De Anza’s defense forced four turnovers including an interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter, to help power the Dons past Merced College in a hard-hitting, physical contest at home Oct. 29.

Both offenses stalled in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Merced executed an 89-yard drive capped off with a six-yard touchdown run by running back Dallon Muse for the first score. Merced threatened twice more in the second quarter but the Dons defense stepped up to the challenge with two crucial turnovers.

With eight minutes left in the second quarter, Merced running back Tyree Jones fumbled at the De Anza 27-yard line, De Anza linebacker Richard Ramirez recovered the fumble to end the threat.  Later, Merced drove 67 yards to the De Anza three-yard line.  On first and goal, Merced quarterback Trevor Mew threw the first of his three interceptions into the hands of De Anza defensive back James Correa in the end zone for a touchback.  

Merced College (3-4, 1-1 Golden Gate Conference) had 320 total yards of offense, 261 rushing, led by Tyree Jones with 153 yards on 17 carries.  Dallon Muse rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Merced could only muster 59 total passing yards. Starting quarterback Trevor Mew completed five of 13 attempts for 58 yards with no touchdowns, three interceptions and was sacked twice.

De Anza (6-2, 2-1 Golden Gate Conference) could only muster 233 total yards of offense (116 passing and 117 rushing) against a stingy Merced defensive unit.  De Anza quarterback Nick Marra, filling in for an injured Joshua McCain, completed 10 of 18 passes for 116 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Marra was sacked four times. Running back Vicente Lopez carried the ball 15 times for 59 yards to lead De Anza ball carriers.  Mike Williams led De Anza receivers with 44 yards on two receptions including the game winning touchdown.

The second half was a physical struggle between both teams. On the first series of the third quarter De Anza defensive back Sh’Quil Green picked off a pass from Mew at the De Anza 16-yard line to end a drive.  De Anza pushed to ball to the Merced 48-yard line before punting into the end zone for a Merced touchback.

On second and ten for Merced, Mew threw his third interception of the game, this time a pick-six from 25 yards out to De Anza defensive back Marcus Womack. The point after tied the game.

On the next series, Merced ran off a nine play, 57-yard drive before being stopped at the De Anza 11-yard line and settling for an AJ Hall field goal to take the lead with three minutes to go in the third quarter.  Merced never reached De Anza territory again.  Then, with eight minutes to go in the fourth, the Dons began their final late-stage drive down the field. 

De Anza marched 71 yards in nine plays, capping the drive with an electrifying catch and run play.  Marra hit Williams with a short pass and Williams did the rest, slashing and spinning through Merced defenders to the end zone for the go-ahead score.  The extra point was blocked, but De Anza’s defense held Merced in check for the come-from-behind victory.

Next game for the Dons is this Saturday against Chabot College at De Anza. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

GETTING AWAY – Merced’s (#28) Tony Pullings tries to take down De Anza’s (#22) VIcente Lopez. (Christopher Wu / La Voz Weekly)

PASS – De Anza quarterback (#7) Nick Marra throws the ball to a teammate. (Christopher Wu / La Voz Weekly)