The De Anza College Dons dominated defensively in their season opener Sept. 11 against the Gavilan College Rams, winning 35-9. 

The Dons, reigning South Division Bowl champions, combined a stifling defense with a hiccupping offense to  leave behind the remnants of last season as they move onto the class B Golden Gate conference this quarter.

On the ground, the Dons butted heads with the Rams, preventing them from charging the field and reaching the red-zone. 

The Rams only offensive points came from a 26-yard pass thrown by quarterback Camer Hernandez in the third quarter. Gavilan averaged a 1.4 yard  carry and only converted 11 first downs compared to De Anza’s 21.

Both teams offenses were sloppy; each team threw two interceptions and racked up 10 penalties for a combined loss of 230 yards. However, the Dons capitalized on these mistakes more than The Rams.

Immediately following an interception thrown by Dons quarterback Ryan Stillwell at the end of the first quarter, Dons defensive back William Davis intercepted a wild pass from Hernandez and ran it back 53 yards for a touchdown.  

In the third quarter, the Dons botched a snap that sent quarterback Jerry Slota scrambling into the end zone resulting in a Gavilan safety. 

In the beginning of the 4th quarter the Dons blocked a punt attempt that running-back Kwasi Achiaw grabbed in the end-zone to push the Dons lead to 28-9.

The Dons offense, despite three fumbles and 120 yards lost to penalties, had a commanding presence on the ball, clocking in nearly 11 minutes of possession in both the first and third quarter. 

After holding Gavilan to a three and out (Gavilan was only able to make two out of 15 third down attempts), the Dons started their second drive on the 57-yard line and ended it with a two yard run by quarterback Jerry Slota. The Dons were able to convert seven out of 16 first downs.

The Dons flew around the field faster and kicked the ball farther. Gavilans inability to grind the ball on the ground and 45 percent pass completion put De Anza in great position on the field. Only one of their scoring drives started from behind the 50-yard line. 

De Anza’s defense and athleticism won the game. 

De Anza college football coach Dan Atencio says the team is in the best shape its been in years. He credits their strength and speed to new conditioning coach Jeff Paul.

Quarterback Jerry Slota (right) fighting off a Gavilan tackler. Slota ran two yards for a touchdown in first the quarter. (Ed Jenkins)