On a hot Wednesday evening, the Acalanes JV squad welcomed College Park for what promised to be a heavyweight league showdown. The Dons entered the matchup with a stingy defense that had allowed just seven points in their first five games.
Acalanes wasted no time. On the Dons opening drive, Maria Sakaguti and Daphne Hwang got the offense started downfield with tough, determined runs. Then came a spark: Ivana Adolphson hit Norah Taylor on a sharp 17‑yard catch‑and‑run, setting up first and goal. The Dons pushed to the 1‑yard line, but College Park’s defense held firm, denying the early score.
The first half turned into a showcase for the Acalanes defense. Dheliya Guiro, quickly becoming one of the most reliable stoppers on the roster, racked up seven flag pulls before halftime. College Park mounted a long drive of their own, reaching first and goal, but the Dons slammed the door shut with clutch pulls from Guiro, Eva Collision, Emi Tippett, and Amber Qin. On their 3rd drive though College Park broke through with under two minutes left, sending Acalanes into halftime trailing 0–6.
The second half exploded immediately. On just the second play, Zoey Schweifler turned on the jets, slicing through the defense for a 59‑yard touchdown, boosted by well placed blocking from her teammates. Tie game, 6–6.
College Park answered however with another score, nudging ahead 12–6, but the Dons refused to fold. Two drives later, Margaret Stirling showcased her speed and agility, bursting free for a 66‑yard touchdown. Deadlocked again, 12–12.
The tension held for most of the fourth quarter until a College Park interception shifted momentum. College Park capitalized with a late touchdown, pulling ahead 19–12. Acalanes fought to the final whistle, earning two more possessions, but couldn’t quite find the end zone.
Other standout performances of the game included Daphne Hwang with four flag pulls, Ximena Espinosa Angel with three pulls, and Amber Qin, who recorded the only sack of the game. On offense, Norah Taylor led the receiving corps with three catches, followed by center Bristow McSorley with two.
The Dons now turn the page quickly — traveling to Las Lomas on Monday for another competitive league matchup before returning home Wednesday to host Northgate.
