Dons Hold Off Mats to Stay in Title Hunt

The Dons held off Miramonte and their high-powered offense 17-14 on Friday night to remain in the hunt for a share of the league title.   

Miramonte got their Homecoming Night fans feeling good early, jumping out to a 7-0 lead following a 5-yard TD run by their outstanding senior quarterback Matt Meredith.

Brady Huchingson got the Dons on the board in the 2nd quarter with an 8-yard TD run, but Meredith gave the Mats the halftime lead with a 20-yard TD pass to receiver Tanner Zwahlen.

The Acalanes defense stepped up and shut out the Mats in the second half enabling the Dons to secure the win with two second half scores: a 33-yd field goal by Hunter Ridley in the third quarter and a 15-yard TD reception by Jack Muren in the fourth.

Jack Muren with a juggling reception.

Senior linebacker Mike O’Donnell was outstanding all night, recording eight solo tackles and assisting on five.  O’Donnell had two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss and caused a Miramonte fumble. 

Mike O’Donnell with a tackle.

The entire Dons defense stepped up, tallying 5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss against the quick Miramonte offensive backfield, with 16 different players recording tackles.  Notable standouts were juniors Niko Cortessis, Graham Oh and Joey Carillo who each had multiple tackles and big plays, and senior Tommy Thrasher who had 10 total tackles.

Ryan Tresser taking down the Mats’ Reed Callister

Junior Dane Jenssen had a strong game at running back, with 77 yards on 14 carries.

Additional game photos are available here:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/3ujRDdcmDu6niJo16

The Dons (7-2) host Alhambra on Friday night at 7:00.  The Senior Night ceremony will take place right before the Varsity game at approximately 6:30.