Receiver Martel Palmer brings big-play dimension to Penn Hills offense

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Penn Hills junior Martel Palmer’s two timely touchdowns in Week Zero likely didn’t catch many of the spectators at Yuhas-McGinley off guard. At least one person standing on the sidelines certainly didn’t blink an eye at the development.

Indians football coach Charles Morris, who is Palmer’s cousin, knows what is expected from their family.

“That’s my little cousin. I expect it,” Morris said. “I expect him to do that. He knows our family. He knows we run a tight ship and our expectations are extremely high. I expect nothing less from him.”

Those splash plays Palmer contributed played a major part in swinging the momentum, several times, in Penn Hills’ 33-20 win over Seneca Valley.

Palmer said that he didn’t talk to Morris too often about playing in college. Morris played collegiately at Edinboro. What the two discuss now is how to approach the game.

“We compare things as far as the different styles of playing,” Palmer said. “He tells me that he had a lot of aggression when he was playing, so I’m trying to match his energy.”

Morris, who took over the Penn Hills program last season and has been coaching at the high school level for 15 years, said he had a new experience when Palmer was on the roster last season. Morris had never before coached any family.

“It’s actually rewarding to see him be successful,” Morris said. “I’m excited for him to be successful. I think how hard my family and I push him to be great. You got a chance to see that tonight.”

Palmer scored two touchdowns against Seneca Valley that were turning points in the game. With Penn Hills ahead 6-0 and kicking off to start the second quarter, the Indians forced a Raiders fumble and recovered.

On the next play, Julian Dugger threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Palmer, who had gotten by his defender for an easy score.

Later in the second quarter, Seneca Valley had cut the lead to 20-10 following a 35-field goal from Jacob Adams.

Adams put air under the ensuing kick and Palmer fielded it on the 30-yard line. With De’Andre Cochran laying out a Raiders’ special teamer to clear the way, Palmer raced to the end zone.

“I’m looking for any small opening and the whole right side of the field happened to be open,” Palmer said. “I just finished the run.”

Palmer finished with 65 receiving yards in the win over Seneca Valley. After missing out on the playoffs last season, Palmer believes Morris and the Indians are back on the right track.

“It was a challenge at first,” Palmer said. “Last year was his first year here. We worked things out and everything is going great. He’s running the team great and is disciplining us very well.”

Tags: Penn Hills