Palma football

Before coming at the Chieftains with a barrage of negativity for falling for the eighth time in their last nine games to a West Catholic Athletic League opponent, lets evaluate it a little more closely.

Other than Salinas, what other program in the county has the respect of WCAL programs to warrant a game?

Sure, you can make the argument that Palma - one section title in the last 15 years - is not quite at the level it once was. Or is it? Four of those nine battles have been decided by four points or less.

The fact is the Chieftains continue to challenge themselves, as another WCAL opponent awaits next Friday. Head coach Jeff Carnazzo is willing to take risks if it improves the program.

Are you really going to argue with the results? Eight league titles in the last decade. Ten or more wins five times in that span. And one section title.

Friday's 47-31 loss to Mitty was the most entertaining game of the night, with four ties and three lead changes. The game was still tied with 7:11 left in the fourth quarter.

Coaches insist you learn more from a loss than a win. No question the Chieftains defense has to shore up some holes and improve its tackling.

And as impressive as Anthony Villegas was in rushing for 285 yards and four touchdowns, you can't continue to give him 32 carries a night, as 252 of those yards came in the first three quarters.