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Deely’s six TDs drive Dragons past San Marin

Sonoma wins wild one 41-39, Sloane, Lopez combine for 5 TD catches

One of the most wildly exciting games, which went to the wire to be decided, that the Sonoma Valley High School varsity football boys have competed in for many a-year also became a showcase for the their talented, athletic and poised junior quarterback Dan Deely Friday night at Arnold Field.

After cruising to a one-sided shutout win over Redwood in the season opener, and a disapointing second-week, late-game loss to Terra Linda, the Dragons bounced back behind a stellar performance by Deely, who threw five touchdown passes and ran for another score in a nail-biting 41-39 triumph over San Marin.

As well as Deely and the offense were doing – putting up big numbers behind solid line-play, seniors Dustin Sloane and Chris Lopez three and two touchdown-receptions each, respectively, and senior Justin McDonald 84 yards rushing – Sonoma’s defense was not doing well in slowing down the visiting Mustangs.

But the Dragons, led by senior defensive end Jonny Amandoli, got defensive when it had to in preserving the win by repelling San Marin four times on four two-point conversion-tries, which would have tied the game.

Also, special teams played a big part in Sonoma’s victory behind senior Brennan Cole, who kicked a 27-yard field goal to opening the scoring, booted two extra-points, and recovered an on-sides kick attempt, while absorbing a thunderous hit after fielding the bouncing ball at midfield.

On the heels of Cole’s first-quarter field goal opening up a 3-0 advantage, San Marin answered with a touchdown to take a 7-3 lead heading into the second-quarter, when the Dragons jumped back in front at 9-7 as Deely and Sloane hooked-up for their first touchdown on a 12-yard pass-play.

Sonoma proceeded to increase its lead to 22-7 as Deely ran 19 yards for a touchdown, and then completed a 45-yard strike to Lopez, before the Mustangs tallied a touchdown to make it 22-15 at the half.

Then it was time for a second-half of matching touchdowns and missed extra-points, with San Marin striking first to close its deficit to 22-21.

The Dragons responded with Deely and Sloane combining for an electric 71-yard touchdown pass-play and a 55-yard final scoring connection sandwiching a 29-yard passing touchdown to Lopez.

At the end of the entertaining game, Deely had completed 11 of 19 passes for 300 yards and rushed for 82 yards, while also turning in a standout effort in Sonoma’s defensive backfield, where he twice broke-up possible passing scores to help cement the win.

The Dragons, who improved their preseason record to 2-1, will hit the road to face a fast, deep and talented American Canyon team, which has been on a dominating roll toward a 3-0 mark, in their fourth and final non-conference game this Friday evening, Sept. 14.

 

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Sonoma’s junior varsity football team was defeated 35-0 by San Marin on Friday.

 

Dragons of the Week

 

The Dragons of the Week in Sonoma’s wild 41-39 nonleague win over San Marin Friday evening at Arnold Field were Dan Deely, Jonny Amandoli, Chris Lopez and Vince Bruton.

Deely, a 6-foot, 185-pound junior quarterback, completed 11 of 19 passes for 300 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for 82 yards and one touchdown.

Amandoli, a 6-2, 200-pound senior defensive end, made a team-high 11 tackles and had another outstanding game of applying pressure on the quarterback.

Lopez, a 5-8, 175-pound senior running back, had a pair of key touchdown pass-catches of 45 and 29 yards, respectively.

Bruton, a 6-2, 270-pound senior offensive lineman and punter, turned in a strong blocking effort, while booting two long and efficient punts.

The Dragons of the Week are sponsored by Eraldi’s Men’s Wear and Shoes, and Broadway Market.