Article 251: Palma 'Powers' up

September 16, 2011

In video games, the protagonist is often chasing mushrooms or getting magical stars to power up his skill level. In high school, football teams often look for their junior varsity squads to reload the varsity team. In the case of the Palma Chieftains, they are literally powering up with 2013 defensive end Jack Powers.

At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, Powers is a force at the line as he also can run the 40 yard dash in 5.0 seconds, bench press 250 pounds, and squat 400 pounds. The junior has been a starter since his sophomore year when he helped Palma to a 13-1-1 record. As a sophomore, Powers recorded 71 tackles, 5 fumble recoveries, 7 deflected passes, 6 sacks, 1 blocked punt, and 1 interception that earned him 2nd team all TCAL, TCAL sophomore of the year, and first team all-state defensive team.

Palma Coach Jeff Carnazzo says, "Jack has great size and athleticism. He is a hard worker and is a team leader. He also shows great toughness. Jack plays hard on every play and is the key to our defense. He is our Rush end and plays equally well against the pass and the run."

Powers models his game after 49er Justin Smith because he is huge and physical, but has enough finesse to be a rushing threat. Powers is used as an outside rush that stops the run but also puts pressure on quarterbacks.

Powers sports a 3.50 GPA as English is his best subject and he is undecided on his major. He wants to play for a great coach at a great program where he can showcase his skills. He is open in his geography and is looking for a solid academic program.

Coach Carnazzo adds, "Jack is a great leader on and off the field. He is a very good student and a great person. Jack is a definite Division 1 prospect. The sky is the limit for Jack and he is only a junior. As long as he continues to dedicate himself he will be able to excel at any level."

Powers was raised in an Irish Catholic home and considers family to be important as he has seven siblings. His immediate goals for his football team are to win TCAL, CCS, and then state.

Powers also has started on the varsity basketball team since his freshman year and has been to a CCS championship and a CCs semifinal game in his first two years. Last year, he was named TCAL first team All League and Monterey Herald first team all county. Despite his success in basketball, his main focus is on football.

This defensive end should be pin balling off of opposing offensive lines into the quarterback. Palma to "Powers" up in its journey to a deep postseason run in Salinas, California for the next two years. Then watch for Powers to level up to the college gridiron in the fall of 2013.