In a thrilling showdown on the night after Halloween with rain creating a slippery field and ball that made passing almost impossible, the Acalanes Varsity football team beat rival Campo for the first time since 2019. Leading up to the battle, the Freshman team beat Campo 50-10. Although hopes were high for a Dons sweep across all levels—a feat never achieved in this rivalry—the Cougars’ JV squad won 36-14.
Varsity Game Highlights
Acalanes finished the night with an impressive 341 yards (207 rushing, 134 passing) compared to Campolindo’s 235. QB Tyler Winkles (#6) was a dual threat, rushing for 42 yards and scoring two touchdowns, one of which was a critical 4th-and-4 conversion late in the game. He completed 7 of 14 passes for 134 yards, highlighted by a stunning 59-yard touchdown pass to senior Niko White (#18). Winkles’ performance earned him the MaxPrep Player of the Game accolade. With the rainy conditions, the Dons leaned heavily on their ground game. Josh Elerts (#89) who transitioned to running back just recently, proved his worth with 29 carries for 183 yards, showing remarkable composure and strength especially in such challenging conditions.
On the defensive side, Finley Rivera emerged as a game-changer, recording two interceptions, including a crucial pick with just 2:35 left in the game that halted a promising Cougar drive from the 7-yard line. His defensive presence was felt throughout, with several key tackles that stifled Campolindo’s momentum. Other key players on defense included Drew McKenzie (#62) with 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, and a fumble recovery and Deonte Littlejohn (#46) with 2 solo tackles and 4 assists. David Roux (#23), who was around the ball every play, no matter where the ball is on the field, also added to the Dons’ efforts with 1 solo tackle and 8 assists.
The Dons roster also welcomed back a few players from injuries, including cornerback Brody Darin (#0) and wide receiver JB Frolich (#89), who caught a 22-yard pass early in the game.
For Campolindo, QB Reid Habas (#10) completed 7 of 19 passes for 52 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Cougars rushed 33 times for 183 yards, led by Micah Parker (#26).
A New Era for Acalanes
As the final whistle blew and the Dons fans began to run on the field, it was clear that Acalanes has solidified its presence as a force in the league. The win also clinched at least a share of the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division title, positioning the Dons for their first unshared league crown since 1981 if they achieve a victory over Las Lomas this coming Friday.
