SAN MATEO, CA - Host Aragon utilized a balanced attack to remain undefeated with a 34-14 win over Half Moon Bay Friday afternoon.
Despite the ultimate large margin of victory for the Dons, it was a one-possession game until late in the fourth quarter. With just under five minutes left in the game, the Dons, leading 21-14 at the time, were able to convert on third down twice in a row, and capped off their drive with a three-yard touchdown run from senior Rodolfo Hernandez.
“That was an absolutely critical drive for us,” Aragon coach Steve Sell said. “If we don’t score we’re possibly looking at overtime.”
Sophomore running back V.A. Wilson and senior quarterback Billy Mason carried the offense for the Dons (7-0, 2-0 PAL-Ocean). Mason completed 11 of his 18 pass attempts for 165 yards and a touchdown, and Wilson carried the ball 23 times for 116 yards and two scores against the Cougars (4-3, 1-2 PAL).
However Wilson wasn’t the only backfield option for the Dons, as they also went with the faster back senior Tyee Stokman six times for 42 yards.
“We were able to run the ball inside just enough to keep them honest. Our [players] make plays out in space. They do stuff that you can’t coach," Sell said. "They have vision, and they can cut. One of the best coaching tips is knowing when to not over-coach. Those guys are athletic and made great plays.”
After being ineligible for the first three games of the season, Wilson has emerged as the feature back in the Dons’ system.
“I love it,” he said. “You just gotta want it and want to get the ball. Every time it’s 110 percent. You have to put everything [into] it.”
On the Cougars’ side of the ball, senior running back Tobias Leonardos got the bulk of the workload, carrying the ball 18 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns. The Cougars ran option plays most of the time, giving senior quarterback Shane Acton the option to either pass, hand it off to Leonardos, or hand it off to the faster back, junior Anthony Demartini.
“We just have to run the ball better,” says Half Moon Bay coach Keith Holden. "In the first half our perimeter blocking was subpar, and we didn’t run the ball as well as we needed to.”
“Our defensive coaches did a great job,” said Sell. “We played assignment football against their option. But I have to give credit where it’s due also. We have some great athletes on defense. Those guys can run. Having that speed is so important.”
The Cougars will host Woodside on Oct. 30, and the Dons will travel to San Mateo to square off against the Bearcats on Nov. 1.
