For a team that has improved each and every week, last Friday’s 21-0 victory at archrival Venice was a fitting end to the season.
The Dolphins forced a three-and-out on Venice’s first series and got the ball deep in Gondoliers territory after a long punt return by Darion Robinson. Max Palees capped the drive with a three-yard touchdown run and Tommy Meek kicked the extra point to put Palisades up 7-0.
Quarterback Jake Nadley found Andrew Alcaraz in the flat for a 35-yard gain, but the drive stalled at the Venice 30-yard line as the first quarter ended.
On Palisades’ first drive of the second quarter Nadley connected with Palees on a 65-yard pass play to the 9-yard line and three plays later Robinson swept around the right side from one yard out and Meek added the extra point to make it 14-0.
Venice faced a third-and-long on its ensuing possession when Nadley intercepted a pass and raced 35 yards up the sideline for a Palisades touchdown. Meek’s kick made it 21-0 with 4:29 left in the first half.
Robinson picked off a pass and scored on Venice’s next drive, but the play was nullified by a penalty. Zarion Smith caught a 43-yard halfback option pass from Jack O’Rourke with one second left but a penalty prevented the Dolphins from extending their lead before halftime.
The second half was all about defense, as Palisades notched its second shutout of the season and, as is head coach Ray Marsden’s custom, earned themselves free doughnuts on Monday.
“We went undefeated on the road, everyone got to play and these kids were a joy to coach,” Marsden said. “I’m excited to see what the sophomores do up on varsity.”
The Dolphins finished 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the Western League and were one second away from their third league title in a row.
— Steve Galluzzo
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