When the final whistle blew Friday night, one thing was crystal clear: Acalanes isn’t just a contender, they are the team to beat this season. Marching into the battle with Campolindo undefeated and untouchable, the Dons didn’t just win, they dominated, adding a commanding 45-28 victory to their flawless resume.
This wasn’t your average Friday night game. It was a battle of titans, a clash of two undefeated Bay Area powerhouses ranked among the elite top 10 by the Bay Area News Group. And from the opening kickoff, Acalanes made a thunderous statement: they came to play, to conquer, and to claim their rightful place at the top.
Campolindo fought, but the Dons’ deadly cocktail of poise, precision, and raw power, amplified by a roaring home crowd, was simply unstoppable. This victory marks the third straight over Campo, a clear signal that the balance of power in Lamorinda has decisively shifted. The Dons aren’t just edging out the competition; they’re commanding the field with the swagger of a team on a mission.
At the heart of this juggernaut stands the phenomenal dual-threat quarterback, Tyler Winkles. The kid was nothing short of electric, slicing through the Cougar defense with 174 passing yards, 125 rushing yards, and a total of four touchdowns. Holy Moly! His opening score set the tone, and an electrifying 80-yard touchdown dash to open the second half left the Blue crowd buzzing and the Cougars gasping for air. Deonte Littlejohn, Josh Elerts, Jackson Boselli, and Cody Mitchlitsch all had their hands on that ball, moving it down the line like clockwork. Pause for a moment, folks. That Dons O-line, listen, we know it’s not Thanksgiving yet, but we are grateful. Grateful for the O-line grit, the grind, and caged the Cougs on offense all game long. Keep feasting, big fellas!
Dons Scoring by Quarters
The Dons came out firing in the first quarter, with quarterback Winkles leading the charge. He opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, showing off his versatility early and setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance. In the second quarter, the ground game continued to shine as LittleJohn powered into the end zone for a rushing touchdown, extending the lead. Shortly after, Winkles connected with Rivera for a receiving touchdown, showcasing the Dons’ balanced attack through the air. Finn’s playmaking ability was on full display all night.
The third quarter saw Winkles strike again on the ground, picking up his second rushing touchdown of the game. His dual-threat ability kept the defense guessing and the chains moving. Winkles finished with 199 passing yards, effectively spreading the ball and keeping Acalanes in control.
In the fourth quarter, the story didn’t end there. Finn Rivera is a human highlight reel in motion. From hauling in a 22-yard TD pass to snagging a game-changing interception, then turning around and blazing a 97-yard kickoff return for yet another jaw-dropping score, Rivera wasn’t just on the field; he was taking over. Wowza! The scoring wrapped up with Elerts powering in for a rushing touchdown, sealing the Dons’ commanding win. The offense was firing on all cylinders. Elerts carried the load on the ground with 26 tough carries for 100 yards, while Deonte added 83 yards on 12 carries, giving the Dons a powerful one-two punch in the backfield. In the air, Boselli was the go-to target, hauling in 4 catches for 120 yards and consistently stretching the field. It was a complete team effort, relentless, physical, and fast. The Dons weren’t just playing; they were putting on a show.
Defense Digs In
Defensively, the Dons were rock solid. Led by senior Grant Ricker, the unit shut down Campolindo’s offense early, forcing a critical interception that halted the Cougars’ opening drive. Though Campolindo battled back to tie the game at 7, Acalanes’ relentless pressure and explosive offense surged ahead to a commanding 28-7 halftime lead, a gap the Cougars simply couldn’t close. No offense stands a chance when the wall of Blue comes crashing in, just check the scoreboard. The Acalanes wrecking crew was on full display last night. A relentless force led by Adam Caicedo, Grant Condy, Littlejohn, and Bryce Birdsong turned the field into a no-go zone. This wasn’t just defense… this was the Dons doing what they do best: shutting it all down!
Now standing tall at 8-0, with a flawless 2-0 league start, Acalanes isn’t just chasing wins; they’re playing for their teammates, their families, their community, and Amin. Friday’s game was more than a victory; it was a declaration. This Dons squad has the talent, the heart, and the unstoppable drive to rule the Bay Area…and beyond. So, who just yelled “Fear the Blue!” loud and proud? The Dons did. And if you haven’t noticed yet, the message is loud, clear, and impossible to ignore. One more time…Fear the Blue!
What is next…It’s the Halloween Bowl.
The Dons may have a bye week, but that means the storm is gathering. On October 31, Acalanes isn’t handing out candy; they’re handing out a few tackles, sacks, and interceptions to the Ugly Eagles. It’s Trick and BEAT Night! It’s the Halloween Bowl. It’s National Fear the Blue Day. And it’s a league showdown under the lights at our house vs. Clayton Valley. Whether you’re a student, alum, or Lafayette local, there’s only one place to be this Halloween (insert scary laugh here!). Under the lights. Senior Night. Bringing the Fear.
