Football Player of the Week

With one District 5A-12 game remaining, the Ida Baker Bulldogs (4-4, 2-1 district) are in the thick of the playoff race for the first time. They’ll need a victory over North Fort Myers Friday night to stay in contention.
It’s a situation many of the players, particularly the upperclassmen, are enjoying.
“It feels good,” senior Rafaelito Palazzolo said. “We know we have another tough game coming up. We just have to stay focused and come out playing hard.”
Palazzolo did his part in helping the Bulldogs secure their most recent win, a 17-0 victory over Mariner last Friday.
The Daily Breeze Football Player of the Week gained 118 yards rushing on 22 carries.
In a new twist, Palazzolo, a fullback, took several snaps from the shotgun, a formation referred to as the “Wild Dog.” He saw more carries compared to his customary role as more of a conventional fullback and took advantage.
Palazzolo (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) gained 51 yards on the opening drive of the game, which led to a touchdown, and continued to hammer out tough yards throughout the game. He added a 50-yard run late in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs were trying to run out the clock.
It was a huge win for the Bulldogs, who had lost three straight prior to a bye week, and needed a win for confidence and to remain in the district race.
“The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for us,” Palazzolo said. “We know the district games are the most important and this gave us a boost.”
Originally from Boston, Palazzolo moved to Cape Coral during his eighth-grade year. He’s in his third season with the Bulldogs.
Coach Brian Conn credited him with bringing a hard-nosed style of play to the team. Palazzolo said he approaches the game that way.
“I always try to come out aggressive,” he said, “hard running and being physical at linebacker.”
Honorable mentions:
Aaron Lynch, sophomore, Island Coast: Lynch racked up 6 1/2 sacks in the Gators’ 47-14 win over Moore Haven.
Brian Justice, senior, Cape Coral: The defensive end made 14 tackles in the Seahawks’ 37-30 win over Hardee County.