The beauty of playoff sports is that anything can happen.
Whether it was Fairleigh Dickinson’s first round upset over Purdue in March Madness or the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 NBA Finals run ending with a victory over the Lebron James-led Miami Heat, playoff sports produce underdog stories and unlikely outcomes.
Something similar happened Friday night in North Hollywood.
The visiting Palisades Dolphins (10-2) beat the undefeated North Hollywood Huskies (11-1) 56-21. After scoring the opening touchdown of the contest, Palisades kept its foot on the gas and did not look back.
Despite North Hollywood’s season-ending defeat, the home team never quit. The Huskies faithful braved the chill throughout the contest, celebrating every big play, and the school band played all night long.
The team made plays on the field too. Senior running back Omar Muhammed had some great runs, particularly in the second half. Muhammed also scored a receiving touchdown to make it 28-14.
North Hollywood’s senior punter, Diego Arriaza, got the biggest cheer from the crowd and his own sideline. After delivering a punt in the first half, Arriaza rushed forward and made a clean tackle on the ball carrier, pumping his fist as he ran back to his teammates.
The Huskies also had to deal with their fair share of mid-game injuries. Senior quarterback Andres Avila took missed much of the second quarter before returning midway through the third.
After the clock struck zero, the friends and family of the North Hollywood team gave the players and coaches a standing ovation to honor their season. They played hard, but their opponent put on a near-perfect display.
Palisades coach Daylen Smith had his team well prepared for Friday night. Anytime a tackle needed to be made, a Dolphin was there. Anytime he needed a big play to continue a drive, a Dolphin was there to make it.
“We just wanted to swarm everything they did,” Smith said. “We really scouted them, we had about six or seven games on them. It was really our energy and how we practiced. We were just playing fast.”
Palisades’ standout offensively was quarterback Jack Thomas. No matter the down or distance, Thomas remained poised in and outside the pocket and finished with five passing touchdowns.
He also scored a 15-yard rushing touchdown to make it 35-14.
Senior wide receiver Max Hejazi and junior running back/wide receiver Harrison Carter showcased their talents.
Carter made one of the night’s highlight plays, when he burst down the right sideline for an almost 80-yard receiving touchdown.
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Smith had nothing but praise for his signal-caller.
“He pays attention to detail. We watch a lot of film and go through scenarios a lot,” Smith said. “He does a great job checking out audibles. He can throw any type of ball.”
While North Hollywood’s season comes to an end, Palisades gears up for a semifinal draw against Eagle Rock.