Palma football

Palma Chieftains (10-2, 6-0)
 At some point it will end.
 Just not this season.
 There is no reason to believe the Chieftains run of 32 consecutive playoffs appearances -- one of the longest runs in state history -- is in jeopardy.
 A schedule that includes nine teams that reached the postseason last year is nothing new. Last year all 10 teams on Palma's schedule made the playoffs the year before.
 Palma has won titles in the Mission Trail Athletic League, the Monterey Bay League, the Tri-County Athletic League and has captured or shared every Gabilan Division title.
 "The focus is on defending the title,'' Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo said. "That being said, there is a burning desire by myself and the staff to go beyond. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't something missing. We want to get to that Nor Cal game and state. It's out there."
 While the Chieftains may not be as deep in terms of depth as in years past, the quality is there, starting with tailback Emilio Martinez.
 Limited to six starts last year because of injuries, Martinez still went over 1,000 yards, including 325 yards and four touchdowns in two playoff games.
 In two seasons at Palma, the 5-foot-9 senior has rushed for 33 touchdowns. Martinez went through track season with no setbacks with his hamstring as a sprinter.
 What Palma learned in Martinez's absence last year is Kevin Telford can be effective with the ball in his hands, producing two 100 plus yard rushing games in two starts.
 The Chieftains have got to get him involved, perhaps as a receiver to take advantage of his sprinters speed, alongside Isaiah Blanco, who caught 30 passes last year, and Tristan Wahl.
 "A big difference for me is I will be starting as a receiver as well,'' said Wahl, a hard hitting safety. "I want to make an impact on both sides of the ball."
 Losing record setting quarterback Jack Richardson won't be easy to replace. Zach Flores did gain a grasp of the system as a backup last fall, and offers a nice touch on his throws.
 Protection shouldn't be an issue with a solid offensive line, anchored by two-time all-county lineman Drew Dalman.
 The 6-foot-3, 265 pounder has over 30 division I programs chasing his services, including Michigan, Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Stanford.
 Dalman will likely start on defense as well for the Chieftains, which includes Robert Hernandez and Josh Rawson on the defensive line, linebacker Stan Smith and Wahl in the secondary.
 "There's nothing better than making a hit,'' Wahl said. "I feel there is a different mine set with this group.''
 During its run of four straight Gabilan Division titles, Palma is 17-1. Over the last seven years, it is 34-2 in league play -- with both losses coming from San Benito.
 Palma will certainly be tested in its four non-league games as two of its opponents won section titles last fall while the other two played for section titles.