Carmel Valley Dons defeat Inland Valley 43 to 12
Once again, the Carmel Valley Dons Jr. Midget Division 1 team displayed outstanding offensive and defensive skills in their crushing victory over Inland Valley. On the opening drive, and under the leadership of starting quarterback Jack Allred, halfback Garrison Laser scored the game’s first touchdown with quick acceleration to the outside and solid blocking by Tyler Nelson and Carter Lynn. Aggressive defense by corner Michael Kim and ends Matt Haase and Larz Tvedt resulted in a fumble recovery on the Titans’ first possession, giving the ball back to the Dons on the Titans’ third yard line. With great field position, the second touchdown came from fullback Luke Talman who ran through a hole created by center Jared LoCicero and guard Jack Gitre. In the second quarter, an adjustment was made to the Dons offense and Mitchell McKinnon was moved to fullback, resulting in the third touchdown on a 22-yard run. The Titans scored late in the first half, disrupting the Dons momentum temporarily.
At the start of the second half, quarterback Ben Spitters effectively managed the offense, ensuring that the Dons maintained possession of the ball for most of the second half. With the ball in Titans territory, Jack Gitre used his rugby experience and strength to move a large scrum into the end zone, resulting in another Dons touchdown and Jack’s first touchdown of the season. After a quick offensive series by the Titans, the ball was back in Dons control. Ben Spitters moved the offense down field and set up Noah Someck for a 27 yard scramble and another Dons touchdown. The Titans offense struggled with any run attack up the middle thanks to tenacious nose guard Andy Wang and standout defensive tackles Dean Shearson and Cole Winship. Ethan January was the final halfback to score with a strong off-tackle run. PAT kicker Wes Farrell successfully completed 4 out of 5 extra point attempts, adding to an already impressive season for the young kicker.
The Carmel Valley Dons Youth Football was formed in 2010 to create a highly competitive Division 1 football program in the Carmel Valley area to prepare top athletes for high school football. The league’s home stadium is Cathedral Catholic High School and is proud to wear their colors. Informally nicknamed “Little Dons” by the Cathedral High football players, much of the team’s first year success can be attributed to the support of varsity head coach Sean Doyle and athletic director David Smola.
For information about the league, visit