Balance key to Palmer success

PALMER -- As Bartlett scouted the Palmer Moose this week in preparation for tonight's semifinal matchup, the Golden Bears would have been wise to take a close look at a few Palmer players.

Though fullback and linebacker Ali Larijani stands out as leader of the Moose arsenal, Palmer's biggest advantage may be the fact they have more than one weapon.

Balance on the offensive side of the ball could be the key to Palmer's 7-2 season.

Larijani, wing back Mike Weber and quarterback Charlie Bentti lead a Palmer running attack that ranks near the top of the Northern Railbelt Conference. Larijani eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark against Wasilla and all three runners have notched 100-yard games this season.

During the middle of the season while defenses were stacking the middle in an attempt to stop Larijani, Weber turned in back-to-back 100-yard games.

Weber, a small, but swift, wing back, provides a good compliment to the hard-running Larijani.

The Moose also have a competent runner at the quarterback position.

Bentti rushed for 108 yards against Colony, and has been a consistent threat on the option play throughout the season.

Bentti has also burned teams with his arm. The junior signal caller has thrown for over 600 yards and six touchdowns this season.

More important than his statistics, is Bentti's ability to make plays in clutch situations.

In Palmer's win over Eielson, Bentti threw a touchdown pass to flanker Brenden Shiflea on fourth down.

Bentti threw a touchdown pass to Dustin Eley as time expired in the first half of their win over West Valley.

Bentti also ran for the game winning touchdown in Palmer's win over Lathrop.

The Moose have established more multiple threats in their passing game. Eley, Shiflea and Dustin Mason have all caught passes in key situations.