The 2010 De Anza College football team proved that the Dons are a force to be reckoned with, as they conquered new territory in the Golden Gate Conference, finishing the season 7-3 to become back-to-back conference champions.

After last year’s championship in the Coast Conference division, the team earned a place in a remixed Golden Gate Conference, which now also includes Diablo Valley and West Hills Colleges.

“Last season was very good. We had kids who made all-league and were conference champs and even won a bowl game,” said Dan Atencio, head coach for the team.

After a strong first victory against Gavilan College, the Dons fell back and lost the next three games against Monterey, Foothill and San Francisco Colleges. 

The Dons came back from their losing streak with a winning streak that continued for the remainder of the season.

In a special tailgate party game on Nov. 6 hosted by the De Anza Associated Student Body Senate, who fund the team, against Los Medanos, the Dons finished the first half 21 to 3 and came back in the second half to finish 29 to 21.

“We really appreciate any suport we get. The environment at De Anza … it’s a winning environment. Everyone is a piece to the

puzzle and all I did was put the pieces together,” said Atencio.

The 7-3 season earned De Anza a place in the Central Division bowl game against Sacramento’s American River College (9-1), ranked number three in Northen California, on Nov. 20. During the game, the Don’s defense held strong against sacks and interceptions from ARC, despite losing the game 34-18.

“Last year, we didn’t just sit on [our]championship,” said Atencio.

And bringing the team into this season, everyone worked hard both on the field and in the classroom to make the Dons conference champions.

“If we want to play at this level, we better get to this level,” said Atencio.