle Nathan Spoonamore.       

Finally, longtime Life Experience Coach Joe Spector presented his annual award to Riley and Yolas.    

“My dad gave the Jack Spector  Award in my hometown [Streator] in Illinois and I wanted to be like him,” said Spector, whose award dates to 1987 when his son Todd was the Dolphins’ blindside tackle. “I’m glad I’m here to present this.”