Aragon's J.D. Elzie took the opening kickoff for a TD in a 35-14 win over Carlmont. | Jacob Rudger/Prep2Prep |
The ribbon was cut, and it was off to the races.
The Aragon Dons got off to a quick start Friday night, taking control of the first quarter by scoring 28 unanswered points en route to a 35-14 victory against Carlmont.
Carlmont (1-2) celebrated early as it hailed the first game at its newly renovated Bruce Usher Memorial Field with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Fans were more excited than ever to watch their Scots under the lights.
The excitement quickly diminished when Aragon J.D. Elzie took the opening kickoff for a touchdown, setting the tone for the first quarter.
“When I got the ball I just (saw) the light. I had to go for it to get my team rallied up,” said Elzie.
Aragon was dominant on defense in the early going, forcing Carlmont to turn it over on every possession. The Dons created many three-and-out situations for the Scots in the first quarter, coupled with interceptions by Aragon defensive backs Brandon Gordon and Isaiah Atchan, both of which resulted in touchdowns.
All of those turnovers led to Aragon touchdowns, and the Dons found themselves up 28-0 with three quarters to play. The once-electric Carlmont crowd was now hushed.
“We weren’t prepared, I think we were excited. We just weren’t ready to go, and that’s what happens when you’re not ready to go,” said Carlmont coach Jason Selli.
The Scots knew that they couldn’t disappoint one of the largest crowds the school has ever seen, so they managed to put on a show. There were signs of life, but it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that fans could start believing.
With 6:14 left in the fourth quarter, Carlmont running back Yancey Portis scored from the 1 -- a score that was set up by QB Diairiea James’ 33 yard pass to running back Jesse Gifford.
With nothing left to lose and a giant momentum swing, Carlmont went for the onside kick, and recovered it. Minutes later, James hooked up with WR Matt Stalun in the right corner for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Ultimately, the comeback came too late, but Carlmont showed that they are not a team that quits.
Despite the first quarter fireworks, Aragon coach Steve Sell was not doing cartwheels.
"The first quarter blew up the focus of this football team, and I’m concerned about it," Sell said. "Maybe when we get a competitive game we’ll play differently, but I worry about our kids' ability to be responsible human beings when they play."
The Dons fumbled twice in the second quarter, both times in Carlmont territory. Besides a 64-yard touchdown run by Elzie in the third quarter, Aragon’s offensive productivity was minimal, and the Carlmont punt returner saw a lot of action.
In the second quarter, Carlmont was putting together a good drive, but Aragon’s Atchan intercepted James’ 21-yard pass attempt in the end zone, taking away Carlmont’s first scoring opportunity. Besides this high point, defense was less than satisfactory.
“We made a few mistakes and we need to do better. We still have room to improve, but we really have to start stepping up our game,” Aragon middle linebacker Daniel Alas-Gomez said.
Aragon (3-0) next meets visiting Capuchino and its hot running back Justin Ewing at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. Carlmont hosts Woodside, also at 7 p.m.
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