Despite a rough non-league slate that saw three losses in four games, Las Lomas was still seen by many as the prohibitive favorite to win the Diablo Foothill Athletic League championship this season.
However, a rough start to the league season can change that.
In the DFAL opener for both teams, Acalanes came back from two separate 15-point deficits to stun the visiting Knights 36-35 in a thrilling game on Friday.
Quarterback Michael Leamy.
Photo by Dennis Lee (file photo)
Acalanes (2-3, 1-0) appeared to be headed for a loss until quarterback Michael Leamy found wide receiver Mat Lewis for a 22-yard touchdown pass for his second touchdown of the night with 24 seconds left, cutting the Knights’ lead to one. Then, instead of opting for overtime, Acalanes went for the go-ahead two-point-conversion, and running back Bo McSwine carried up the middle to seal the victory.
The winning touchdown came on the heels of a spectacular drive by Las Lomas (1-4, 0-1) that culminated in a five-yard touchdown run by Knights junior running back Marquis Waters, who was spectacular in defeat, running for 119 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries.
“It always feels great, but it is really frustrating to do that and not win,” said Waters, who is averaging 118.6 yards per game this season.
Las Lomas led 28-13 entering the fourth quarter, but a short touchdown run by McSwine, who ran for 134 yards and three touchdowns, cut the deficit to eight points. Then, Leamy found Lewis for a 10-yard touchdown to bring the Dons within two points, and the duo hooked up again on the conversion attempt to tie the game at 28, with 5:12 remaining.
“Our defense needs work,” said senior tight end/defensive end Ben Brohard. “Our offense was doing great, but it comes down to our defense, and our defense didn’t cut it.”
The Las Lomas offense continued to produce points, while the defense continued to give them up. Senior quarterback Lucas Gorton threw for 231 yards total, and he hit senior wide receiver Chase Herring three times for 85 yards and a pair of scores. Friday marked the third straight game in which the Knights have scored 35 points, but they have just one win to show for it.
“We have to try harder,” said Waters. “We came out with the lead. We have to be a better second half team than a first half team.”
