Acalanes @ College Park, Sept 18

Our JV Dons traveled to Pleasant Hill to face the College Park Falcons, in their league opener, and came away with a 22-28 victory, but not without some exciting late game action. So you will need to read on to get to the good part!

Let’s start with the defense, because as Coach Bear Bryant says, “defense wins championships”. And first, let’s talk about the line, because they are this author’s favorite. The big men up front kept the Falcons scoreless until the 4th quarter (we will get to that, but you will need to read on). Restless pressure on the QB coming from starters to finishers. Graham Welton (55), Grady Branagh (67), Will Siamas (88), Joe Wilson (45), Matei Bolata (62), Otto Soblik (83) and Santiago Fleix (10) all did their parts to break down the Falcons offensive plan. Grady Branagh (67) also had a key fumble recovery.

The mid & backfields also did their bit on defense. Owen Blanchard (12) flew through the Falcons line for an impressive sack. Alec Schwartz (4), Mason Anderson (19) and Brennan Visnick (23) all had crucial pass knock downs. And so many tackles. Tackle leaders on the night were Joaquin Bordi (26), Mason Andersen (19) and Dax Vail (33). Also getting in on the tackles: Graham Welton (55), Pedro Sakaguit (28), Macro Long (16), Alec Schwartz (4), Trey Roberts (11), Jake O’Brien (13), Joe Wilson (45), Matei Bolata (62) and Rocco Ottobre (80).

The special teams were especially good on the night. The kicking by Pedro Sakaguti (57) was flawless, including two successful extra point kicks. Graham Welton (55) grazed a punt with his big paw, sending the ball on a wayward trajectory. And the play of the game, Will Siamas (88) blocked a punt, which was recovered by Joe Wilson (45) resulting in a touch down!

Offense of course lit it up. QB Colton Whalen-Schlosser (9) hit his top three targets, Max Volpian (7), Trey Roberts (11) and Mason Andersen (19) on multiple passes. Max Volpian (7) was the top receiver on the night catching 20 and 25 yard passes from Whalen-Schlosser (9). He ended his night with two touchdowns, one of those being the game winner in the 4th. I promise I will get to the exciting 4th quarter, just so much phenomenal football to get through.

The running game delivered as well. Joaquin Bordi (26) was the lead rusher on the day. He logged a 53 yard run, two touchdowns and a two point conversion. Not a bad showing. Dax Vail (33) had four carriers, Whalen-Schlosser (9) had 3 keepers. Miles Moore (25), Brayden Hattersley (2) and Nate Lederman (6) all got in the ground action as well.

The 4th quarter took a sharp “Falcons turn”, and they hustled their way to a 22-21 lead over our Dons. But with time still on the clock, the Dons were not done. Whalen-Schlosser (9) threw a 10 yard dime to his top target Max Volpian (7), but with the defender well positioned. It looked as if Max said, “oh sorry, that was meant for me”, he reached over the defender, pulling the ball down successfully in the end zone for 6! Kicker Pedro Sakaguti (57) came in to add one. The score now stands 22-28, Dons. But with 19 seconds left on the clock there was still work to be done. Dax Vail (33) had a key tackle on the kick off, leaving the Falcons in poor field position. The Falcons went for it, the final attempt included a lateral, but the Don’s defensive squad held. The Falcons ultimately fumbled, and Don’s defensive end, Joe Wilson (45) recovered the fumble, and time ran out for the Falcons.