Palma football

Two things stand out for the Chieftains that changed the complexion of their rivalry game Friday with Salinas.
An opportunist defense recovered a fumble inside their own red zone in the first quarter, halting a Salinas drive.
 And the first of two Zach Flores touchdown passes moments after that turnover for Palma took all the energy out of Salinas.
The result was a 14th straight win over their next door neighbors, stretching the Chieftains Gabilan Division winning streak to 10, and improving their mark to 28-1 since the league was formed.
 Make no mistake, Palma's attack starts with the schools all-time leading rusher in Emilio Martinez, who produced his team leading 17th touchdown.
 Yet, hold off on calling Palma's offense one dimensional.
 Both touchdown passes were of 45 yards or longer. On Flores' first scoring strike, he found Isaiah Blanco wide open across the middle.
 It was almost two easy.
 Palma isn't going to win a championship putting the ball in the air 30 times. But you have to respect the pass or pay a price, as witnessed twice on Friday.