Palmer quarterback establishes successful high school career

The Palmer Moose have always been able to count on at least one thing for the last three years -- Charlie Bentti lining up behind center and taking the snaps.

Palmer's number 18 has been its number one quarterback since the 2001 season.

With only a season of junior varsity football under his belt, Bentti -- then a sophomore -- beat out the incumbent and would-be senior starting quarterback Ben Conroy and made his first career start against Lathrop in August of 2001.

Since that contest, Bentti has not missed a game.

He has made 26 consecutive starts and led the Moose to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.

"We kind of made a commitment to Charlie, knowing that he would be here for three years," Palmer assistant coach and quarterbacks coach Brad Hanson said. "When he was a freshman, we knew that we had a quarterback."

Though he, or Palmer for that matter, has never been perceived as a serious threat with the passing game, Bentti has established himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in the state during his tenure.

Bentti has not put up monstrous passing yards, but has nearly mastered Palmer's wing-t offense. In an offense that requires decisive thinking on the pitch, rather than the pass, Bentti has thrived.

"I don't think there is any coach in the state that will argue against Charlie as the best option quarterback in the state," Palmer head coach Rod Christiansen said.

Throughout Bentti's tenure as the Moose starting quarterback, Palmer has had a variety of options in the backfield of their option offense.

Backs such as Adam Norton, Ali Larijani, Mike Weber and Allen Franklin have been on the receiving end of the Bentti pitch.

One of Palmer's most valuable options on offense has been Bentti tucking the ball in his arms and running up field.

Bentti running the ball has almost been a safety net for Palmer, especially in the fourth quarter.

"I always like the ball in my hands," Bentti said. "It is a great feeling to be part of the team and in control."

In the final frame of Palmer's 20-13 win over Colony last week, Bentti ran 10 times for 59 yards. Bentti ran for three first downs on Palmer's final two scoring

drives, including a pivotal 14-yard romp on second and seven and at the Moose 40-yard line.

Hanson said Bentti possesses several characteristics such as toughness, intelligence and leadership capabilities, but it is the mix of the traits that allow Bentti to thrive in the role as Palmer's quarterback.

"He's a good athlete, obviously strong and is a smart kid," Hanson said. "It is the mix that makes him so successful."

"He's really steady," Christiansen said. "No-nonsense. He is blessed with a fair amount of talent and makes the most of it."

Bentti is also known for the intangibles he brings to the position.

"He's cool, calm and collected," Palmer offensive lineman Nick Pilch said. "He's a leader."

This season Bentti is trying to lead the Moose to their first state championship in eight seasons.

When the Palmer coaches compare Bentti to Palmer quarterbacks in the past, it is Jared Hahn, the signal caller who led the Moose to their last state crown, who Bentti draws the most comparison too.

"As far as leadership goes, he is right up there with Jared Hahn," Christiansen said. "[Jared] wasn't a big guy and we never asked him to lower his shoulder and run. Charlie is like another running back out there. Our offense was different then, but both quarterbacks ran the offense very well."

Hanson agreed.

"By far those kids have been our best quarterbacks," Hanson said. "It is interesting, they are so similar in demeanor and both have great support from their families."

When all-conference and all-state ballots are filled out in October, Bentti will have to compete against the likes of more flashy, passing quarterbacks such as Lathrop's Brock Graziadi.

"Charlie's recognition will come with winning," Hanson said.

If Bentti is able to lead Palmer to their second state crown in less than a decade and become the first Valley team to win a state football title since the Moose won in 1995, Palmer's signal caller might cap off his three-year crown with not only a state title, but a place on the All-State team.