September 6, 2010
The desired path that the NorCalPreps No. 1 De La Salle Spartans take every year is to go undefeated and win the state title. Well, the Spartans took the first step on Saturday afternoon at No. 20 Serra in a convincing 45-7 win.
Senior Spartan running back Lucas Dunne took the third play from scrimmage and went up the left side for a 62 yard dash to put the Spartans up 7-0. The next Spartan possession saw junior quarterback Bart Houston hook up on a fourth down pass to Lucas Shapiro on a 28 yard slant to make the score 14-0. De La Salle would add two more rushing touchdowns (Dunne and junior RB Joe Te'o) and a field goal to go into the half with a 31-0.
The Spartan defense basically harassed Serra quarterback Andy McAlindon the entire first half and made things uncomfortable for him. Junior Erich Wilson had some good open field runs. But Serra's first half positions ended in punts and a missed 42 yard field goal attempt.
The second half also did not start out well for the Padres. Senior fullback Alex Bravo had a long run down to the Spartans 18 but the Padres ended up turning the ball back on downs. DLS was able to end the third quarter with an eight yard Houston run and then begin their fourth quarter possession with a Devin Williams five yard run. The Padres prevented the shutout with a 71 yard touchdown run by Wilson who finished the day with 129 yards on 19 carries.
When asked about the offense, Spartans Coach Bob Ladouceur said, "Running game is a premium. It opens up the passing game. We showed that we can do both well." Dunne had 164 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns. Dunne said, "We were more comfortable with the ball on the ground, but liked to mix it up with the passing game. I felt we came out strong, and the offensive line really stepped up as a unit especially with only one returning player."
Houston, who finished the day 5-for-9, 93 yards and a touchdown both passing and rushing, said, "The priority of the coaches was to work the O-Line this week. The line played incredible, opening up big holes for Dunne and Te'o." As for the passing game, he continued, "Next job is distributing the ball to our receiving corps. Lucas Shapiro and Anthony Williams will get more touches in the coming weeks. Our offense is looking to be pretty explosive."
Michael Barton, who played on a partially sprained ankle added, "The defense did a great job in forcing plays out towards the sidelines and playing aggressive on the run. Also, our man coverage was very solid." As for what needs improvement, he says, "Defense needs to improve against the draw play as they gained many yards on that."
Ladouceur was asked about his goals for the season. "The team wants to get back to state. One loss can knock that goal off." When asked about how this season is starting off, Ladouceur says, "It was a good start. Team eliminated turnovers."
Game Notes:
Serra was that they need to be more physical in the trenches. McAlindon could never get comfortable in the pocket to make his reads and throws. And the Spartans seem to be able to run at will on the other side. Erich Wilson is a tough runner that can get good chunks of yardage and has the breakaway speed to hit the big run such as the 71 yard second half score.
The Spartans have playmakers on both sides of the ball and it is not unreasonable to think that this team would run the table. The starting defense played as advertised and the lone score was given up by a non-starting unit. The offense has multiple running back threats who can establish a ball control game. Bart Houston did not have to make many throws in the game but was crisp with his few passes that he did make. The Spartans next two games will go a long way to seeing where they are - they play NCP top 5 team, St. Mary's of Stockton, and nationally ranked Bishop Gorman of Nevada. At least, both games are in Concord.
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