The JV Flag Football Dons hit the road this week, rolling into Ygnacio Valley and Clayton Valley — and rolling out with two strong wins powered by lockdown defense and big‑play offense.
Monday at Ygnacio Valley
The Dons opened on defense and immediately set the tone. Dheliya Guiro, Maria Sakaguti, Daphne Hwang, and Amber Qin shut down YV’s first drive with blocks and flag pulls.
Although Acalanes reached first‑and‑goal twice, a tight YV defense and a few slippery receiver hands kept the first quarter scoreless. The breakthrough came on the third drive when quarterback Grace Natal hit Nina Salazar for a 13‑yard touchdown, followed by an extra‑point run from Daphne Hwang. Dons led 7–0 at halftime.
A defensive stand and an interception by Grace Natal sparked the next scoring burst. Daphne Hwang delivered a 26‑yard catch‑and‑run from quarterback Ivana Adolphson, then broke loose again for a 19‑yard touchdown run. Eva Collison added the extra point for a 14–0 lead.
The Dons kept the pressure on with strong gains from Ximena Espinosa’s rushing yards and Bristow McSorley’s receiving yards, ultimately setting up a 5‑yard TD run by Espinosa and an extra‑point grab by Giuliana Bishop. Guiro sealed the 21–0 victory with an interception on the final play, finishing with five flag pulls. Clara Sargent added three pulls, and Kaylee Clayton had two.
Wednesday at Clayton Valley
The Dons entered the match with two previous losses to the Ugly Eagles in jamboree and tournament play — but this time the script flipped. Acalanes snagged an impressive four interceptions, including two by team interception leader Margaret Stirling, one by Hwang, and one by Morgan “Monster” McIlvaine. Guiro added four flag pulls and two blocks, Sargent tallied three more pulls, and Leah Andres contributed two.
The offense wasted no time. Hwang scored on the opening drive and added the extra point. Later in the half, Zoey Schweifler powered in another touchdown for a 13–0 lead.
Clayton Valley fought back with a second‑half score, but the Dons held firm to secure the 13–6 win.
Up Next! The Dons stay on the road Monday as they take on Benicia.
