Palmdale back in title-chasing mode

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With its dominating victory last week over Warren, Palmdale sent out a clear message it’s a contender for the Western Division title.

But is this flock of Falcons better than the 2003 team that was a Division III finalist?

‘I think we’re just as talented [as that team] on both sides of the ball,’ Palmdale Coach Jeff Williams said. ‘We have quite a few returning starters this year and they bring a wealth of knowledge and desire. It’s like having a team of coaches on the field.’

The Falcons enter their quarterfinal showdown with Redondo on Friday as the favorite and I think they could easily challenge big boys Dominguez and Culver City for the title. The Falcons have a ton of offensive goodies, including RBs Marquell Jefferson and Ronald Scott. Both have combined for nearly 2,000 yards on the ground.

Unfortunately, Jefferson, who leads the duo with 1,241 yards and 16 TDs, will miss his second consecutive game and third of the season because of disciplinary action. Williams said he’s expected to be back next week if the Falcons advance to the semifinals.

And I have a really good feeling Palmdale will be playing in the semis, especially if QB Brandon Mims and WRs Malcolm Culver, Khristian Guillory and Derrin Ford pick up some of the slack left by Jefferson’s absence.

‘This team is very motivated,’ Williams said. ‘We won the first game, now we have to prove we can go farther ... and I know we’re capable of doing that.’

-- Austin Knoblauch