In a game marred by spotty rain showers, the Dons picked up their eighth win on the year with a 26-9 victory over the Marauders of Mira Mesa. The Dons continue to win like they have won all year long, with staunch play on defense and an offense that can make plays from anywhere on the field.
The wet weather certainly played a factor early in the game with both teams going three and out on their first possessions. The Dons first score, in fact, didn’t come until the second quarter after an interception from senior defensive back Patrick Downing. The play set up a one-yard touchdown run from senior JJ Stavola who walked in untouched. The extra point by Christian Fanning was no good, making it a 6-0 game.
The Dons found plenty of success rushing the passer in this game, and really all year long. This game, it was senior defensive lineman Jake Terzoli who was able to shed his blocks and get into the backfield, but seniors Casey Palid, Lucas Zender, and junior Taylor Esoldi have all been able to get after the quarterback this year.
After a Mira Mesa punt pinned the Dons inside the five yard line, it seemed that the Dons were content to just get some breathing room for Brian Heinz to punt it away. But instead, JJ Stavola busted out a 96 yard run with the help of some great blocking all the way to the Marauder four yard line. JJ finished the job by again taking the ball into the endzone untouched for another one yard touchdown to make it a 13-0 game.
JJ had another phenomenal game filling in for the injured Tony Johnson, ending the night with 176 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns.
On the following Mira Mesa drive, a long pass by quarterback Dominc Richardson was intercepted again, this time by senior defensive back Kale Evans. The turnover set up a 47 yard touchdown throw from Garrett Bogart to senior running back Riley Sanchez, who dropped a sure touchdown throw earlier in the game. The extra point by Christian Fanning was missed again to make it a 19-0 game.
The Dons fumbled on their following possession, giving Mira Mesa great field position. The defense held the Marauders to only a field goal, however, to make it a 19-3 game. The Dons also fumbled later in the game, setting up the Marauders only other score, a nine yard run from backup quarterback Trey Lomax.
The loss gives Mira Mesa a 4-4-1 overall record heading into their final regular season game against Scripps Ranch. The Dons improve to 8-1 and remain undefeated in league play. But the biggest test is yet to come for the Dons as next week they host their undefeated rivals the Saints of St. Augustine’s. The Saints, led by senior quarterback Joe Kennedy, are coming off a 41-7 victory over Lincoln High School.
The game, being played at Manchester Stadium next Friday, will be the first time these two have played since the Dons fell to the Saints 28-21 in last year’s regular season finale.