Acalanes Football Locked In for Friday Night Clash with Archbishop Mitty
The lights go on. The crowd shows up. And the Acalanes Dons are ready to handle business. The 2025 football season kicks off in style this Friday at 7 PM as the Dons host Archbishop Mitty in what promises to be a physical, high-level matchup between two well-coached, battle-tested programs. And if you think this is just another Week 1 game…think again.
Acalanes Isn’t Just Back—They Never Left
Last season, the Dons put together a commanding campaign that culminated in the 2024 NCS championship, an achievement that spoke volumes about the team’s depth, drive, and discipline. Although the journey ended one step shy of a CIF NorCal Regional title in a hard-fought loss to Carmel, that setback didn’t derail the program’s momentum. If anything, it fueled it. The disappointment didn’t fracture the group’s resolve…it forged it. This year’s squad hasn’t merely regrouped…it has reloaded with purpose. With a core of seasoned veterans returning to the field and a surge of emerging talent stepping confidently into the spotlight, Acalanes enters the new season not just looking to add to the win column but aiming to raise the bar entirely.
When the Dons Attack, There’s Nowhere to Hide
Let’s talk personnel. The Dons return a roster stacked with field generals and game-breakers at every level. Tyler Winkles brings a quarterback’s arm like a cannon, paired with sharp decision-making and a cool command under pressure. On the ground, Josh Elert runs with the brute force of a freight train and the low-center drive of a bulldozer, tough to stop and even harder to contain. And when the game opens up, Finley Rivera becomes a predator in open space—fast, instinctive, and lethal. Like a Great White shark, once you see ‘The Fin’, it’s already too late. This trio doesn’t just move the ball; they take over games.
Defensively, the names are familiar and fearsome. Deonte Littlejohn brings relentless physicality x 1000, Tommy Terhar is a sideline-to-sideline force with instincts to match, and Carson Wellington hits like he’s trying to make the turf feel it. In the trenches, Defensive Tackle Adam Caicedo anchors the line with raw power and presence. Colleges are already taking notice, and opposing offenses might think twice before looking his way. This unit doesn’t just stop plays. It sets a tone.
The O-Line! The battle for every yard starts here, and with this crew, Acalanes isn’t just fighting; they’re rewriting the rules. The offensive line anchored by Santi Trejo-Chanelo, Joey Martin, and Liam Crinnion moves like a well-oiled machine, churning out power and precision to carve open running lanes and push defenders off the field. Bryce Birdsong and Kyle Sanftner operate as a two-man demolition crew, breaking through resistance and turning tough yardage into game-changing gains. When this line steps on the field, they don’t just open space; they command it.
Ones to Watch, Impossible to Stop
Watch closely…these playmakers are lighting up practice and shaking up the lineup. River Lockwood, Illias Kaplanes-Jones, and Grant Ricker aren’t just fast, they’re explosive, with instincts sharp enough to turn any play into a highlight. And don’t overlook underclassmen Danny Dunne, Jackson Boselli, and Grant Condy; they’re stepping onto the scene with quiet confidence and the drive to dominate. This isn’t just talent; it’s a force ready to explode. These are the ones to watch.
USA Night: One Town. One Team. Our House.
As the season kicks off this Friday under the Friday Night Lights, big ups to the real MVPs…our students, fans, and parents holding it down and staying ‘loyal to the soil’. Y’all bring the noise, the vibes, and the spirit that turns this place into a fortress. On USA Night, let’s crank that energy to max, shake the stands, and remind everyone why this crowd’s the loudest, proudest, and straight-up unbeatable! Say it…Fear the Blue!
Mitty’s Tough, but Acalanes is Tougher
Sure, first-night jitters can creep in, but the Dons don’t just face them…they thrive on them. Archbishop Mitty arrives with all the hallmarks of WCAL football: grit, size, and a well-earned reputation for grinding out every hard-fought yard. But Acalanes counters with something equally formidable: a tight-knit team built on cohesion, unshakable confidence, and a program tempered by the heat of playoff battles. When the Dons control the line of scrimmage and unleash their athletes to play fast, free, and fearless, this Friday night won’t just be a game…it’ll be a statement. No Pity for Mitty! Let’s Go Dons!
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