Message from Palisades football coach, players after devastating fires: 'Pali Strong'
Since early January, Southern California — especially the community of Pacific Palisades — has suffered from a devastating wildfire that has killed at least 10 people and forced over 100,000 to evacuate. Over two weeks since the first evacuation orders were issued, some areas are still under such orders as firefighters continue to work to contain the fire.
Churches, libraries, schools and other important structures have also been destroyed or badly damaged — including Palisades Charter High School, which saw parts of its campus damaged or destroyed.
Amid the recovery with the help of nearby schools, student-athletes at Palisades Charter were able to get back to representing their community on and off the field.
Last week, Palisades basketball teams were able to resume practice off campus. Girls basketball coach, Adam Levine, told SI: “Over 40 coaches from other programs reached out asking how they can help out. We are overwhelmed by the support of the basketball community.”
On Tuesday, Dolphins head football coach Dylen Smith and several Palisades players released a video showing support for the community and one another.
“We’ll need to rebuild our community, but we don’t need to rebuild this program,” offensive tackle Liam Hudson and head coach Dylen Smith said in the video.
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Smith and his players added that although the school, facilities and community will need rebuilt, the Palisades football team will be back in August at the ‘Stadium by the Sea.’
The video concluded with Smith and several players repeating the phrase, “Pali Strong,” in support of their community.
This season, the Dolphins football team finished with an 11-3 record and reached the CIF LA City Section Championships, losing to King/Drew Magnet.
Palisades has won the league twice in the last four years with two appearances in the CIF championship. Over that time, the Dolphins have accumulated a 39-11 record.