By Julian O’Donnell, Print-Online Liaison //

The Dons kicked off the season Friday in dominating fashion as they pounced on former league opponent Alhambra 41-7.

Junior quarterback Robby Rowell lit up the Bulldogs for one rushing touchdown and three passing touchdowns, picking apart the Alhambra defense and finding receivers 20+ yards downfield. He looked comfortable and composed, despite it being his first start on varsity.

“I was pretty nervous coming into the game,” Rowell said. “Once the game started, I had to throw all of those nerves away because it might cost you and the team. You just have to play.”

This was the first game of the season for Acalanes, as well as the first game for new Acalanes head coach Floyd Burnsed who was hired last spring. His pass-heavy offense is somewhat unfamiliar for the Acalanes team, who had built a ground-game reputation under Mike Ivankovich. Nevertheless, the new offensive scheme seemed to work well as Alhambra had trouble defending the Acalanes’ receivers.

Among the targets for Robby Rowell were juniors Nick Price and Aidan MacNamura as well as senior Matt Burns, who each had a touchdown grab.

The defense shut down the Alhambra offense for most of the game, and even recovered and returned a loose fumble for a touchdown. Solid play from the defense (only giving up 7 points) gave the offense a boosted confidence to go to work against the Bulldogs.

“I’m really excited about this team,” said Rowell. “Our offense looked great and our defense only gave up 7 points. Not much more you could ask for.”

The Dons will look to repeat Friday’s performance next week as they face Skyline at Acalanes.

STATS

OFFENSE

Robby Rowell: 1 Rushing TD, 3 Passing TDs, 1 INT

Matt Burns: 1 Receiving TD

Aidan MacNamura: 1 Receiving TD

Nick Price: 1 Receiving TD

DEFENSE

Will Rembac: 1 INT

Unknown Player Recovered Fumble for TD