Kaitlin McGee – Girls Varsity Soccer Captain

Kevin Huber – Boys Varsity Basketball Captain

On a frigid Thursday night, the Dons emerged from the mist to show Las Lomas a mediocre game. Their efforts weren’t enough to secure a win against one of the top teams in the DFAL.

Acalanes began the game with the ball, but quickly turned it over to the Knights. The Knights capitalized on the Dons failure to execute offensively with a touchdown. They quickly scored again and were controlling the game 14-0. The Dons then recaptured the momentum by scoring a touchdown, and making it a one possession game.

The Dons came out of halftime poised for victory, but soon realized their goal was unobtainable. Las Lomas started the half strong with a scoring drive, and they never looked back. At the end of the third quarter, senior Carson Gardner punched in a touchdown, and after a blocked extra point the score was 21-13.

Las Lomas added insult to injury with two more scores and ended the game with a 35-13 victory.

The Dons loss on senior night officially knocked them out of NCS contention and ended their 2011 season.

-Blueprint Staff Writer Jack DeVeny

The Dons entered the North Coast Section (NCS) semifinals against DFAL rival and league champion, Miramonte, looking to make there second straight NCS championship. Unfortunately Acalanes fell short in an intense, back and forth game, 6-5.

The Dons struck first with a counter attack goal from senior Andrew Schnugg. Sophomore Jack Hillman broke a 1-1 tie with a goal of his own. The Matadors responded forcefully with back to back goals 45 seconds apart. Miramonte took a 3-2 lead into halftime.
The third quarter started slowly with both defense’s controlling the game. Junior Connor Reid scored a goal with 2:36 left in the third quarter to tie the game at three.

Defense and goal tending dominated the first three quarters but the fourth quarter was all offense. Senior Connor Mattox and Reid scored goals but Miramonte matched them to tie the score at 5 a piece. With 2:47 left in the fourth quarter Schnugg fouled Miramonte star Charlie Wisner. Wisner took advantage of his 5 meter shot and scored what ultimately became the deciding goal. Acalanes had two more scoring chances hitting the goal post twice but the Matadors were able to fend off the Dons.

-Blueprint Sports Editor Stephen Wemple

The Dons and the Wildcats faced off on Wednesday, October 20th, in honor of supporting a cure for breast cancer. After the Acalanes freshman and junior varsity teams handily beat their Dougherty Valley opponents, the pressure was on for varsity to maintain the momentum.

Each of the teams sported pink t-shirts with phrases such as “cancer sucks”, “dig for a cure”, and “fight like a girl” to show their support and team spirit . Prior to the game, head coach Steve Siegmann gave a heart warming speech and took a moment to give respect to breast cancer victims, patients, and survivors and encourage the spectators to make donations at the door. The first game began but the Lady Dons quickly fell behind by five points start and Dougherty Valley continued to play strong through the first game. Despite numerous kills by senior Tianna Roy and a few spot-on passes from junior Brooke Aiello, the Dons could not pull through. The first game finished with a score of 15 to 25 in the Wildcats favor, leaving Acalanes players and spectators dazed and confused.

Disappointed by the first game, the girls were sure they could play better and show their true potential. Although determined, the Lady Dons failed to come out strong and remained two points or more behind the Wildcats until the end of game two. The Wildcats only needed one point to win but the Dons weren’t going to give up so quickly. They showed their heart and desire for victory with a six point comeback win. Junior Lisa Carrington and senior Lila Schoenfield scored the last two points with game winning kills putting overall score at one to one.

After securing a win the team appeared to relax which caused them to produce several unforced errors in the two games to come. Siegmann reported that of the one hundred points that Dougherty Valley scored overall, more than seventy of them were errors made by Acalanes. The Dons could not pull through in the final two games and lost the match with Dougherty Valley 3 and Acalanes 1.

“I am really disappointed that we couldn’t get it together and play like I know we can….I think we all had good moments but I think that we couldn’t put it together,” said Carrington. The loss against Dougherty Valley severely lessens the Lady Dons chances of making it to NCS.
“I think that we as a team didn’t connect at all. It was really disappointing that we didn’t win because now in order for us to win in NCS we have to win our upcoming games against Campo and Miramonte which are both going to be very hard teams,” said Aiello.

Natalie Goepel

Just two and a half years after she picked up her first putter, Sophomore Elizabeth Schultz has won the 2011 DFAL Championship. On October 17, Schultz shot a 75, 8 strokes ahead of the second place finisher. Schultz was also named the DFAL’s most valuable golfer for this year. She now turns her focus to the NCS and state tournaments. We had a chance to interview Schultz about her success thus far this season and her goals for the future.

Story: Stephen Wemple, Blueprint Sports Editor

This past Wednesday, (October 12), the Lady Dons water polo team, squared off against their DFAL league rivals, the Campolindo Cougars.
The Lady Dons have already faced the Cougars once this season, in the semifinals of the Acalanes Invitational. Although the Dons fought valiantly, they were unable to defeat the cougars in the Invitational. Despite some questionable reffing, and the absence of a key player, Barbara Lanier, the Lady Dons were clearly outplayed and lost 9-4. Going into the game, coach Misha Buchel was confident with their defensive plan, but aware of the stiff competition that was presented by Campolindo.
“It’s easier to match up with them then some other teams because their best players aren’t post up players, so it’s not like we have to make sure we have a post up defender. We just need to have someone that can swim with them and is fairly quick.” said coach Buchel.

In the beginning of the first quarter, the Cougars took command of the game with a quick 2-0 lead. It was senior Molly Quinn that put the Lady Dons first goal on the board in the later minutes of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Cougars scored another goal that was quickly answered back by Quinn, who capitalized on a man-up opportunity, which is one aspect of the game that coach Buchel said they would need to dominate in if they wished to win the game.
“Tomorrow against Campo, I think we’ll have a lot of six-on-five opportunities, and if we do win that game, it’s going to be because we finished better then we have been doing in the past.” said Buchel.

Unfortunately for the Lady Dons, the Cougars regained their two goal lead as quickly as Quinn had taken it from them and heading into half time the Dons were down 4-2.

Coming out of their half-time talk, the Lady Dons seemed ready to play and junior Megan Dietrich scored twice on the Campolindo goalie, who had been dominant throughout most of the game. While the Lady Dons looked good offensively, they also let in the same amount of goals that they scored, keeping them at a two goal deficit leaving the game at 6-4 in Campolindo’s favor moving into the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Dons appeared to lose some of their fire, and before they knew it the Cougars had jumped ahead by six goals that were scored through their hole set, and a few mental lapses by the Lady Dons.

In the closing seconds of the game, sophomore Chase Lanier got an advantage on a counter attack and scored, putting the Lady Dons five goals behind the Cougars. The game finished out with a score of Campolindo 10 Acalanes 5.

Even though it is a tough time in the season to take a loss to their rivals, the Lady Dons aren’t going to dwell on it and are looking forward into the most important tournament of the year in November, NCS.

“Even though these rival games may label us going into NCS, it is really the games in November that will count.” said Senior Kate Avery.

-Blueprint Staff Writer Tommy Bush

Photo Courtesy David Reiling

League rival, Campolindo came into Dons territory. After a close first quarter the Cougars took the lead, and never looked back.
Both teams played a good first quarter, but then at the beginning of the second quarter Campolindo scored a touchdown. Then after Acalanes failure to execute, the Cougars scored two more touchdowns before the end of the first half.

The second half started 21-0. Campolindo quickly turned the intensity back on, and they scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter.
It was apparent at the start of the 4th quarter that the Dons were in a hole that they would not be able to dig themselves out of. The Cougars then scored again making the score 42-0. Then at the end of the game the Dons finally put up seven points, making the loss a little less painful.

Acalanes was defeated 42-7, and are now 2-4. They are now 0-2 in league play, and it is very clear that the team has many things they need to fix this week. The Dons hope to break their four game losing streak against Alhambra this week in the homecoming game.

-Blueprint Staff Writer Jack DeVeny

On September 30th, the Acalanes Dons played their first in league game against the Miramonte Matadors. They suffered a disappointing loss of 24-14, after trying to come back from a two game losing streak.
The Matadors started the game off strong by forcing the Dons to punt, and then capitalized on a Dons missed field goal with a field goal of their own. Acalanes retaliated with a huge 50 yard run from senior Carson Gardner, who punched it in the next play to give the Dons a 6-3 lead. After an interception by Gardner, the Dons took that 6-3 lead and all the momentum into half time.

It was a whole different game in the second half though. Miramonte started off the second half with a touchdown, and then minutes later they scored again, taking the lead 17-6. Gardner scored his second touchdown of the night, and the ensuing two point attempt was successful.

Just as it appeared the Dons might be taking some momentum back, Miramonte scored a touchdown, making the score 24-14. The Dons fallowed with a promising possession, but an interception thrown by senior Spencer Henderson deflated the Dons for the rest of the game

The Matadors proceeded to run out the clock, and win the game 24-14. With the loss the Dons fll to 2-3 (0-1), but look to come back next week with a victory over another league rival, the Campolindo Cougars (5-0, 1-0).

-Blueprint Staff Writer Jack DeVeny

The Dons fought hard but came up short in the end.  San Marin 13-10 over Acalanes. 

The Dons played a good game on Saturday, September 17 but fell short to San Marin 13-10. Acalanes appeared to be in control throughout the game, but some questionable officiating the Mustangs got a couple extra chances at the end of the game.
It was mostly a defensive game as both offenses struggled to put together successful drives. The Mustangs received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt by a stingy Dons defense. After an unsuccessful Acalanes drive, Junior Tyler Supple intercepted a San Marin pass, putting a halt to another San Marin drive. Seconds later, the Dons threw an interception giving the ball back to the Mustangs and setting them up in Acalanes territory. The Mustangs attempted a field goal but ended up turning the ball over after a botched snap.
Later in the first half San Marin attempted another field goal, and this time there kicker missed wide. The first half ended with neither team having the momentum, and the score being 0-0.
After a long drive to start off the second half, Senior Paul Nork kicked a field goal, putting up the first points of the game.
San Marin answered scoring a touchdown, and took the lead. The Dons worked their way down the field, and Sophomore Peter Mitchell punched in the ball from 5 yards out giving Acalanes the lead 10-7.
San Marin began to march down the field but then were forced to attempt a field goal. After another botched snap the holder tried to throw the ball down field. Senior Spencer Henderson intercepted the pass, and it appeared the Dons were going to be able to run down the clock for the win. Then one of the officials threw a questionable penalty flag, giving the ball back to the Mustangs.
Then Senior Carson Gardner intercepted a pass, and Acalanes believed they were going to win the game, but a referee called another very questionable penalty giving the ball back to San Marin.
San Marin proceeded to score a touchdown and take the lead. Then after a blocked PAT the Dons had a glimmer of hope as they only needed a field goal to tie up the game. Unfortunately, the Dons were unable to get into field goal range before time expired. The Acalanes Dons lost 13- 10, giving them a 2- 1 record.

-Jack DeVeny Blueprint Staff Writer

Lady Dons Earn Bronze in Acalanes Invitational Ladies Varsity Water Polo.

Acalanes hosted the annual Acalanes Invitational women’s Water Polo tournament on September 9 and 10th. The tournament featured an array of teams representing multiple athletic leagues and both the North Coast and Central Coast sections.

The Lady Dons drew a large crowd for their first game of the tournament which, for the first time ever, was held during lunch. Acalanes handled the game of the tournament with relative ease as the team defeated Foothill High School 16-3 .

Acalanes carried the energy from their first game into their next match up against reigning Division I North Coast Section Champions, the Monte Vista Mustangs. Through four quarters of intense play, the Lady Dons were able to squeeze out a 5-4 upset over last years top team in the North Coast Section.

With another win under their belt, the Lady Dons advanced to the semi-finals to face their rivals the Campolindo Cougars. The Dons played a heated and exciting match against the Cougars in last year’s Division II North Coast Section finals but were edged out 8-5 and earned the silver medal.

As pumped up as the Lady Dons were going into the game, they were at a clear disadvantage seeing that one of their top players, senior Barbara Lanier, was out with an injured shoulder. Lanier is regarded as one of the premier players in the North Coast Section, and her loss cleary hindered the Lady Dons’ performance.

In the first quarter, the Dons were able to hang with the Cougars but finished down 3-1 in the Cougar’s favor. Through strong offensive play, led by senior Molly Quinn who scored two goals and earned two ejections, and a good team defense, led by senior Lizzie Newman, the Dons were able cut the lead to 4-2 at half time.

In the third quarter, the Dons began to break apart at the seams. After a series of questionable calls made by the referees, head coach Misha Buchel yelled out in protest and earned a red card, requiring him to leave the pool deck. Campolindo took control of the rest of the game and ultimately beat Acalanes 9-4 to advance to the tournament championship.

Even though the Lady Dons’ hope for gold in the tournament was over, they still had another game to play for third place. At 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, September 10, the Lady Dons played Los Altos Eagles for the third place finish.

The Dons came out of the gate fast in the first quarter, lead once again by Quinn who drew two ejections and a five meter penalty shot. At the end of the first quarter of play, the Dons led Los Altos 2-1 and were able to hold their one goal lead throughout the second quarter, complemented by phenomenal defense from Newman and a goal by Senior Sam Sciacqua. The Lady Dons led 3-2 at half time.

The game was up for grabs going into the fourth quarter with the score tied at 3. Neither team took advantage of their offensive opportunities until the final two seconds of the game. Junior Megan Deitrich caught the ball and fired a shot into the back of the net, giving the Dons a 4-3 victory.

The Lady Dons earned the the bronze medal despite battling injuries of key players. All in all, the Invitational was a success for the team and the entire Lady Dons water polo program.

-Tommy Bush Blueprint Staff Writer

Dons Football Pulls Off Close Victory Over Titans. Acalanes 28-21 over Skyline.

The Acalanes Dons pulled out a close win Friday, September 9th, over the Skyline Titans. After a slow first half and an intimidating lightning storm, Acalanes took over the second half on their way to a 28-21 victory in their first home game of the season.

The Dons took advantage of the Titans unsuccessful opening drive, by capping off their own opening drive with a touchdown run from Sophomore Peter Mitchell. The rest of the first quarter was fairly uneventful, until the end when Skyline put together a successful drive, tying the game at 7 on a touchdown pass from Skyline quarterback Jamaal Mayo.

Minutes later in the second quarter the Titans capitalized on their long drive, scoring a touchdown. It appeared that the teams would enter the half tied, but Skyline had other plans. With 44 seconds left in the quarter the Titans offense scored again. Halftime started with Acalanes- 7, Skyline-14.

When both teams came out of halftime it seemed that Skyline had the upper hand.
Then, about 8 minutes into the third quarter both teams and the fans were ordered to exit the stands due to a lightning storm. About 30 minutes later the teams came back onto the field, and the fans filed back into the stands. Soon enough, though, lightning struck again except this time in a different form. Senior Carson Gardener, who ran for 170 yards on 14 carries, broke multiple tackles on his way to an electrifying, game-tying touchdown run. The Dons were revitalized and, on the ensuing kickoff, recovered a Titan fumble, setting them up with very good field position. Seconds later Sophomore Peter Mitchell ran in his second touchdown of the night, giving the Dons a 21-14 lead.

Tied at 21 at the start of the fourth quarter, The Dons rattled off what proved to be the game winning drive, finished off by a touchdown run by Senior Spencer Henderson. Acalanes fended off the Titans last drive and the Dons finished with a 28-21 victory.

This proved to be a decisive victory for the Dons as Skyline is one of the tougher teams on their schedule. The win gives the Dons a promising 2-0 start and look to carry the momentum from their first two games into next weeks match up against a tough San Marin team.

-Jack DeVeny, Blueprint Staff Writer

Photo: David Reiling

The Acalanes Dons 2011 football season began with a bang on Saturday night, September 3, easily handling the Ygnacio Valley Warriors 49-0. The Dons quickly gained momentum at the start of the game and never looked back.

Only a minute into the game, the Dons forced and recovered a fumble that set them up on their own 9 yard line. About a minute later, junior running back Aaron Edwards ran in the the ball for a touchdown giving the Dons the early lead. Senior Carson Gardner added another touchdown, rushing 21 yards for the score and giving the Dons a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Acalanes put the game away in the second quarter scoring three more touchdowns from three different players. Sophomore Peter Mitchell used his speed to score a 24 yard touchdown. Immediately after, senior Tom Nork recovered an Ygnacio Valley fumble giving the Dons extremely good field position. A couple minutes later sophomore quarterback Robbie Stern connected with senior tight end Drew Gaylord for another touchdown. Acalanes then recovered another loose ball on the ensuing kickoff. With just 32 seconds left in the half, Senior quarterback Spencer Henderson broke multiple tackles and ran into the end zone. The first half ended with an impressive 35-0 lead for the Dons.

Coming out of halftime the Ygnacio Valley Warriors acted like a defeated team. After an uneventful start to the second half, senior running back Joseph Dryer added another Acalanes touchdown with 6:52 left in the third quarter. The Dons tacked on one more touchdown from Junior C.J Ibara, the fifth Don to score on the day.

The game ended with the Dons executing an impressive victory over the Warriors 49-0. The victory is a good way to start off the 2011 Acalanes football season, and hopefully the Dons can carry the momentum in the weeks to come.

-Jack DeVeny, Blueprint Staff Writer