Football: Taylor Mensik throws three TD passes in Palisades upset victory

There was a carnival, bungee jumping, lots of food booths and a huge crowd for Harvard-Westlake’s homecoming game on Saturday night in Studio City. But in a big surprise, the unbeaten Wolverines were no match for Palisades from the City Section.

The Dolphins, under first-year Coach Tim Hyde, improved to 4-1 with a 45-18 upset victory. Quarterback Taylor Mensik had three touchdown passes and was 10 of 16 for 219 yards. Kicker Ethan Erickson booted a 41-yard field goal. And Palisades’ defense shut down the option game of quarterback Marshal Cohen.

Harvard-Westlake had won its first four games, including wins over Loyola and Sylmar. But from the outset, Palisades played with more intensity and had terrific play from its defensive line. Palisades led at halftime, 17-11. Quincy Cowherd had a 67-yard TD reception.

The victory means the Dolphins could be emerging as the primary challenger to Venice in the Western League this season. For Harvard-Westlake, the loss is a reminder of more improvement needed, with unbeaten Gardena Serra set to play the Wolverines in a Mission League opener on Friday.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com