Introduction
In a thrilling showdown, Palisades High secured the Western League title by holding off a spirited Venice rally, winning 28-24 in a hard-fought game. Teralle Watson’s crucial one-yard gain on a fourth-and-one play with just 2:18 remaining proved to be the game-deciding moment. This victory marks a significant triumph for Palisades, and in this article, we will delve into the details of this exciting game and what it means for both teams.
Key Highlights
- Teralle Watson’s Heroics
Teralle Watson, Palisades High’s junior tailback, played a pivotal role in sealing the victory. Facing a crucial fourth down, Watson managed to gain the single yard needed to secure the win. His determination and grit exemplified the team’s spirit and determination.
- Roman La Scala’s Contributions
Quarterback Roman La Scala played a crucial role in the victory, throwing touchdown passes to Braydon Sanford, LeHenry Solomon, and Teralle Watson. His six-yard keeper touchdown in the third quarter proved to be the decisive moment in the game.
- Amir Smith’s Outstanding Performance
Venice’s Amir Smith had a standout performance, scoring all three touchdowns for the Gondoliers. His versatility was on full display with a 26-yard bootleg, an eight-yard catch just before halftime, and a spectacular 60-yard run. He also made a significant impact on the defensive end, intercepting a pass.
- Back-and-Forth Battle
The game saw several momentum swings, with Palisades initially taking a commanding 21-7 lead in the second quarter. However, Venice fought back with a 46-yard field goal and a Smith touchdown catch to narrow the margin to 21-17 at halftime.
Significance of the Victory
Palisades’ triumph holds immense significance, as it avenged a painful defeat from the previous year when they suffered a 60-14 loss to Venice in the league finale. The victory not only secured the Western League title but also provided a heartfelt send-off to the senior players.
Rivalry History
The Palisades vs. Venice rivalry dates back to 1961, and while Palisades has won five of the last eight meetings, Venice still holds a narrow edge in the overall rivalry with a record of 30-26-1.
Playoff Prospects
With this win, Palisades looks well-positioned for an Open Division playoff berth. The team has won four straight games and is considered one of the City Section’s top eight teams, making them a strong contender in the postseason.
In summary, Palisades’ victory over Venice in this thrilling game not only clinched the Western League title but also served as a statement of their prowess in high school football. With standout performances and a keen desire for redemption, Palisades has solidified its position as a dominant force in the City Section. The Palisades vs. Venice rivalry continues to captivate fans, and this latest chapter certainly did not disappoint.
Impactful Performances in the Western League Title Clash
When did Venice & Palisades last finish first in League?
In 2018, neither Venice nor Palisades secured the top spot in the league. Fairfax claimed back-to-back titles during that season. This was a departure from the usual dominance of these two high school football powerhouses in the league. Prep Rally is your dedicated source for the Southern California high school sports scene, providing you with scores, in-depth stories, and an exclusive look into the world of prep sports, which captivates enthusiasts across the region.
Who coached Venice vs Palisades in 2021?
In the 2021 season, Venice was under the guidance of their longtime coach and alumnus Angelo Gasca, who was in his 24th season. On the other side, Palisades had first-year coach Dylen Smith, who achieved a remarkable victory against Venice in his inaugural year. Coach Smith celebrated with his team after the final kneel-down, marking a memorable moment in his coaching career.
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How did Venice open the second half?
In the beginning of the second half, Venice embarked on an impressive 80-yard drive, spanning nine plays, and found the end zone with a one-yard touchdown plunge by Robert Lamar on fourth and goal. Palisades responded as quarterback Roman La Scala executed a fake handoff and scored a one-yard keeper, putting the Dolphins ahead 14-7. However, Venice took control of the game from that point onwards.
How did Palisades clinch the Western League title against Venice?
In a decisive moment, Palisades clinched the Western League title by handing the ball off to Teralle Watson. Facing fourth and one at the opponent’s 46-yard line, Watson met resistance at the line of scrimmage but exhibited relentless determination, pushing forward to secure the necessary yardage. This critical gain allowed the visiting Dolphins to control the clock and ultimately triumph over archrival Venice with a final score of 28-24 on a Friday night. This victory solidified their first-place position in the Western League with only one regular-season game remaining.
Who intercepted Venice’s inbound pass?
In a dramatic moment, Palisades’ Avery Lee intercepted Venice’s inbound pass. Lee subsequently made a shot from inside the half-court line just as the buzzer sounded, securing a 55-52 victory for Palisades. Video footage of the shot indicates that it was released before the buzzer, and the officials confirmed the basket, sealing the win for Palisades.
What happened in overtime at Palisades?
In a thrilling overtime period, Venice initially held a three-point lead. However, Palisades’ Bowdoin Brazell changed the course of the game by sinking a crucial three-pointer, tying the score. The intensity continued as Palisades’ Avery Lee intercepted Venice’s inbound pass, securing the ball, and making an incredible shot from beyond the half-court line as the buzzer sounded. This buzzer-beater shot ultimately led to a 55-52 Palisades victory, capping off an electrifying overtime.
Who scored 18 points for Palisades?
Bowdoin Brazell was the standout scorer for Palisades, amassing a total of 18 points during the game. Palisades, with a record of 10-8 (7-4 in the league), demonstrated their prowess with victories over other notable teams such as Birmingham and Westchester this season. Meanwhile, Tyler Hunt led the scoring for Venice with 20 points.
