A day after their fantastic win over Berean Christian, the Flag Football Dons learned that they won a 3-team tie-breaker and would be playing in the DAL Championships. So much for the season being over as expected. And, congratulations, against #1 seed Northgate. Worry? Not these Lady Dons.
In a closely contested game against the #14 NCS ranked Broncos, who defeated the Dons earlier this season (twice), grit and determination were on full display. Ines Coynes and Leila Hamidi led the team in tackles and stifled the explosive Bronco offense. Avery DeMent, true to form at Benicia High School’s field, intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD, while Maya Shoenhair had 7 receptions for 64 yards, Isabelle Agnost ran for 63 yards and Hana Chelemedos went 16-22 for 122 yards surgically impairing the Broncos defense.
These and other great efforts still left the team down 7-12 with 1 minute remaining and with a 4th down at the Bronco 10 yard line. Leslie Trowbridge snapped the ball to Hana Chelemedos, the defense attacked and Hana launched a ball over the top to Mira Clark who, like her uncle Dwight Clark (kidding), leaped high and caught the ball in the end zone for a TD and 13-12 lead. The Broncos tried to charge back, but were intercepted by Eloise Greeson in a game-ender, Steph Curry style night-night for the Broncos.
The Dons had a tougher time in the afternoon game against Clayton Valley, but finished 2nd in the Diablo Valley Championship tournament, capping off a great season for the young Dons.
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On Sunday the team gathered in the PAC to celebrate an incredible season. The coaches acknowledge the individual accomplishments of every player and the players acknowledged and thanked the incredible coaching staff of Mike Ivankovich, Joe Escobar, Tom Shoenhair, Vic Silva and role model/coach Erin Wong, easily the best coaching staff in the business.
A few awards were bestowed:
Captains Awards to the senior captains and leaders: Romi Avrahami and Haley and Hana Chelemedos
Most Improved Player Award to: June Natal
Coach’s Award to: Noelle Dobies, and
Definition of a Don award to: Hana Chelemedos
An awesome Sunday!
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The sun had not quite set on the Don’s season. The league’s coaches met Monday night to vote on all-league honorees and seven Dons were honored:
Maya Shoenhair–1st Team Offense (to go along with her defensive honors last year)
Avery DeMent–1st Team Defense
Ines Coyne–1st Team Defense
Hana Chelemedos–2nd Team Offense
Leila Hamidi–2nd Team Defense
Isabelle Agnost & Malory DeCredico–Honorable Mention
An incredible year for the Lady Dons, who finished ranked in the top 25 in the North Coast Section. While graduating some top talent and senior leaders, the Dons are flush with returning players who will undoubtedly see incredible success. If you aren’t playing, get out there, you’re missing the fastest growing high school sport in the county!