First-year Palisades head football coach Bobby Smith doesn’t mind his team flying under the radar.
The Pirates will enter a crucial game at Catasauqua Friday night with an overall 6-2 record and they sit atop the PIAA District 11 Class 4A bracket.
Yet, north of Route 611, Palisades’ success hasn’t generated much interest from the Lehigh Valley-based media and football fans in general. Coming into this season, the Pirates graduated the last batch of players from their 2020 district championship team, and they struggled through a 2-8 campaign last season.
“We always had played the role of an underdog here,” said Smith, who previously coached a combined 20 years in the youth and high school programs. “It doesn’t bother us if people don’t recognize us. We just go out and play our game every week. Everybody really bought into what we told them. It’s not a surprise to see where we are now. Each of our kids hold each other accountable.
“Our senior class has stepped up since we started working out. They have really set the tone for this team.”
Smith noted the progress of senior quarterback Kai Stiansen, who is a first-year starter after playing linebacker the past few seasons. Stiansen has thrown for 478 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions, and he also has run for 299 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns. On defense, Stiansen is the Pirates’ strong safety.
“He has that linebacker mentality as a quarterback,” said Smith. “If he doesn’t see a pass, he will take off and run with it. He is not a finesse player, but he has really read the defenses well and has made good choices.
“Kai has really grown as a quarterback this year, and he has been playing with a lot of confidence.”
Stiansen, who played quarterback in middle school and has been the backup quarterback the past couple of seasons, credits senior captains linemen Sheadon Carr and James Mitsch and running back Steven Lilly for their support.
“They all really helped me make the adjustment,” he said. “They also have really helped the team. All of them have been great leaders and inspiration for the younger players.”
Still, Stiansen has noticed a difference in his game.
“A lot of teams have played man against us, and that has made it easier,” he said. “I do have some better timing with the receivers, and I feel I can see the field better.
“I know I don’t have to force passes because I will take off and run.”
Running the football has continued to be a Palisades staple. The Pirates have amassed a hefty 2,098 yards rushing and scored 28 touchdowns on the ground.
Lilly has been the team’s workhorse, as he has 966 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. Sophomore John Haubert has 410 yards with a touchdown.
Defensively, junior Daniel Haubert leads the team with 35 tackles and has a sack.
Palisades, which has won four straight, will look to close out its season with victories over Catasauqua and Saucon Valley in the final two weeks. Catasauqua (5-3), which has won five straight, is currently the fourth and final team that will qualify in their district bracket.
“They (Catasauqua) had some people injured earlier, but they are playing well now,” said Smith. “They are very similar to us, as they are physical and like to run the ball. It will be a very good game and we have to play mistake-free football.
“But we really just have to concentrate on what we do, and believe in each other.”
If they continue to do those things, people may finally begin to take notice.
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