Football Team Back in Action
With a season score of 5-1, things are looking good for the varsity football team. Considering the promising lineup of the year, led by quarterback senior Bo Kelly and Coach Tony Henney, Dana can confidently look forward to a great season from the Dolphins.
The Dolphins showed up ready to win yet again on Oct. 1, playing against the Beckman Patriots. senior James Allemann was the first to score, followed closely by a touchdown run from quarterback Kelly. The last scorer of the game was senior Broghan Daly, putting the team comfortably at 42-0 before the 4th quarter began.
The team played against the University High School Trojans on Sept. 24, gaining control of the scoreboard mere seconds into the game. Senior Omarjaye Black scored a touchdown off of the opening kickoff return. Other touchdowns were scored by junior Christian Guarascio and sophomore Owen Chambers. The final score of the game ended up being 43-0.
Their fourth game took place at Woodbridge High School on Sept. 17. The team ended up sweeping the Warriors off their feet, winning 34-6. The Dolphins retained and expanded on their early touchdown lead throughout the entirety of the game.
For their third game, the team traveled to Aliso Niguel High School to play the Wolverines on Sept. 10, 2021. Winning the nail-biting game 29-28, those who attended this first away game were glad that they came to the “black out.”
The football team faced its second opponent, the Trabuco Hills High School Mustangs, on Sept. 3, 2021. Finishing the game with a score of 28-17, the team gave it their all against this tough opponent. Though the game was lost, the grit and determination of the players was impressive. Even in the last quarter, students were at the edge of their seats. In honor of Labor Day weekend, attendees were urged to don red, white and blue clothes and accessories.
People were eager to pack the stadium on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 for the first time since the start of the pandemic. With the support of an enthusiastic student body, the Dana Hills football team won against the Laguna Beach High School Breakers with a total score of 35-7.
A total of five touchdowns were scored throughout the game. Guarascio, Chambers and Allemann all scored a touchdown, and Black scored two. Each was finished off nicely by kicker senior Kian Afrookteh, not missing a single extra point. Some other highlights of the game included a 50 yard run by Black and a sack by senior Jaden Kessi.
An impressive display of school spirit occurred by the students as well. According to Linda Strover, ASU Secretary, the tickets sold on Friday were recorded as the highest number sold at any football game in the last four years, reaching 1423 tickets. This doesn’t include the number of students who attended the game using their ASU card, which adds 902 possible participants. Encouraged by the team’s impressive plays, the band’s performances, ASU’s energy and the pep’s squads cheers, the bleachers rattled with shouting, stomping and the sound of karaoke. Explosions of colored powder, flying foods and beverages, a drone and the appearance of an elusive crowd surfer kept the crowd engaged. Junior Ella Cochran commented that “it felt amazing to be with the whole school.” Like many others, she believes that it was great to see everyone supporting the team and is so proud of this community and support found here at Dana.