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Ryan Anderson leads the Mats down field. Photos Gint Federas
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Lamorinda's high school football teams are preparing for DFAL play, which starts Friday.
After a rocky start, Miramonte got back on track Sept. 19, beating Alameda 34-20. The Mats had opened 0-3, dropping games to Pinole Valley (22-33), Saint Mary's (6-17) and Windsor (27-50).
"We're just young and inexperienced," said head coach Jack Schram. "The good thing is we were in every game. In the first two games we had potential game-tying touchdowns dropped in the fourth quarter."
But with junior Ryan Anderson growing more confident as the Mats' starting quarterback, glimpses of what-could-be have not escaped Schram.
"When we put drives together, we look great, as good as last year's team," Schram said. "But we have to get more consistent in everything we do, and build on it."
The Mats host Alhambra on Friday.
Campolindo has gotten off to a 4-0 start despite head coach Kevin Macy's preseason concerns. The Cougars have looked sharp, taking down Heritage (56-31), Menlo-Atherton (35-3), Washington (49-7) and Napa (52-27).
Campo's past success has largely depended on their ability to move the ball through the air, but with so many question marks in the offensive line and at receiver, Macy was worried about how his team would fair coming out of the gate. However, those concerns have been mitigated as his team hasn't disappointed.
"We knew what Tyler Petite was going to do [at tight end], but it's been the other kids, Caleb Whalen and Max Flower, at wide receiver positions that have been key," he said.
The make-shift offensive line has played well since getting Ryan Geisreiter back from mononucleosis. The strong play from Sterling Strother and Chase Abbott has helped as well. Jack Stephen's flourishing under center, and this team looks every bit as strong as those of past years.
The Cougars look to continue their winning ways as they visit Dublin on Friday.
Acalanes has done exactly what head coach Mike Ivankovich wanted them to do- open the year strong. The Dons own a 3-1 record so far, notching wins over Castro Valley (49-21), Encinal (44-15), and Tennyson (47-33), after their lone, two-point loss to Antioch (30-28) to start the year.
"Our defense has improved significantly," said Ivankovich. "But we haven't faced the pass-heavy teams we'll see in the league, so we'll definitely get tested."
As Ivankovich predicted, the Dons' offense, led by quarterback Casey Harrington, has been superb, averaging 42 points per game through their first four games.
"Offensively, we've been really dynamic," said Ivankovich. "[Moving forward] we're hoping to maintain that balance, establish the run game early, and continue to build on what we've been doing defensively."
The Dons have a bye this week and open DFAL play at Alhambra on October 3.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA