Palla Brothers Enjoying Success

MONTICELLO — Ben Palla’s been waiting four years for a game this big.
After finishing last season winless, not many people thought Palla would ever play in an important October game. But all of that’s changed with undefeated No. 4 Tolono Unity hosting Monticello, who’s a surprising 5-1, tonight.
“It’s a statement game,” the Monticello quarterback said. “Any top 10 team is going to have a target on its back. It’s their game to lose and our game to win.
“We need to come out and prove to everyone that we belong.”
That’s the attitude Palla and the rest of the seniors developed once Cully Welter took over the program after the Sages’ 0-9 2008 season. Immediately, Welter knew he had to change the approach to day-to-day obligations.
“It’s a matter of becoming more intense and building confidence,” said Welter, who’s won three state championships. “We’re trying to work hard all the time so when adversity strikes during the season, we’re ready.”
Monticello’s built plenty of confidence as the team is on pace for its best season in seven years, including wins against Meridian (3-3) and Central A&M (4-2). The Sages are also receiving seven votes in the latest Associated Press poll.
Emerging from the stellar start has been Palla, who leads the area in every passing category. He’s racked up 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns with a 58 percent completion rate.
“The offense is just more consistent,” said Palla, who’s also thrown five interceptions. “Last year, we had big plays and put points on the board, but we didn’t do it consistently. This year, coach’s expectations have grown with ours and we expect each play to go well.”
In the past, Monticello’s offense has centered on running the ball, but Welter wants balance. The option of establishing the run or the pass each game has allowed Palla to take advantage of his talent at wide receiver.
“Throughout the summer in 7-on-7, I thought our skill guys could stack up really well,” Welter said. “It was a matter of protecting the quarterback and we have been able to do that.”
Monticello’s big-play combination sends the Palla family into a frenzy as it’s Ben throwing to his brother Matt. Through six games, Matt has 21 catches, seven of which are for touchdowns.
“Matt’s great because I know when I put the ball in his hands only 5 yards down the field, he can break it open for 65 yards,” Ben said. “I know a lot of my success depends on what he does after I get him the ball, so I am thankful to have him out there.
“It’s really fun to have Palla to Palla out there.”
There’s been the typical brotherly fighting through the years, but Matt, who’s a junior, loves having his brother at QB.
“On the field it’s a lot of fun,” Matt said. “We both depend on each other a lot.”
The two will need each other tonight against Tolono (6-0, 2-0) in a conference game that could decide the Okaw Valley championship. Considering Tolono is coming off a 32-14 win against powerhouse No. 9 St. Teresa, the Pallas know things won’t come easy.
“Seeing them beat St. T (5-1, 1-1) was kind of threatening,” Matt said. “But if everybody plays hard, we can have a good game against them and it should be interesting.”

Published in the Herald & Review in October 2009.