Steven Lilly had never scored five touchdowns in a game at any level. He also had never been involved in a wild shootout, 47-40 victory over Palmerton. The majority of his teammates hadn’t either.
More importantly, the Pirates’ stunning victory over the undefeated Colonial League and District 11 Class 3A contenders can be a jump start to a season initially seen as a rebuilding one. Palisades is suddenly in the hunt in the 2A bracket with a 2-1 record.
The game changer was Palisades recovering an onside kick after Palmerton had rallied to tie the score at 40. The Pirates drove down the field, and Lilly scored the game-winning touchdown.
“It was huge,” gushed Lilly, a senior who is among the league’s leading rushers with 375 yards after three games. “It was such a great feeling.
“We talked at halftime, and we really wanted this win. We knew we had to finish. We have really come together as a team this season.”
First-year head coach Bobby Smith had a good feeling about the game despite being projected as a huge underdog to the Blue Bombers, who were led by quarterback Mike Machalik, regarded as one of the top signal callers in the greater Lehigh Valley.
“We had a good week,” said Smith. “Their quarterback is outstanding. We knew if we could keep him in check somewhat and stay close, we would have a chance. It was a crazy game that had a combined total of 165 plays, while most games have around 100. We battled and didn’t back down.
“This was a statement win for us. Since the summer, these guys have been playing for each other. Lilly is a punishing runner who stays low to the ground. There were times when he was in the middle of a pile and then he popped out. He is off to a great start, and he can have a big year.”
Lilly attributes his success to his former position as a lineman. He was converted to a running back last season, and scored three touchdowns in one game.
“It helps because I can recognize the blocking schemes and I can stay low to the ground,” he said. “I also like being physical and am used to that type of play. I feel like I am becoming a better runner, but I don’t want to be satisfied.
“I just have to keep working and keep a lineman’s mindset. We have a lot of leaders on this club, and we like being in an underdog role. We can surprise a lot of teams down the road.”
Smith also praised the play of the Pirates offensive line consisting of left tackle senior Joe Zaleski, left guard sophomore Dan Haubert, center senior James Mitsch, right guard senior Sheadon Carr and right tackle sophomore Gavin Lee. Senior tight ends Galen Limantour and Wyatt Harrar are also integral parts of the blocking scheme.
“Our offensive line was incredible,” beamed Smith. “That was the difference for us on how they opened holes for Steven and the other backs. There were a lot of plays when they just pancaked people.”
Mitsch, a three-year starter, also saw the line as a key.
“I thought the line really came together as a group, and we were able to get a good push and get to the linebackers,” he said.
Carr, a three-year starter and the last of three brothers to play on the Pirates’ lines, spoke to his teammates before the game, and he had a positive vibe.
“We were going back and forth with them, but we were able to win out with our grit and toughness,” he stated. “We have a great chemistry among ourselves, and we all love and support each other.
“We can correct each other, and we do it in a quiet tone. We know Coach Smith has been around the program for a long time and we all want to get it done for him.”
Carr and his teammates appreciate flying under the radar.
“Most people want to write us off, and we were predicted to get blown out by them (Palmerton),” he added. “We’ll just go about our business and get the job done. People think they can smack us around, but we’ll be the ones doing the smacking.”
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