Palmdale proves its the new Western Division front-runner

Come on people, is there anyone out there who honestly thought Palmdale would topple second-seeded Dominguez in the Western Division semifinals on Friday?

I'll admit I certainly didn't think they had a chance, but after I read they held the Dons' running game in check, it made a lot more sense. Palmdale squeezed out a 28-27 victory to win a trip to Friday's final  after a four-year title-game absence.

Keeping limits on the lifeline of the Dominguez offense -- a running game that has averaged more than 400 yards a game this season -- allowed the Falcons to stay in the game until the very end and win it on a 74-yard TD pass play from QB Brandon Mims to RB Ronald Scott.

Also, let's not overlook Khristian Guillory's spectacular block on a last-minute Dominguez field-goal attempt.

Thanks to these clutch performances, Palmdale has to be considered the new favorite for the division title. Funny, but I mentioned back in early September that this is the best bunch of Falcons since the 2003 team that fell to Notre Dame in the final. I see a much different result next week against the winner of tonight's semifinal between St. Paul and Gahr.

-- Austin Knoblauch