Schools
Football Playoffs: De La Salle Rolls Over Amador Valley High
The Spartans' Buckley and Vitale combine for four touchdown and the defense shuts out the short-handed Dons.
De La Salle 49, Amador Valley 0
De La Salle established its dominance early, scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions and never looked back, advancing to the North Coast Section Division I finals with a 49-0 victory over Amador Valley High.
At home on Friday night, the Spartans racked up 291 first half yards with a three-headed rush attack led by running backs Tiappe Vitale, Das Tautalatasi and quarterback Chris Williams.
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Vitale scored on runs of one and 18 yards, while teammate and receiver Andrew Buckley hauled in touchdowns of seven and 15 yards. The band struck up a tune for each of the seven times DLS reached the end zone.
“Not a lot of mistakes tonight,” said the consummate perfectionist, De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur. “The defense played stout and the offense moved the ball.”
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The Dons’ starting senior quarterback Kyle Moreno was sidelined for the game with a dislocated shoulder suffered in last Saturday’s win against San Ramon Valley High.
The Spartans’ defense reacted like sharks smelling blood in the water, crushing Dons’ ball carriers and holding Amador Valley to only 55 first half yards.
“To beat De La Salle you are going to have to play great defense and not turn the ball over,” said Dons’ coach Rick Sira. “We turned it over and had problems gaining yards.”
Backup quarterback Ryan Mahoney stepped in for the Brown University bound Moreno and threw for 92 yards including two interceptions.
“I am proud of our guys, they had a great year,” added Sira. “They accomplished many of their goals and believed in each other.”
The Spartans make their 29th consecutive appearance in the section title game and will face the winner of tomorrow night's game between No. 2 California and No. 3 James Logan next Saturday at Dublin High.
“Next week will be a lot tougher,” added Ladoceur. “We will keep working and watch the tape and see where we made mistakes and can improve.
De La Salle has collected 20 straight NCS championships and has number 21 within reach.
Spartans’ quarterback Chris Williams showed off his strong arm with a 53-yard connection to Austin Lonestar. Williams passed for 104 yards and three touchdowns and pushed the pile for another 65 yards on the ground.
Notes: Former Cowboy and 49er great Larry Allen watched his son, DLS lineman Larry Allen Jr., from the sideline sporting a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl ring.
