Acalanes Football Preview: New Look on Offense for 2010

Head Coach: Mike Ivankovich

2009 Record:  5-6

Returning Starters: 5 on offense, 3 on defense

Top Offensive Players: Senior Matt Rogstad, OL; Senior Trent Baker, WR; Senior Mike Leamy, QB; Senior Chris Doherty, RB

Top Defensive Players: Senior Trent Baker, DB; Senior Sumner Cortessis, LB; Senior Lucas Levine, LB; Junior Drew Gaylord, LB

 Rising Star: Junior Joe Dreyer, RB

Captains: Matt Rogstad, Lucas Levine, Mike Leamy, Chris Doherty

Team Strengths: Linebackers, Hard Work, and Dedication

Mark the Calendar: Ygnacio Valley @ Acalanes, Friday, September 3^rd

Rivalry Games: Miramonte @ Acalanes, Friday, October 1^st; Acalanes @ Campolindo, Friday, October 8^th

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Before Diablo Foothill Athletic League play gets underway later in the year, the Acalanes High football team opens its season with an intriguing match-up at home this Friday against Ygnacio Valley.

It's not just because both teams are hoping to compete for league titles and postseason berths, but because of the historical significance for Acalanes coach Mike Ivankovich.

Prior to joining the Acalanes football staff three years ago, Ivankovich had a prolific 14-year coaching career at Ygnacio Valley — five  as head coach — which included a North Coast Section title in 2005. 

Ivankovich knows what it takes to build a successful program, but has he given his current squad at Acalanes the background on his previous success at their season-opening opponent?

"Yes, completely," Ivankovich said. "That includes watching old highlight films —examples of positive results coming from doing things the way they should be done."

Another connection to Ivankovich's years at Ygnacio Valley will be the implementation this year of the offense that made his YV team's so tough to defend: the double-wing, double-tight end power running game.

A key component to this style of offense is the quarterback, who will be called upon to pass, block and run.

Senior quarterback Mike Leamy will handle those duties and possesses the qualities suited for the double-wing offense.

At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he's big and mobile enough to lead block or run when called upon, but can also throw the ball downfield when the offense is opened up.

"We can definitely throw the ball this year," Ivankovich said.

Gone is the standout duo of running backs Bo McSwine and Tyler Malley from 2009. The Dons will be counting on a relatively inexperienced core of running backs, in senior Chris Doherty and junior Joe Dreyer.  While Doherty had a handful of varsity carries last year, and Dreyer was a standout on the junior varsity, Ivankovich expects both players to perform well and is happy with the depth at the position.

"Dreyer and Doherty will be starting, but we have six running backs who can carry the ball," Ivankovich said.

The offensive line is the most important unit for a run-oriented team like Acalanes, and the anchor of this group will again be Matt Rogstad, who was named first-team all-DFAL as a junior.

The defense is led by a talented trio of linebackers in seniors Sumner Cortessis and Lucas Levine, and junior Drew Gaylord.

With potent running attacks in the DFAL like Las Lomas and Miramonte, sure-tackling will be vital from the defense.

Shoring up the secondary is safety Trent Baker.  The senior was named first-team all-DFAL as a junior, and could be considered one of the most athletic players in the league.

Ivankovich realizes that building a consistent winner and title contender is a process, and until then, other teams in the DFAL will be considered the teams to beat.

"This school hasn't won a league title in 30 years," Ivankovich said "So we won't be on anyone's radar until we do something."

Ultimately, the second-year coach knows what the overall value that he and his staff are trying to instill.

"Every kid in our program will have a positive experience, regardless of our record," Ivankovich said.

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Schedule

9/3 vs Ygnacio Valley

9/11 vs Hayward @ Dublin High

9/17 vs San Marin

9/24 vs Healdsburg @ Rec Park in Healdsburg

10/1 vs Miramonte

10/8 @ Campolindo

10/15 @ Alhambra

10/22 vs Dougherty Valley

10/29 vs Dublin

11/12 @ Las Lomas

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