The Acalanes Dons Freshman Football team took their undefeated record down to the Dons of Amador Valley on Saturday, unfortunately, they left that record there. Coming up short in a 22-20 loss.

The Freshman Team came out fast on Saturday, which is what they have done all season! Quarterback Jake Boselli hit Wide Receiver Paul Kuhner for a 38 yard Touchdown on their first possession, the 2 point conversion was successful! With only 3 minutes taken off the clock the Acalanes Don’s were up 8-0. Amador Valley, who’s mascot is also a Don, then took the remainder of the 1st Quarter to run down the field for their own touchdown and 2 point conversion. 8-8.

The time of possession became critically important in the contest. Acalanes Freshman Dons struck fast (they are not a grind the clock type offense team) where the Dons of Amador Valley like to use that clock. Quarterback Jake Boselli was 4 of 8 passing for 81 yards and a touchdown, and alternate quarterback Sully Bailey went 1 for 2 passing for 41 yards and a touchdown. Bailey came in on the Dons second possession and hit Wide Receiver, Ace Reeder, in stride for a 41 yard touchdown! The ensuing 2 point conversion attempt failed. and that was the difference in the ball game.

Right before Halftime, Ace Reeder stepped in front of a pass Amador Valley pass attempt for an interception that he returned 87 yards for a pick 6! That 2 point conversion also failed, which again was the difference. .

Scoreboard at halftime was 20-8 for Acalanes. The Acalanes Dons were confident going into the 3rd quarter, problem was by the time they got the ball, there was only about 1:20 seconds left in the quarter. Amador Valley took the entire 3rd quarter to score a touchdown, they held the ball for 30 of the 40 minute contest. It is hard to score when you don’t have the ball. I was not a fan of the Amador Valley game plan either, one of their players made up 65% of their offense, and another player made up the remainder. Everyone else was their to support them, I guess.

At the end of the 3rd quarter the score was Acalanes 20  and Amador Valley 16. When our side finally got the ball back, we started a drive and then faced a 4th down play that we did not covert. Amador Valley took the ball back, and they ground down the clock with a go ahead touchdown, 22-20 for the Dons of Amador Valley. With 2 minutes remaining in the game, no problem with our high powered strike fast offense, we can get things done quickly. On the first play of the drive Quarterback Jake Boselli dropped back to pass, yet he had to scramble to avoid some pressure, and was about to throw a deep ball to a wide open Acalanes Receiver, when an Amador Valley player knocked the ball out of his hand and recovered the fumble. Amador Valley ball again, and then the Dons of AV took a knee to run out the clock…game over… heart breaker for our Dons.

From a defensive perspective the team played great. Outside Linebacker Jack Giorgianni had a monster game with 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, including 3 tackles for a loss of yards! Inside Linebacker Gavin Bender recorded 5 solo and 7 assisted tackles, while Defensive Back Mason Zirkel had a great outing with 4 solo and 5 assisted tackles. The Acalanes defense is a very disciplined squad and did not record a single penalty during this game.

The Freshman Dons are back in action for their final game of the season on Saturday, at home vs. California High School – Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm