All about the D: Amador Valley shuts down Acalanes one week after blanking Campolindo
Amador Valley overcomes 12-point deficit to edge winless Acalanes 14-12
Amador Valley coach Danny Jones can’t wait for Sept. 29.
That is when 6-foot-3 junior quarterback Tristan Tia becomes eligible to play. After transferring from Granada, he will miss the first five games.
The Dons are doing well even without Tia. On Friday night, they improved to 2-1 by rallying from a 12-point deficit to defeat host Acalanes 14-12.
To rally the visitors, Jake Goldsworthy scored on a 5-yard run and stand-in quarterback Aidan Foley scored from 10 yards out.
Both touchdowns were scored in the third quarter.
Acalanes (0-3) scored all of its points in the first half, scoring on its first two possessions.
After starting the season with a seven-point loss to El Cerrito, the No. 11-ranked team in the Bay Area News Group Top 25, Amador Valley has won back-to-back games over Campolindo (6-0) and Acalanes.
“Quarterback back in two games and it’s on,” Jones texted following the Acalanes victory.
The problem is that Amador Valley may not have a game on September 29. The Dons were supposed to meet Novato, but Novato cancelled. Novato’s MaxPreps roster includes only 24 varsity players. There are 45 in Amador Valley. Jones is looking for a matchup on September 29 or November 3.
On the field, the Dons are winning because of their defense.
They have a 27-26 advantage over their opponents.
“Aidan Foley is a gamer,” Jones said, adding that the sophomore has handled the offense admirably in Tia’s absence.
However, Foley is primarily a defensive back who also plays a variety of offensive positions. He scored on a bootleg against Acalanes, putting Amador Valley ahead.
Following that, Acalanes threatened to score twice more, but the visitors held firm.
“Our defense is insane,” said Jones.
Before Tia returns, Amador Valley will play non-league games against Monte Vista and Foothill. The Dons kick off East Bay Athletic League Valley Division play on Oct. 6 against Dougherty Valley.
