Evan Paley is a 6-foot-2 senior who used to play soccer and tennis at Brentwood School.
He’s an important member of the football team now.
Paley kicked two field goals, had punts of 50 and 63 yards and made two impressive catches in a 12-7 non-league victory over Lucerne Valley last Friday afternoon at Brentwood. One went for 47 yards.
And then there was a 56-yard field goal attempt against the wind that missed, but not by much.
“We figured it was like a punt,” said Coach Patrick Brown, who also said Paley has a strong enough leg to make one from that distance.
This is Paley’s second season on the Brentwood varsity. The school’s previous kicker, Jimmy Rothstein, is now at UCLA.
After losing its opening game to Kilpatrick, 20-10, Brentwood tried to establish its running game but didn’t have much success.
Brown alternated his quarterbacks, and both senior Mason Moss and sophomore Josh Amster did well.
Receiver Ben Oliva had two long punt returns, but both were wiped out by penalties.
Brentwood had a 9-0 lead at halftime and added Paley’s second field goal before the visitors scored on a 31-yard pass in the final 35 seconds. An onsides kick was then recovered by Brentwood.
“We still have a long way to go, but we’re progressing,” said Brown.
A change from the opening week was that many two-way players were employed just one way, meaning 22 players were in the game plan. Sophomore Charlie James played tight end.
This weekend’s game will be against Tri-Cities Christian. The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, at 2 p.m. at El Camino High in Oceanside.
