Friday night’s crisp autumn air set the perfect stage as Acalanes’ football closed out Homecoming Week with a thrilling victory over Benicia. The entire week had been filled with spirited events: themed dress-up days, games, competitions, and a school rally, all leading up to Friday night.
The scoring unfolded steadily throughout the game. In the first quarter, Josh Elerts opened the night with a powerful rushing touchdown. The second quarter saw Deonte Littlejohn add his own rushing score before Quarterback Tyler Winkles connected with Receiver Grant Ricker for a touchdown pass, sending the Dons into halftime with a 20-7 lead. Littlejohn wasn’t done in the third quarter, rushing for another touchdown as Acalanes extended their advantage to 28-13. In the fourth quarter, Elerts found the end zone again on the ground, Winkles unleashed a long touchdown bomb to Finn Rivera, and junior right defensive tackle Grant Condy sealed the win with a pick-six. The final scoreboard read 51-25 in favor of Acalanes.
From the opening kickoff, the Dons demonstrated their readiness and focus. Winkles threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns, including deep connections to Finn Rivera and Grant Ricker. Receivers Jackson Boselli and Cody Michlitsch made several big catches to move the ball effectively. Meanwhile, the ground game was equally potent, with Elerts and Littlejohn both making multiple trips to the end zone and controlling the pace. And, that O-line was O-mazing again.
The defensive line doesn’t ask for headlines; they flatten anything in their path. Think freight train at full speed. Think bulldozer with no brakes. That’s the kind of force the Panthers ran into. No flash, no frills, just pure, unstoppable power. They showed up to shut it all down. From the first snap, the Dons’ front line was in demolition mode, collapsing pockets, blowing up plays, and making the backfield feel like a construction zone with no warning signs.
Sophomores Sean Tandler and Kyle Sanfter rattled the Panther cage and let everyone know the future of the Dons is in very good (and very fast) hands. Junior Danny Dunne had a breakout game, delivering three quarterback (repeating that THREE) sacks with the energy of someone who was double-booked with mayhem. “Dunne Deal”…He made his presence known early and never let up. Deonte Littlejohn and Bryce Birdsong brought the pain together * twice* with a pair of picture-perfect combo sacks that looked more like choreography than chaos. Chris Copeland had a busy night and led the way with six tackles, setting the tone with every hit. Adam Caicedo had five tackles and one big one for a loss. Ouch! And Condy? “Grant Theft Auto” High-speed takeaways. No warning. No mercy. Just picks and sixes. Two interceptions, one returned for a DONtastic pick-six on the night. Condy doesn’t cover; he jacks your playbook
Looking Ahead: Dons Ready for a Busy October, November, and Playoffs
Next week, the Dons hit the road for a short trip, less than five miles, to take on Miramonte, who currently hold a 4-2 record. Acalanes remains undefeated at 6-0. When blue meets green, the Dons always steal the scene. Wear Blue!
On October 17, Acalanes returns home to face Campolindo. Last season, the Dons beat the Cougars twice, and now the Cougars are coming to the 94549, our house. Students, family, and fans are invited to Join the BLUEvolution…a call to pack the stands and may the force be with BLUE.
The Halloween Bowl is on October 31, a special night to “Fear the Blue” and celebrate Senior Night. Fans are encouraged to wear black as the Dons take on Clayton Valley.
On November 7, the Dons travel just three miles east to take on Las Lomas, wrapping up league play for the season before heading into the playoffs. Here Come the Dons!
