The North Coast Section playoffs began in earnest across the Bay Area on Tuesday night highlighted by the match up between the #2 seed Acalanes Dons and the #15 seed Montgomery Vikings from Santa Rosa.  The game started fast for the Dons who did not let up until the final whistle blew.  

Montgomery started with the ball but the Dons forced a quick 3 and out, highlighted by stellar linebacker Stella Beuchotte seemingly pulling every flag on the field.  Prime Time June Natal fielded the punt at her own 30 and returned it to midfield to set up the offense with great starting field position.  The Dons quickly established their running game with the swift legs of dual threat quarterback Ines Coyne and sophomore sensation Isabelle Agnost.  After an option right for 10 and a Coyne scramble for 4 more the Dons were on the move.  Montgomery held firm for a couple of plays and then on a crucial 4th and 1 from the Montgomery 21 yard line, Coyne pitched to Agnost who lit up the right side of the field and out raced the defense to the endzone for her first touchdown of the night.  The PAT was no good and the Dons were out to a quick 6-0 lead.  Montgomery struck back on their ensuing possession.  After a few quick passes, the Vikings quarterback launched a deep pass down the right side line.  Two leaping Acalanes defenders just missed the interception and the Viking receiver was able to make the catch and race 40 yards into the endzone for the touchdown.  On the crucial go-ahead extra point, Beuchotte made a great flag pull at the one yard line to keep the score tied at 6-6.  The next Acalanes’ drive was highlighted by more chunk yardage on the ground from Agnost and a nice pass to receiver Giovanna Rocha for 10.  The Dons were quickly back in the redzone and threatening.  On second and goal from the 10 yard line, Coyne fired a strike to wide receiver Maya Shoenhair who snagged the pass for the touchdown.  Coyne ran in the point after and the Dons were up 13-6.  The next defensive series for the Dons saw Rusher Stella Mason get a big sack and Prime Time Natal knock down the first of many passes over the course of the game.  The Vikings reached into their bag of tricks and ran a hook and ladder play that earned them a big first down.   The first quarter came to an end with the Dons holding on to a tenuous 13 – 6 lead.  

After several more completions the Vikings were in the redzone and threatening to start the second quarter. On 3rd and goal Natal knocked down another pass to force 4th down.  On 4th and goal Beuchotte’s hot start continued as she made a leaping interception of the Viking QBs pass at the 6 yard line to end the scoring threat.  Backed up against their own goal line the offense had to gain yards and quick.  Coyne fired a pass to Shoenhair on third down for 15 yards to give the Dons some breathing room.  On the next play, the offense would get all the breathing room they needed.  Coyne handed off to Agnost who turned the corner around the left edge and raced 40 yards down the sideline before a stumbling safety pulled her flag.  On the next play, Coyne hit Shoenhair for 9 yards to get to the 10 yard line.  On 2nd and goal from the 10 yard line, Coyne pitched to Agnost around the left edge for the 10 yards score, Agnost’s second touchdown of the night.  The point after was no good and the score was now 19-6.  On the Vikings next possession, Prime Time Natal continued her domination in the secondary, intercepting a pass with a 15 yard runback for good measure.  The offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover, ultimately falling short on a 4th and goal from the 2 yard line.  With the Vikings now backed up against their goal line the secondary continued their strangle hold on the Montgomery receivers.  Natal knocked down another pass  and then Coyne, showing her skills on both sides of the ball, intercepted the Viking pass deep in Montgomery territory but again, the offense could not capitalize and the half ended with the Dons leading the Vikings 19-6.

The Dons received the ball coming out of the half and the legs of Coyne and Agnost were again put on display.  Coyne scrambled for 15 and then Agnost, on a direct snap, curved and served through the Viking defense before turning on the jets for a 40 plus yard touchdown, her third of the night.  The point after was no good and the Don’s lead was extended to 25-6.  On Montgomery’s next possession, Beuchotte continued to terrorize the Viking offense.  Beuchotte made a leaping interception and this time she raced into the endzone for the 20 yard pick 6.  Coyne ran in the point after and the score was now Dons 32 Montgomery 6.  The rout was on and the Dons could not be stopped….and neither could Beuchotte.  On the very next possession Beuchotte almost did it again.  Another pick, another amazing run back.  This time she was stopped at the 15 yard line.  Coyne took over and handed off to the senior speedster Julia Munter who carried the ball down to the 6.  On the next play, Coyne scrambled into the endzone for the touchdown, added the PAT for good measure and the lead was up to 39-6.  On the Vikings next possession, inspired by Beuchotte’s leaping interceptions, defensive back Leah Roth decided to make one of her own.  The offense was unable to capitalize and turned the ball over to the Vikings who were now stuck at their own 1 yard line.  Beuchotte made them pay with a nice flag pull at the one inch line and the Vikings were eventually forced to punt.  The third quarter came to an end with the Dons comfortably in front 39 to 6.  

The Dons started the 4th quarter deep in Viking territory and Coyne made them pay.  Coyne fired a pass to receiver Eloise Greeson for a 12 yard touchdown.  Munter zigged and zagged for the PAT and the score was now 46 to 6.  The defense was relentless.  On Montgomery’s next possession, Addison Mandell had a huge sack that led to another punt.  With Beuchotte now in at quarterback, the Dons marched right back into the redzone.  On 4th and 8, Beuchotte rolled to her left and lofted a beautiful pass to receiver Mira Clark who snagged the ball and raced the final 10 yards into the endzone.  The PAT was no good and the score was now 52 to 6.  The game ended with who else, Prime Time Natal making an interception and running the ball back deep into Viking territory.  The Dons took a knee to close out the game.

With the win the Dons advanced to the NCS quarterfinals against….that team from Moraga.  Kickoff is 6 pm Thursday at Acalanes.  Go Dons!