Pali High Football Ready for Rally

Ever since their overtime defeat to Chatsworth in the semifinals of the L.A. City Section Division II playoffs in December, returning members of the varsity football team have been itching to compete.

Now, after eight months of preparation, the time to play football again has arrived and the first obstacle in the Dolphins' path is a familiar and formidable opponent—Woodland Hills El Camino Real of the East Valley League.

The Conquistadores edged Palisades 36-35 in the Dolphins' opener last season at Stadium by the Sea, led by junior running back Kawan Rally, who rushed for 126 yards and four touchdowns and blocked a game-tying extra point attempt with 11 seconds left.

A senior now, Rally was practically unstoppable in ECR's first game last week and could be on his way to another stellar season. The 5-10, 230-pounder gained 22 yards and four touchdowns in 15 carries in a 48-7 rout of North Hollywood. Palisades must find a way to quell Rally if it is going to avenge last year's one-point loss.

"The key with him is not to over-pursue," Pali High second-year head coach Perry Jones said. "Don't give him a cut back lane and when you tackle him, stay low and wrap his legs. Grabbing the shoulder pads won't work. We saw him repeatedly shake guys off because they were trying to tackle him high. He's more lethal than he was last year."

El Camino Real ran a Wing T offense last year but looks to be more balanced this season running the Pistol offense behind quarterback Matt Ramirez, who had five completions for 60 yards against North Hollywood. Rally even swung out of the backfield to catch a pass—something the Dolphins must be mindful of at all times.

"Whenever a team is balanced, it makes them hard to defend because you can't load up either side and you can't play everyone in the box waiting for the run," Jones said. "You've got to respect the threat of a pass. This game could be a track meet because that team can score and so can we."

Senior Nathan Dodson, who split time at quarterback with Ke'monte Reed last fall, is the Dolphins' clear-cut first stringer this fall and Jones is pleased with the progress he has made in running the triple option.

"He's a lot sharper in his reads, his knowledge of the offense and his instincts as far as when to hold it, when to pitch it and when to throw it," Jones said. "I like where we're at but I wish we were further along, like any team."

Palisades got a chance to play against another team for the first time in a practice game last Friday against Kilpatrick and though no score was kept, the Dolphins dominated the scrimmage. Dodson tossed a touchdown pass on the third play, backup signal—callers Kevin Acosta and Adrian Romero also got reps and fullbacks Justin Sinclair and Mylz Blake ran roughshod through the Mustangs.

"I thought we were a tad unclear and indecisive at times, we saw things to correct, but that's what a scrimmage is for," Jones said. "I liked that we knew where to line up on defense. No matter what they threw at us, our kids were in the right positions, which is important."

A big key for Palisades will be the blocking of its new offensive line, consisting of left tackle Ali Nouri (6-2, 260), left guard Nathan Breall (6-2, 210), center Andre Brembry (6-1, 260), right guard Marco Pineda (6-3, 305) and right tackle Brian Berookhim (6-2, 205). Of the five, only Berookhim has any varsity experience.

"What we gave away in athleticism, we gain back in terms of scheme and understanding," Jones said. "These new guys aren't as impressive physically as the ones who graduated, but they know where to be and how to hold a block long enough for the running backs to get through the hole."

Jones wouldn't make any predictions, but he's confident his team is up to the challenge and won't be intimidated playing on the road.

"I don't have any trepidation about us going over there and executing on offense and defense," Jones said. "Do we match up with them? That's why you play the games. I love this group, they've worked hard and I know they're going to give 100 percent. As a coach, that's all you can ask."

The frosh/soph game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 7 p.m. on ECR's campus, located at 5440 Valley Circle Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

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