November 2nd 2024.
It was a night of sweet revenge for the Acalanes High School football team, as they celebrated a 21-12 victory over their long-time rival, Campolindo. Amid the pouring rain and cheers from their classmates, senior lineman Jack Manful proudly planted a white flag with the Dons' signature "A" logo into the soggy ground at midfield. It was a moment that Manful and his fellow seniors had been waiting for all year, after suffering a loss to Campolindo the previous season.
As the rain continued to pour down, Acalanes' win also marked their first victory over Campolindo since 2019. For Manful, it was a satisfying moment to finally put the flag down and show their opponents the hard work they had put in all season. The victory also secured at least a share of the Diablo Athletic League Foothill Division title for Acalanes, with the chance to claim their first unshared league crown since 1981 with a win against Las Lomas next week.
But what made the win even sweeter was the fact that it happened on Campolindo's senior night. Head coach Floyd Burnsed couldn't help but admit that it felt extra special to come out on top against their rivals on such an important night. The team's emotions were running high as they celebrated their hard-earned victory.
Last year's game had been a heartbreaker for Acalanes, as Campolindo had come back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to snatch the win away from them. And with just under three minutes left in this year's game, the Cougars were once again threatening to make a comeback. But sophomore defensive back Finley Rivera had other plans, intercepting a tipped pass in the end zone to seal the victory for Acalanes. It was his second interception of the night and a moment he described as "amazing."
The game had been a tough one for Acalanes' usually potent offense, with the heavy rain making it difficult to throw the ball. Instead, they relied on running back Josh Elerts and his impressive 182 rushing yards to keep their attack on track. Burnsed admitted that the slippery ball had made it challenging to execute their usual passing game, but they were able to adapt and come out on top.
For senior wideout Niko White, it was a particularly special game. Not only did he contribute to the team's tripled lead with two touchdown runs, but he also had a 59-yard catch-and-run touchdown early in the first quarter. It was a moment that he was able to share with former teammate and current Cal wideout Trevor Rogers, who was watching from the stands. White believes that this team has the heart and determination to achieve more than just a league title, setting their sights on a repeat state championship.
On the other side, Campolindo was left disappointed with the loss, which dropped their record to 4-5 and 1-2 in league play. Head coach Kevin Macy acknowledged the strength of Acalanes' team and the challenge they faced, especially with a loaded Acalanes team this year. Their focus now turns to next week's game against Miramonte, where they will be playing for their playoff spot.
For Acalanes' junior linebacker Deonte Littlejohn, the elusive unshared league title is still far from guaranteed, with a tough opponent in Las Lomas up next. But for now, he is savoring the moment of their first victory over Campolindo in his high school career. He credits the team's strong bond and determination for their success and believes that they have what it takes to win the big games.
As the rain continued to pour down, Acalanes' coaches and players couldn't help but celebrate their hard-earned victory. It was a game that they had been looking forward to for a long time, and they were able to rise to the occasion and come out on top. As they left the field, they knew that this win was a testament to their hard work and determination as a team.
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