The Dons traveled to Walnut Creek on a brisk, Fall Friday evening to take on their second consecutive undefeated league opponent in the last two weeks. The Las Lomas Knights were 8-0 after beating Campo 45-42 the previous week. Both teams were 4-0 in league play entering the contest. The stage was set for an epic battle.
Acalanes usually relies on their high flying passing game for success, but this game featured an opportunistic Dons defense and an inspired running game, led by their outstanding front line of Henry Hagel, JD Orear, Andrew Tresser, Brady Morrow, Trevor Carrillo, and Drew McKenzie. The big boys wore the Knights down and led the way for Dons runners to gain over 200 yards rushing.
“The Jack Attack” carried the rock like champions throughout the game. Jack Miller started at running back and generated 99 yards on 14 carries. Jack Giorgianni finished at running back and added 84 rugged yards on 12 carries, including a 17 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. After the game Giorgianni was quoted in the San Jose Mercury saying, “They couldn’t freaking stop us!”
The defense was relentless! After giving up some early yardage to the talented Las Lomas Sophomore passer, they flipped the script in the second half. Paul Kuhner (10 tackles), Jack Giorgianni (10 tackles), Everett Glass (9 tackles) and Wyatt Cooper (6 tackles) were all over the field.
Drew McKenzie went both ways, recording a sack on defense and a key hustle play to run down a Knight’s defender heading to the end zone after an Acalanes fumble in the second half.
The difference in the game came down to three key turnovers. The first was a clutch interception in the end zone by Gavin Bender as time was expiring in the first half to preserve a 14-7 lead at halftime.
The second was another timely interception, this time by cornerback Trevor Rogers to stop a failed Knights drive. The final interception sealed the deal! Defensive back Jake Boselli intercepted an overthrown pass and returned it 52 yards for a “Pick 6” that gave the Dons a 34-14 lead and clinched the game! Down goes Las Lomas!
Offensively Niko White had another outstanding game, with 5 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. Paul Kuhner added a touchdown catch and Trevor Rodgers had 4 grabs for 41 yards. The Dons look forward to the return of injured wide receivers Henry Souza and Mason Zirkel this week against Campo. Quarterback Sully Bailey led the offense to four scores without a turnover.
On special teams, Kirin Foster has 3 aggressive tackles on kick coverage and Jake Boselli went 4-5 on extra points to complete another all around performance.
The Dons have clinched at least a share of the Diablo Foothill League Championship with their sixth consecutive victory. It’s time to finish the deal on Friday night in Lafayette against the Campolindo Cougars at home for Senior Night and the final league game of the season.
As Macklemore would say, “This is the moment. Tonight is the night, we’ll fight til it’s over, so we put our hands up, like the ceiling can’t hold us! Like the ceiling can’t hold us!!” Beat Campo!!!
