 | | | Acalanes running back McSwine breaks for a run up the middle Photo Jordan Fong
| | | | | | The Acalanes Dons football team bounced back from a loss against Alhambra to defeat local rivals, the Miramonte Matadors. On Friday, October 23, the Dons took their ground attack to Miramonte for the Matador's homecoming game. After Acalanes led 7-0 at the half, Miramonte was able to tie the game with just over five minutes left; the Matadors looked poised to send the game into overtime. However, the Dons managed another last-second victory, earning a 14-7 win against the Matadors.
This week it was senior Tyler Caldwell's turn to start at quarterback for the Dons. Acalanes head coach Mike Ivankovich stuck with the "if it ain't broke" method in this game. Caldwell played for most of the game, staying with the team's offensive strategy of feeding the ball to star senior running back Bo McSwine.
McSwine carried the ball an astounding 28 times as he racked up 128 rushing yards. Offensively, McSwine always seemed to pick up the first down when Acalanes needed it the most. McSwine also pulled double duty on defense as well. Senior running backs Tyler Malley and Nate Boone relieved McSwine, both with multiple carries on the night.
Both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter, and were on the verge of going scoreless in the half before McSwine ran three yards up the middle for a touchdown with 3:45 to go in the first half.
Acalanes did a great job of pressuring Miramonte sophomore quarterback Ross Anderson all night, but Anderson adjusted well. Anderson was constantly forced out of the pocket, and opted to run the ball rather than throw. The sophomore quarterback looked like a man running amongst boys, as he racked up big gains to keep Miramonte in the game. Anderson totaled 91 rushing yards in his first start at quarterback.
With the help of Anderson, Miramonte was able to tie the game at 7-7 with just under six minutes to play in the fourth quarter on a strong run from senior running back Kevin Paulsen.
In the closing minutes Miramonte had possession and the chance to take the lead, but they were forced to punt from their own red zone. An onside kick by Miramonte gave the Dons a chance instead as they picked up the ball on Miramonte's 40-yard line.
With 28 seconds to play Acalanes went to unfamiliar territory, and took to the air. Caldwell calmly threw a precision strike touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Lucas Levine down the left side line for the go-ahead score. The touchdown pass was only the second pass attempt by Acalanes all night. "When it mattered, we threw it, and they were too tired to stop it," said Caldwell.
Miramonte managed to get to Acalanes' 31 yard line, but Anderson's Hail Mary with six seconds to play was picked off by junior defensive back Trent Baker to end the game. With the 14-7 win, Acalanes moves to 3-1 in league, and Miramonte moves to 1-2 in league play.
"These guys are tough. They're tough. They really wanted to win, just like we did. So, I'm proud of our guys," said Ivankovich.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA