LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Lamorinda Football Primed for DFAL


Junior quarterback Ross Anderson (9) hands the ball off to senior running back John Coupin (33). The Mats defeated Liberty 33-0 last Friday." Photo David DeSilva

With only one loss between them in preseason play, the trio of Lamorinda football teams begin their Diablo Foothill Athletic League (DFAL) seasons with winning records and high hopes. Here's a recap of their previous games as well as a look into the first DFAL action of the season.

Miramonte:

After finishing last season with a 6-7 overall (2-4 DFAL) record, the Matadors are primed to reverse last year's disappointment and have begun the new year with a 4-0 start. After defeating Analy and Fortuna 21-7 and 35-21, respectively, Miramonte went on to crush Mission San Jose 62-0 and Liberty 33-0. The Matadors open DFAL play Friday at Acalanes. The Dons have won four of the last six meetings between the two schools. Players, coaches, and administrators from both schools will wear pink at the game, which is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Students are encouraged to wear pink as well.

Campolindo:

The Cougars also finished with a losing overall record (5-6, 3-3 DFAL) last year, but, like the Matadors, have started this year in fine fashion with a perfect 4-0 record. They defeated Albany 21-6 on September 3 to begin the season and then went on to defeat Mt. Eden 35-14. Their first league game is Friday at Dougherty Valley and comes after 34-13 and 49-18 wins over El Cerrito and Oakland, respectively.

Acalanes:

The Dons' attempt to start the season 4-0 for the first time in over 15 years was squashed by Healdsburg, who defeated Acalanes 44-13 last Friday. Nevertheless, the team still possesses a positive 3-1 record going into league play, which begins Friday at home against local rivals Miramonte. The Dons, who finished with a 5-6 overall (4-2 DFAL) record last year, will look to build on solid performances against Ygnacio Valley, who they defeated 9-0, Hayward 10-6, and San Marin 21-0, as the team only allowed six points in its first three games of the season.

The Miramonte High School Football team sponsored a local youth sports night Friday, September 24, 2010 at the game against Liberty. Youth who wore their team jerseys (OYA, OBA, MOL, and CYO sports participants along with swim club members) were admitted free to the game when they were accompanied by a paying adult. The football team was available to meet the young fans after the game. "We are hoping that the community at large will come out and support our team this season," said the Miramonte Football team marketing parent Stephanie McConnell.