Indians look to bounce back in a BIG way led by huge offensive line

“We’re kind of embarrassed of how we played last year and the kids put it on their shoulders and hit the weight room,” Head Coach Dan Murphy.

The past can’t be changed but the future is in your power. That is the mindset this year for the Palm Springs football team as they are learning from it and moving forward.

“We had to play a lot of sophomores who have never played varsity football before and they took their lumps and learned from it,” Murphy said.

It starts with the big guys up front. They have the biggest offensive line that we have seen in quite some time and are led by 6’5, 335 pounder Julian Polendo.

“Offensive line we are just looking to dominate the ball and everyone in front of us. Run protection, pass protection, and now we are all experienced, stronger, and faster. It’s going to be something to see,” Julian Polendo said.

Their presence in the trenches is going to be more important then ever.

“We did lose a huge member with Dotson getting hurt in spring ball,” Murphy said.

Two year starter Jeremy Dotson is done for the season with an ACL tear so sophomore Isaiah Goad is going to have to step up and his teammates will have his back.

“If he needs anything we are the offensive line, he gets hit, something happens we need to be there,” Polendo said.

“They helped me out a lot, every since spring ball when Jeremy got hurt they have been helping me, getting me through it and ready to play. Ready to do work,” Isaiah Goad said.

One of their best athletes done for the year, but have no fear, Damien King is here. The basketball league MVP last season and giving football a try in his final season.

“I am having just as much fun as I do on the basketball court. Just as much fun, I love playing football and I love playing basketball,” Damien King said.

“Did some thing that I have not seen in a long time,” Murphy said.

“His ability to make plays is like unbelievable,” Goad said.

The 2018 high school football previews will air up until the season starts, which is Friday, August 17th for some of our area teams.

Blake Arthur and Cody Krupp will have complete coverage. Follow them on Twitter for more @BlakeArthurKESQ @CodyWKrupp