The Campbell Reporter
Sports
Del Mar seniors are too much for Vikings in season opener
By Greg Lydon
This group of seniors on the Del Mar football team isn't going to let the troubles of a winless 0-9-1 2006 season affect this year.
The junior-heavy team of last year is all grown up, and the Del Mar seniors didn't waste any time in '07 placing a mark in the win column as they took down Lynbrook 31-13 to the delight of the Dons fans Saturday afternoon in San Jose.
"Last year is gone from our minds," Stephen Salerno said after the win. "We got better every day this summer. This year is going to be different; today it was a lot of fun to win a football game again."
Salerno's dual threat of receiving and running was key to the Dons offense as he racked up 82 combined yards, including an 11-yard touchdown run.
Salerno was also part of the sophomore junior varsity team that went undefeated two years ago for the Dons.
"This team feels like a lot like that team," Salerno said. "We have a lot of playmakers and feel like we can compete with anyone."
The Del Mar veterans got some help from first-year varsity player Jordan Richardson, who introduced himself to the Dons faithful with a 32-yard run, shedding three Lynbrook defenders on the opening drive for Del Mar. Richardson showed more of his "home run" potential, stepping in front of a pass from Viking quarterback Greg Wallis and returning the interception 45 yards for a touchdown to give Del Mar its first lead of the day.
"It's exciting to watch our defense make plays," Del Mar head coach Eric Buran said. "Jordan had a great break on the football and really showed he belonged up here. He can do a lot of great things on the football field for us this season."
Richardson was used in a situational manner on defense, playing cornerback mainly on passing downs, including the third-down play where he made the interception for the huge defensive touchdown.
Richardson carried the ball three times for 36 yards with one rushing touchdown to go along with the defensive touchdown.
With the way the Lynbrook defense was setting up, Del Mar used Salerno as a tailback for most of the game as he nearly crossed the 100-yard mark. They got plenty of help from massive tailback Michael Toso, who carried the ball 13 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns, including a 49-yard TD run to put the game out of reach in the second half.
"We're happy to get that win so we don't have to worry about talking about getting that first win," Buran said. "We want to get better every week so we can compete every week in the 'B' league. Our defense made a lot of plays today."
Del Mar took a 25-7 lead into the half, but each defense pitched shutouts in the final quarter, led by stellar play from their defensive playmakers.
Del Mar middle linebacker Samir Sabic recorded three sacks.
Del Mar ended all Lynbrook's hopes when Salerno took a kickoff to the 50-yard line before Michael Toso's 49-yard touchdown run sealed the deal for Del Mar.
"We have a short week, getting Cupertino to come here on Friday," Buran said. "We have mental errors to work out with the offensive line, but after an intense conditioning workout on Monday, we'll have a more consistent effort next week."
The Dons will host the Pioneers on Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m.
