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Chad Johnson completed an 80-yard touchdown. Photo Gint Federas
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Miramonte (2-7, 1-4 DFAL) went 0-2 in rivalry games as they continued to struggle with turnovers and penalties. On Oct. 24, the Mats fell to Acalanes (7-2, 4-1 DFAL) 35-28 despite mounting a late-game comeback. A week later, the team fell to Campolindo 49-12.
On their second drive of the game, Miramonte had a first and goal from the 5-yard line, but a false start pushed them back to the 10. On the next snap, junior Sutter Lindberg's pass was picked off by junior Ryan Leamy who took it all the way back to the Miramonte 20-yard line.
"It was really upsetting that we drove down there, had first and goal, then had a snap infraction, moved back and threw the interception," said Miramonte head coach Jack Schram. "But the one thing we do good is shoot ourselves in the foot."
From there, the teams traded blows, and Miramonte tied the score, 14-14, with only 29.2 seconds left in the first half. After a touchback on the ensuing kickoff, Acalanes had the ball at their own 20-yard line. On first down, backup quarterback Jake Berry hit Chad Johnson on a fade route. Johnson broke a tackle, and took it 80 yards for the touchdown, leaving it 21-14 at the half.
Acalanes scored 14 unanswered to open the second half, but Miramonte threatened late as Lindberg found junior Clayton Stehr for a 35-yard touchdown with 3:11 left to play. Lindberg then ran in an 18-yard touchdown on the Mats' next drive, cutting the Dons' lead to 35-28 with 53 seconds on the clock.
On the kickoff, Miramonte appeared to have recovered an onside kick, but the Mats were early. Their second onside attempt had no chance, and the Dons were able to run out the clock.
"We fought back, but really we didn't give ourselves a chance," said Schram. "That's pretty much how our season has gone."
Junior Nathan Edwards finished with 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries for Acalanes, while Stehr led the way for Miramonte, running for 112 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and adding seven receptions for 158 yards and another touchdown.
"Obviously we're happy with the outcome, but we need to tackle better," said Acalanes head coach Mike Ivankovich. "We left so many sacks on the field, and we didn't do a good job tackling (Stehr). Definitely something to work on."
On Oct. 31, Miramonte was trounced by undefeated Campolindo (9-0, 5-0 DFAL) 49-12.
The Cougars scored first and never trailed in the game. It was another tough outing for the Mats who had three giveaways (two lost fumbles, interception). Campolindo running back Nick Fadelli had another strong outing, finishing the game with 143 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries.
"Our only fear with (Fadelli) is that we're counting on him too much," said head coach Kevin Macy. "We don't get too dependent on him, especially since we have other weapons, but he's so darn good we're getting a little too comfortable counting on him to be consistent."
Campolindo hosts Acalanes Friday, Nov. 7 while Miramonte travels to Dublin to wrap up the regular season.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA