Thursday, September 8th was a big game for the Acalanes Freshman Don’s football team. It was their debut home game, and on top of that the triple digit heat forced a night game, which meant the freshman got to play under the lights; an honor normally reserved for varsity teams. But the Varsity Dons were happy to share their field and welcomed the Freshman with a roaring tunnel, getting the team pumped and helping to shake the nerves of the spotlight. The Frosh responded in kind by showing promise during warmups.
That promise would threaten the Freedom High Falcon’s defense pretty early on, as the Don’s gained 70 yards in their first 3 plays, forcing Freedom to call their first time out at the 10-yard line with 8:07 on the clock. What the fans hoped would result in the teams first touchdown, resulted in a fumble for the Don’s turning the ball over to the Falcons. But they couldn’t get past the Don’s defense at the 5-yard line and make the first down. The Don’s would again advance in 3 plays, this time into the endzone with #15 Deonte Littlejohn gaining 24-yards on the punt return, and Don’s QB Branson Smith (#8) completing a 24-yard pass to WR Grant Ricker (#18) for a 6-0 lead.
Smith and Ricker must’ve figured out the formula because their chemistry was on point Thursday night. The two produced a total of 230 yards and 4 touchdowns to make both Don’s coaches and science teachers boast. Littlejohn also made it into the end zone for 6pts, as well as 2-point conversions by Smith, #29 Cody Michlitsch, and #84 Gavin Dodge.
The game had its sour moments too though with an array of penalties, costing the Don’s 85 penalty yards, and 2 negated touchdowns, including a 95-yard sprint by Littlejohn. Regardless of the challenges, Freshman parents excitedly chattered about how the team has gotten stronger and smarter every week. The team’s penalties and turnovers have decreased every game, from 6 turnovers in the 1st half against Amador on September 1st, to just 2 this game, closing in on the national average. And the defense is clearly getting stronger and learning to work together to wrestle down their opponents if necessary.
Acalanes defensive line had 26 assisted tackles, 28 solo tackles, and 5 sacks. Notably #88 Ryder Reinhart with 5 tackles, along with #2 Matthew Schwarz, #11 Carson Wellington, #15 Deonte Littlejohn, #29 Cody Michlitsch, #46 Mason Briones, #51 Joey Martin, #58 Adam Caicedo, #64 Henry Dreyer, #68 Jacob Stephen, and #87 Christopher Copeland with an epic final sack to the Falcon’s QB in the 4th quarter. The defense would not allow any 2-point conversions throughout the game, and #76 Santiago Trejo blocked the Falcon’s only attempt at a point after kick!
Coach Bill Hansen clearly has his hands full of potential with this bunch. After the game he admitted “it takes a few games for freshman players to realize that they can do it,” and “this week a lot lights went off.” Adding, “I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few weeks.” If there’s any truth to the exponential growth that the Don parents are praising, it’s likely that “Fear the Blue” is less about what the team has done in the past, and more about what’s coming next.
The Dons play on the road on Thursday, Sept 15 against the Redwood Giants. TIMBER!!! Here Come the Dons!
For more information on player and team stats check https://www.maxpreps.com and see how the Freshman Don’s compare nationally.
Frosh Articles are written by a team of Frosh parents. Thank you to Akilah Jones for this week’s article. We are Family!