Westchester Runs Past Palisades

A long anticipated showdown for Western League supremacy turned out to be nothing more than a mismatch as Westchester High maintained its dominance with a 44-16 victory over Palisades on Thursday afternoon at Westchester.

Westchester (8-2, 5-1) clinched its fourth league title in six years and 14th in 19 years under Coach Larry Wein.

“I really didn’t think it was going to be this easy but our offensive line did a great job,” Wein said.

So did Westchester quarterback Jason Benson, a senior who had split time with junior Brian Johnson all season. Wein started Benson because Westchester scouts told him that Palisades (8-2, 5-1) was susceptible to the option.

Benson rushed for 95 yards and three touchdowns in 15 carries, including a 40-yard quarterback draw for the Comets’ first score.

“This is too easy,” Benson told offensive lineman Mark Fenton on the sideline after Westchester’s first series. “They’re playing with no safeties. Just give me enough room to break through the line and I’m gone.”

Benson attempted only two passes, one of which was intercepted by Palisades defensive back Charles Ealy.

Fortunately for the Comets, Benson did not need to throw against the Dolphins. Westchester--which had forfeited a victory over Hamilton for using an ineligible player-- amassed 314 rushing yards and intercepted six passes by Palisades quarterback David Koral.

Koral, who entered the game having passed for 3,730 yards and 42 touchdowns, completed 21 of 35 passes for 246 yards against Westchester, including a 33-yard scoring pass to Greig Carlson in the second quarter.

Westchester’s Jahlamb Sinclair rushed for 88 yards in seven carries and scored on runs of five, six and 20 yards before leaving the game because of a sprained right ankle in the third quarter. Kenneth Franklin added 87 yards in seven carries.

Westchester led, 26-14, at halftime. The Comets secured the victory early in the third quarter on Benson’s three-yard touchdown run and Michael Sanford’s 27-yard interception return that increased the Comets’ lead to 38-14.