October 19th 2024.
The anticipation was palpable as the crowd in Concord eagerly awaited the return of their home team, De La Salle, to U.S soil. Just ten days prior, they had secured a victory against NFL Academy in London, and now they were ready to show the East Bay Athletic League that they were a force to be reckoned with. And boy, did they make a statement with just one play.
The opening kickoff was caught by none other than Jaden Jefferson, the North Coast Section 100-meter champion. With lightning speed, he jetted down the left sideline, leaving San Ramon Valley defenders in the dust. But he wasn't done yet. In a split second, he shifted gears and changed directions, leaving even more defenders behind as he raced into the end zone. It was a breathtaking display of athleticism that set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Spartans continued to dominate, scoring 28 points in the first quarter alone. Coach Justin Alumbaugh couldn't have been more proud of his team's electric start. He could feel the air being let out of the opposing team's sideline, and it was a truly awesome moment.
But it wasn't just the offense that was on fire. The defense, led by star player Matthew Johnson, was relentless. With seven sacks and multiple turnovers, they set the tone for the game. Johnson, who has received offers from top schools across the nation, was a force to be reckoned with. He seemed to effortlessly slice through double-teams and chop blocks, putting pressure on the opposing team's quarterback all night.
The front seven's dominance also allowed linebackers Niko Baumgartner and Bubba Vargas to make big plays. After Jefferson's opening kickoff return, San Ramon Valley was forced to rely on their passing game, but Vargas was ready. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, much to the delight of the cheering crowd.
The Spartans continued to dominate on both sides of the ball, maintaining a 35-point lead at halftime. Their passing game may have struggled with a few interceptions, but their running game was sharp. Dominic Kelley, Duece Jones-Drew, and Derrick Blanche all contributed to the team's impressive 237 rushing yards.
Despite a few late scores from San Ramon Valley, the outcome of the game was never in doubt. De La Salle had made their statement loud and clear - they were a team to be feared and respected. Even San Ramon Valley senior Owen Scott couldn't deny their dominance, saying, "That first quarter ended up screwing us, but we’ll be back. We’ll get better, and we’ll have a good season."
As for De La Salle, their confidence was high, but they remained humble. They had their sights set on a state championship, and no team was going to stand in their way. Next up for them was Monte Vista, and they were determined to keep their unbeaten streak against NCS opponents alive.
The game was a memorable one for both players and fans, with standout moments from players like DJ Asiasi and Toa Faavae. And as the De La Salle students cheered on their team, it was clear that this was more than just a game - it was a community coming together to support their beloved Spartans.
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