The Dons continued their brutal non league season with a Friday night tilt against powerhouse San Ramon Valley High School and their host of future D1 college athletes. The stands were packed on both sides. SRV loyalists clearly traveled well.
The Wolves started with the ball and engineered a methodical drive down the field with a skillful mix of short passes and strong runs to take a 7-0 lead. The Dons got the ball and mixed in a few successful passes of their own to wide receivers Trevor Rodgers, Niko White and Mason Zirkel from quarterback Sully Bailey. Center Henry Hagel and the offensive line opened up a nice hole up the middle for running back Jack Giorgianni to power through for a 4 yard touchdown that tied the game at 7-7.
The Wolves marched down the field for another score and the track meet was on! Unfortunately the Dons went turnover, punt, turnover on their next three possessions to dig a hole for the boys in blue. San Ramon Valley extended their lead to 31-14 before the clock expired in the first half.
Wide Receiver Henry Souza had an outstanding game, catching two touchdown passes from Sully Bailey. That’s three so far for Henry in this young season. Trevor Rodgers also had a strong game with 13 receptions, but he and Bailey were not able to hook up on the deep ball, with a couple of near misses along the way just off the fingertips.
Unfortunately, standout wide receiver/safety/kick returner Paul Kuhner and outstanding defensive back Gavin Bender were both injured in the first half and unable to play in the second half. Fortunately we expect to see of them back in time for the beginning of the league season.
Ethan Pancoast and Varsity newcomer David Gonzales jumped in at DB for the Dons. Kiran Foster replaced Kuhner on defense and made several tackles and nice defensive plays. Junior Linebacker Wyatt Cooper also got some playing time in the second half and made an extremely athletic interception in the 4th Quarter to end a San Ramon drive.
Colin Malmquist, Everett Glass and Jack Giorgianni led the team with 7 tackles a piece and Kiran Foster, Paul Kuhner and Brady Morrow each had 6 tackles for the Don’s defense.
When it was all said and the done, the San Ramon Valley Wolves prevailed 44-21.
The tough early schedule continues on Friday at Acalanes against another powerful school, Amador Valley. Amador beat Campo 6-0 on Friday, so buckle up Don’s fans. It’s always darkest before the dawn. LET’S GO BLUE! LET’S GO DONS!!!