Palma
Word is this is Palma's smallest roster in years with roughly 45 players suiting up -- 45 talented players, that is.
Last year eight sophomores emerged as starters for the Chieftains' TCAL title team, which started the year 10-0-1 before falling in the CCS Open Division semifinals to Valley Christian.
I can't find a weakness in head coach Jeff Carnazzo's arsenal. No, they don't have a running back who can carry the rock 25 times like Jack Baird did the last two years.
Instead, Palma has two tailbacks with breakaway speed, including junior Jack Ross, who rushed for four touchdowns on just 13 carries last fall.
The heart of the Chieftains is their defense, anchored by a linebacking core that includes Ross and Cameron Neff.
A 29th straight postseason berth is in the cards. State aspirations would be more realistic if Palma played in its division in the playoffs. The Open Division is where Carnazzo wants to be. Nothing wrong with that.
John Devine has been writing about high school sports in Monterey County since, well, practically since he was an athlete at King City in the days just after leather helmets. In PrepNation, John has even more in-depth analysis of the latest results and news he's brought to you in The Herald and in his weekly videos.
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3 comments:
A few corrections:
1) Senior Jack Myers takes over for Jack Baird at RB. Jack Ross is a slot receiver.
2) Jack Ross does not play linebacker - he is a DB.
3) Cameron Neff is a returning all-league tight end but didn't play defense last year. Maybe that has changed.
4) The defense will be anchored by All-State DL Jack Powers, Hildelv Manzur and senior Ryan Sarmiento.
Lots of kids named Jack at Palma - easy to get confused.
Enjoy reading your blogs....
I have been told Jack Ross will play a little running back this year. But you are right. Jack Myers is the starter.
Too many really good players on this team to really point out. There are a couple questionmarks, but all in all have potential to be a very good team. Quite a few will start both ways with lots rotating in.
Only real questions are will QB position be up to last season or better. Both candidates have high potential. Replacing Pullelie on DL. Manzur will be among the best at Palma if he continues to work hard, and Escotto has a year behind him after being broough up. Powers on on will be a switch from OLB. Ortiz is a load. Should be good run stoppers like last season. LBs are stacked. Neff might go in at times, but don't belive he's slated for D. He would be very good if he is.
O-line must reload, but may bigger than last season overall. If they put in the hard work and working with Dahlman, they could be very strong. This team has lots of upside. They will need to get quicker on the edges if they play a team like Valley Christian with Marshall, but they coulld do very well this season. Saint Francis will be a huge test and Cardinal Newman has a speedy RB and balance on offense. St Josephs will be able to throw the ball well. Lots of challendes this season. Also I think Salinas and Hollister have potential to be very good.
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