OLIVIA DEGRACA, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Prep2Prep Student Contributor

October 8, 2014

PETALUMA, CA - Despite the hot weather and distraction of the homecoming festivities, St. Vincent de Paul rolled to a win over Calistoga, 68-13, in non-league play.

The Mustangs scored three consecutive touchdowns in the first five minutes. Senior Kyle Dannewitz returned the opening kickoff 82 yards for the game’s first touchdown. After stopping Calistoga’s first offensive series, George Sammon ran the ball in from 20 yards out. Following that, Scotty Jepsen hauled in a 15-yard pass from Dominic Pedersen to make the game 20-0 mid-way through the first quarter.

Later in the first quarter, Calistoga scored twice. Jonathan Quinones returned an interception 73 yards and Tim Montanez caught a 12-yard pass in the end zone from quarterback Alvaro Torres to make it 20-13.

The Mustangs then heated up again with touchdowns from Manny Reyes, Sammon, running back Jake Farinha, and quarterback Pedersen. St. Vincent Junior Manny Reyes led the Mustangs' defensive effort with three interceptions, running one in for a touchdown from 40 yards out.

Sammon (195 yards rushing) led the team with five touchdowns -- four rushing and a reception from Pedersen. His 195 yards rushing was one yard short of the record by Kris Farina (Class of 2009).

“It was really cool to almost beat Farinha’s record,” expressed Sammon, “I didn't really know what the record was and I wish I could’ve run just two more yards.”

St. Vincent’s (1-4) and Calistoga (0-5) shared the league title last year and both lost their four non-league games. As the Mustangs continue on in league, the team has high hopes to turn around their season.

“I know we can continue at this pace,” said senior kicker, cornerback and wide receiver Michael Gross. "If we continue to work hard I can’t wait to see what league brings us and I know we are going to have a great season.”