Friday’s game went well against the Mt. Diablo Devils. Both teams came out strong at the beginning of the first quarter with Mt. Diablo tying the game on their first drive and stopping Acalanes on their next drive. After that though, the Dons defense accelerated against the Devils, with the Dons defense getting sacks, interceptions (INT), tackles for loss (TFL), and causing fumbles throughout the night. It was clear that the whole team, including Captains Niko White (WR), Deonte Littlejohn (DE/RB), Drew McKenzie (OL/DL), and Andrew Tresser (OL), were full of energy. 1 out of every 2 plays resulted in a 1st down for the Dons, and six players contributed to the points scored.
On offense, sophomore Tyler Winkles (QB) started again and had another exceptional performance. He only played the first 3 quarters and completed 15 of 23 passes for 244 yards, 2 TDs, and had one carry for 7 yards. Junior Wyatt Zawadski (QB) played the fourth quarter and completed 9 of 10 passes for 74 yards and 1 TD. The OL did not give up any sacks all game.
The Dons rushed for 163 yards and 4 TDs. Senior Austin Wampler (RB) had 6 carries for 43 yards and 1 TD and also caught a pass for 25 yards. Junior Deonte Littlejohn (DL/RB) had 11 carries for 115 yards and 3 TDs. The first TD he rushed for and obtained a first down 3 times in a row without being stopped before making it into the end zone. Another he literally carried half of the Mt. Diablo defense on his back while picking up another 12 yards. He also battled it out throughout the game on defense making a few significant back field stops (TFL).
Dons receivers caught 21 passes for 296 yards and 3 TDs. Senior Niko White (WR) shined again as he led the team with 8 catches for 144 yards, including a 72-yd TD catch from Tyler. Junior Grant Ricker (WR) caught 3 passes for 64 yards and a TD. Junior Andrew Upp (WR) also caught a TD pass.
On defense, senior Bethel Imasuen (DE) (who is new to the US from the UK and never played a down of football before, only rugby) had a huge sack for a loss of 9-yards to stop Mt. Diablo on a 4th down and force turning over the ball. He had 1 solo tackle, 4 Asst tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack for -9 yards and 2 batted balls at the line of scrimmage to disrupt Mt. Diablo’s passing game. He was featured on the Boosters Instagram page with the updated slogan Fear the Brit!
Sophomore Finley Rivera played a great game on all sides of the ball with 2 interceptions, 3 receptions, 3 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles and a kickoff return. Other lead tacklers for the game included senior Drew Hansen (DB) with 3 solo tackles, 5 assisted and 1 TFL, senior David Roux (LB), 3 solo, 4 assisted, 2 TFL, 1 hurry (forcing the QB to throw early), and 1 pass deflected (PD), senior Wyatt Cooper (LB), 8 assisted, and 1 PD, and senior Brady Wall (LB) with 2 solo, 4 assisted, 2 TFL, and 1 PD.
Given the lopsided victories in the first two games, the Dons have gotten many players game action. This should help prepare them for Friday’s visiting team, the Galena Grizzlies from Reno, Nevada who are whispered to be a hard team to beat. Last season the Grizzlies were second in league (5A Division III Northern) with a record of 7-6. The team is currently 2-2 and coming off a loss with rival Reno Huskies after 9 consecutive losses against the team. Galena’s defense kept the pressure in the game with 5 sacks and several players with 9 or more tackles. The win will be significant for both teams, so the pressure is on.
Kick off against Galena will be at 7pm, Friday the 13th, with an all-black theme. Just remember, preparation beats luck.