UPDATE: In a thrilling season opener on September 7, 2023, Palisades High School triumphed over Harvard-Westlake with a nail-biting score of 37-34. The standout of the night was junior wide receiver Demare Dezeurn, who electrified fans with four touchdown catches, cementing his status as one of California’s rising stars on the football field.
Dezeurn, who previously showcased his speed as a top sprinter, demonstrated his athletic prowess by catching a total of 13 passes for 202 yards. His remarkable performance included touchdowns of 16, 20, 44, and 15 yards. “Four TDs said a lot and I’m proud of myself,” he stated. His last touchdown, he revealed, was particularly memorable as it required him to break multiple tackles to secure the win.
Palisades needed every point as Harvard-Westlake mounted a fierce comeback. The Wolverines narrowed the gap to just three points with a two-yard touchdown run from Auggie Sone, marking his third score of the game, with only 1:12 left on the clock. However, Palisades recovered the ensuing onside kick and managed to run out the clock, sealing their victory.
Quarterback Jack Thomas, last year’s Western League player of the year, continued his impressive form from the previous season. He threw for a staggering 378 yards and five touchdowns, including a pivotal 55-yard connection to King Demethris that restored Palisades’ lead at 25-20.
“We’re just getting started,” Dezeurn remarked about his burgeoning partnership with Thomas. Their chemistry could potentially make them the most formidable quarterback-receiver duo in the City Section. “Knowing how good he is pushes me to be better,” he added, hinting at the high expectations for the season ahead.
As scouts and fans alike take notice, the pressure is on for Dezeurn to prove himself not only as a top receiver but also as a dual-sport athlete. With his track record in the 100-meter dash—where he placed third at the CIF state track and field finals—the rising star is determined to silence the doubters and show that he can excel in both sports.
With this captivating performance, Palisades has set the stage for an exciting season, and all eyes will be on Dezeurn and Thomas as they aim to continue their winning streak. As the season progresses, keep an eye on how this dynamic duo will evolve and what records they might break in the process.