The Acalanes Dons kicked off their 2025 football season with a commanding 33–12 victory over Archbishop Mitty in front of a lively home crowd on Friday night. The win was a result of a well-rounded team effort that saw strong contributions on offense, defense, and special teams, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Junior quarterback Tyler Winkles led the offense with a poised and efficient performance, demonstrating his ability to manage the game and distribute the ball effectively. Winkles showed a calm demeanor under pressure and made smart decisions throughout the night, consistently finding his receivers and avoiding costly mistakes. His connection with wide receiver Finley Rivera was particularly impressive, as Rivera posted a career-high 158 receiving yards along with a touchdown, making several explosive plays that kept the defense off balance. Running back Josh Elerts also played a key role in the offense, rushing for tough yards and scoring two touchdowns, proving to be a reliable weapon in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

The offensive line was the unsung hero of the night, playing a dominant role in both pass protection and run blocking. Their physicality and discipline at the line of scrimmage allowed the Dons to sustain long drives and control the tempo of the game, wearing down the defense as the night progressed.

On the defensive side of the ball, Acalanes displayed a relentless and disciplined effort. The defensive front, led by the explosive edge rusher Deonte Littlejohn, constantly pressured the opposing quarterback and disrupted the offensive rhythm. Littlejohn’s ability to penetrate the backfield forced hurried throws and limited the run game.

In the defensive backfield, players like Grant Ricker contributed with smart, disciplined coverage and strong tackling, limiting big-play potentials with a few interceptions. Ricker also made contributions on offense as a reliable receiver, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

Acalanes’ well-rounded performance, highlighted by strong leadership, execution, and team cohesion, was evident throughout the game. The Dons executed their game plan with precision on both sides of the ball and demonstrated resilience and focus until the final whistle.

With the victory, Acalanes improves to 1–0 on the season and will prepare for an important home game on Friday, September 5th @ 7pm against Menlo-Atherton.  Fear the Blue.

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