Sonoma Valley Dragons wins first league game over Napa, 28-16

Four Sonoma touchdowns gave the Dragons a 28-16 victory over the newly-christened Grizzlies, known until this year as the Napa Indians.|

The Sonoma Valley Dragons went over the county line last Friday for their first game in the new Vine Valley Athletic League, playing Napa High at Memorial Stadium. If there was any question if the 1,330-student Sonoma school could play toe-to-toe with the larger school, it was put to rest on the first series of downs, when the Dragons intercepted a pass to take over possession.

That led to the first of four Sonoma touchdowns in their 28-16 victory over the newly-christened Grizzlies, known until this year as the Napa Indians.

Though the game was marred by fumbles and interceptions on both sides, the Dragon fans in attendance once again saw senior Tyler Winslow dominate on both defense and offense, pressuring and sacking quarterback Isaiah Newton time and again in his role as defensive linebacker, then leading the offense with 22 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown.

The Dragons jumped out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on touchdowns by Winslow and Andrew Beatty, though Napa’s homecoming crowd got a thrill when Diego Olvera returned a post-TD kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown.

Jake Baker returned the thrill with a second half opening kickoff runback of 84 yards for a TD, cushioning the Dragon lead to 21-9. Both teams scored in the fourth quarter, but the win went to the Dragons, who are now 2-3 on the season. Napa is winless after five games.

In Junior Varisty action, the high-scoring Dragons found out what it was like on the other side of the equation, dropping a 41-0 decision to the Napa squad. It’s the first loss of the season for the Sonoma Valley JV football team.

The Dragons take on another VVAL rival this Friday when American Canyon (1-4) comes to Sonoma. JV kickoff is 4:45, varsity at 7 p.m. at Arnold Field.

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