Palma football

Palma (10-2, 6-1)

 Personnel often dictates a style of play. True, when you have made 36 straight playoff appearances, a system is in place. 

 Yet, replacing a record setting quarterback this year won't be as simple as plugging in another body for Palma.

 "Grant (Sergent) left a lasting legacy," Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo said. "And that's incorporating the pass. The quarterbacks we have are trying to emulate him, watching a lot of film."

 Palma doesn't have a crystal ball that creates talent. The off-season was spent looking for options this fall at arguably the most important position.

 "We thinker with our offense each year," said Carnazzo, now in his 20th year at Palma. "We can't be the same. We don't have the same personnel."

 That's not to suggest the personnel that's back isn't geared for another postseason run. The talent pool is deep at a number of positions, particularly on the offensive line.

 "I am excited to run behind this offensive line," senior tailback Anthony Villegas said. "I want to be dependable for them. I want to put this offense on my shoulders."

 Villegas, who has chalked up over 3,000 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns in two seasons for Palma, will likely see his number called often this fall.

 "I need to be more explosive through the holes," said Villegas, who set a sophomore rushing record with 1,683 yards two years ago. "I need to make quicker decisions in my head."

 Villegas didn't have to carry the weight of the offense on his shoulders last year because of Palma's ability to get the ball down field.

 There's still plenty of talent on the outside with the return of fleet receivers Micah Olivas and Jon Jon Berring. In addition, J.T. Amaral was brought up last year and made a contribution.

 Olivas turned 28 receptions into 15 touchdowns, piling up nearly 800 receiving yards, while Berring caught 24 passes for 358 yards, adding another 238 on the ground.

 "You don't want to give the ball to your back 30 times a game," Carnazzo said. "We've got to utilize all of our options. We have to find a way to get our skilled players the ball."

 Who gets them the ball is still in question. All that is known prior to Palma's scrimmage Friday with St. Ignatius is that a quarterback named Luke will start behind center.

 Luke Brigantino and sophomore Luke Rossi are so close in their competition that each is getting equal snaps in practice.

 "I don't know," said Carnazzo, who has taken Palma to four Central Coast Section titles since taking the reins. "It's that close. Both have progressed well."

 What will help in the transition is an offensive line anchored by 6-foot-3, 305-pound junior tackle Noah Pulealii. In fact, three-fifths of the Chieftains line is intact from last year.

  It will be trial by fire for Palma's new signal caller as the first three games are against West Catholic Athletic League powers Mitty and Sacred Heart Cathedral, before a road game with Oakdale.

 "When I saw that schedule, I just saw 'wow'," Berring said. "Then I thought, this will get us ready for league."

 And perhaps beyond.

 Carnazzo still feels the sting from a 49-6 Division III semifinal loss to Aptos, a program it defeated on the road four weeks earlier in arguably the best game of the season.

 "I'll never forget about it," Carnazzo said. "For all the success we've had, the losses sting. When you lose like that, it drives your off season."

 And perhaps your non-league schedule. The teams that Palma will face in the preseason are similar to what teams in the Gabilan Division run.

 "Sometimes I worry about the schedule," Carnazzo said. "But it's hard for us to find games. Plus we want to challenge ourselves. As long as we come out of it healthy, we'll be better for it."

 For all the potential the Chieftains showcase on offense, Carnazzo will be the first to tell you teams that have won section titles under him had dynamic defenses.

 Palma lost its two sack leaders to graduation. But Daniel Cabrera is back to create havoc and provide a pass rush, having used last springs track season to get stronger and faster.

 Carnazzo is high on outside linebacker Guy Bessy, who made a big impact after being brought up as a sophomore.

 Brent Eastman and his team leading three interceptions help shore up the secondary, which includes Berring and Amaral.

 "We gave up a lot of yards last year," Carnazzo said. "So we tweaked the defense. We've shored up  some areas. Our depth is a little better. Our numbers are up. I like what we have as a team."