Prep football series XXI

Palma

While most teams talk about optimism and hope coming into a season, Palma speaks of expectations. And why wouldn't it? The program has made 26 straight postseason appearances.
The Chieftains have set the bar for others to emulate. Practices are crisp and often run at game pace. There's no such thing as rebuilding. It's retooling, which Palma is doing this fall.
It's possible that six sophomores will start this year for the reigning Tri-County Athletic League champions. It will be baptism by fire as Palma's first three games are against state caliber programs.
Look for Palma to return to a power game on offense behind bruising running back Jack Baird. Palma was 7-0 last year when Baird rushed for 100 or more yards.
But the key in defending their league title is defense. Having 290-pound lineman Brandon Pulealii back and all-league linebacker Robert Foy is a good starting point.
Because of their youth and brutal non-league schedule, the Chieftains could struggle out of the gate. But to bet against them in the TCAL would be foolish.