Hart’s Defense Denies Palmdale

Palmdale High, rapidly rising in the ranks of football respectability, ran into a stingy Hart defense Friday night in a 20-0 Indian victory at Palmdale High.

Palmdale, 0-10 three years ago, was 3-0 for the first time in the 1990s entering Friday night’s game.

But the Hart defense, looking for some respect, limited the high-flying Falcons to seven first downs, 243 yards and got its second shutout of the season.

“The defense has been coming up big,” said Hart defensive coordinator Rick Herrington. “Even though the offense here gets all the notoriety and attention, the coaches around know we have a good defense.”

Hart linebacker Scott Hunt, who seemed to be everywhere against the Falcons, said it’s about time the Hart defense started opening some eyes.

“It’s weird but we’re really riding the defense,” he said. “I think we deserve a little respect.”

The defense didn’t look too good on the first play of the game, when Palmdale running back Jason Anderson took a handoff and turned the left corner for an apparent 80-yard touchdown run. That run was called back because of a holding penalty and Hart held Anderson to 80 yards the rest of the game.

“It was all part of our plan,” Herrington quipped. “We wanted to give him a long one to start and get him tired.”

The Indians got all the offense they needed in the first quarter on a 25-yard pass play from quarterback David Neill to receiver Nate Small.

Two plays later the Hart defense shined once again when Jared Bazar intercepted Grant Livermont’s pass at the Hart 36-yard line.

Two minutes later, John Harrison muscled his way for a two-yard touchdown to give Hart a 13-0 lead.

Harrison added a one-yard touchdown run late in the game.

Hart, which entered the season with just three returning starters, none on offense, has yet to show the same ability on offense that earned the Indians the reputation as the area’s most dangerous team.

Against Palmdale, Neill completed eight of 13 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 73 yards. But the Indians, who average more than 400 yards a game, had just 299.

“Our motto this year is to just find a way to win,” Hart Coach Mike Herrington said. “We don’t want to worry about yards passing or points scored, just victories.”

Hart moves to 4-0 for the first time since 1994--the year the Indians went 13-1.