Football: Ethan Erickson comes through with game-winning field goal for Palisades

For the first time in his high school career, Ethan Erickson, considered the top kicker in the City Section, came through with a game-winning field goal, making it from 21 yards as time expired, to give Palisades a 38-35 win over Canoga Park.

“It was very exciting,” Erickson said. “There wasn’t that much pressure, but it was cool to make it.”

Execution was the key. He received a perfect snap from Aria Mahinfar and a perfect hold from Herbert Acosta.

Erickson blamed himself for the Dolphins having a tie game. He said he failed to kick the ball into the end zone on a touchback and missed a tackle when Canoga Park’s Darius Jones returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.

Wait a minute. The kicker is supposed to tackle?

“I don’t pride myself on [tackling], but if my number is called, I have to do my job,” he said. “I was frustrated at myself.”

Erickson will be happy to know that lots of people have had trouble tackling Jones this season. He was running through Dolphin tacklers all night. He finished with 113 yards rushing in 26 carries and scored two touchdowns. Palisades played without injured defensive standouts Alec Simpson and Duane McBroom.

I’m sure Palisades Coach Tim Hyde won’t have Erickson back working on tackling drills. When it counted, Erickson delivered for what he does best _ kick.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer