VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — When it comes to putting the team on your back for the win, it doesn’t get much better than what Max Palmerton did in Cox’s win over Salem Friday night.

Palmerton, a senior quarterback/middle linebacker, recorded 169 yards and five rushing touchdowns, including one 47-yard QB keeper that helped put the game on ice.

“I just saw the red seas part and did a spin to protect the ball,” Palmerton said. “It was a big one because they were making a run.”

Palmerton played 92 snaps during the Salem game as quarterback, middle linebacker, and kick holder. Falcons head coach Tyler Noe said that he knows how much blood, sweat and tears Palmerton has put into his high school career and knows he will be a model for future Falcons to look toward for years to come.

“We all knew he was exhausted, but there was no way he was coming out of the game,” Noe said. “… He has changed the trajectory of this program.”

The Falcons will look to move to 8-1 on the season when they take on Princess Anne Friday. Palmerton and the rest of the football team’s senior class will look to become the first class in Cox’s history with three eight-win seasons.