In a classic high school football showdown, the Acalanes Dons triumphed over the Miramonte Matadors with a hard-fought 35-28 victory on Friday night. This win marks Acalanes’ sixth consecutive victory against Miramonte, improving their record to 7-2 under head coach Floyd Burnsed over the past nine years, and 12-9 in their last 21 meetings.
The game began with a jolt as Acalanes turned the ball over on just their second play, setting the stage for an intense battle. However, defensive standout Brady Wall (#41) quickly turned the tide, tackling and forcing a fumble for Miramonte’s Charlie Wang (#1), which was recovered by Jack Cooney (#58). This crucial play underscored Acalanes’ resilience and ability to respond under pressure.
The Dons faced another setback in the third quarter when running back Tyler Kim (#2) suffered an injury on his 14th carry. Kim is the third running back to be injured on the Dons’ team this season. In a remarkable display of adaptability, backup tight end Josh Elerts (#89) was moved to running back and delivered a phenomenal performance, rushing for 107 yards on 14 carries and scoring two touchdowns. This type of contribution from a player in an unfamiliar role is rare and speaks volumes about Elerts’ determination and skill.
The Acalanes offense showcased balance, combining for 325 total yards—151 passing and 174 rushing. Quarterback Tyler Winkles (#6) connected on 10 of 16 passes for 151 yards and threw two touchdown passes, including a 51-yard strike to Rivera (#13). Winkles’ performance was instrumental, despite having two additional touchdown passes nullified by penalties.
The special teams unit also shone, with Santi Vignoles (#42) maintaining his perfect PAT streak over the last two seasons, now 75 for 75. Additionally, David Roux (#23) blocked a punt, further contributing to the Dons’ success.
Defensively, Acalanes was led by Wall, who not only forced a fumble but also tallied six solo tackles. Cooney and McKenzie combined for multiple sacks and tackles for loss, putting pressure on the Miramonte offense throughout the game.
On the other side, Miramonte’s Blair was a standout performer, accounting for a staggering 395 total yards—357 through the air on 19 completions. He efficiently spread the ball among six receivers, with Jack Quinnild (#7) emerging as the top target, hauling in four catches for 152 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown.
Despite the loss, Miramonte’s offense proved formidable, racking up 434 total yards, yet they fell short in a nail-biting finish. Acalanes scored on five of their 14 possessions, showcasing their ability to capitalize on critical opportunities, even as they faced challenges.
Scoring Summary
**Acalanes:**
– 1st Quarter: Winkles 37-yard TD pass to White
– 2nd Quarter: Kim 7-yard rushing TD
– 3rd Quarter: Elerts 2-yard rushing TD
– 4th Quarter: Winkles 51-yard TD pass to Rivera
– 4th Quarter: Elerts 1-yard rushing TD
**Final Score: Acalanes 35, Miramonte 28**
**All-Purpose Yards:** Acalanes 414, Miramonte 434
**Time of Possession:** Acalanes 20:18, Miramonte 27:42
This thrilling match showcased the heart and determination of high school football, leaving fans eager for the upcoming games. As the season progresses, the Dons will look to build on this victory. The Dons are now ranked #1 in their league. With rival games ahead and multiple players recovering from injuries, the threat to their championship hopes cannot be ignored. However, with standout performances from players like Elerts and Wall, Acalanes is proving the depth of talent on their team and the passion they have for the game. They are poised to make a strong statement as they aim for playoff contention.
