File photo
The Del Norte Warriors bounced back from last week’s loss in impressive fashion on Friday night, running out to a comprehensive 55-7 win over the West Valley Eagles in Crescent City.
Running back Giancarlo Desolenni continued to impress behind a dominating Del Norte line and ran in for three touchdowns, scoring on runs of 18, 47 and 23 yards.
The Warriors ran the ball at ease and racked up 367 yards on 40 carries, but they were arguably even better on defense, holding the visitors to just 83 yards of offense all night.
“It all starts with the defense and our defense played lights out all game,” Del Norte head coach Nick White said. “And our special teams did a great job.”
Desolenni found the end twice in the opening quarter as the home team opened up a quick three-TD advantage.
Bryson Price added an early touchdown on special teams, blocking a punt and returning it four yards for a score.
It was one of two blocks on special teams for the Warriors, and Price also was “outstanding on defense,” according to the head coach.
They added to the lead early in the second quarter on a trick play, when Desolenni pitched to receiver Ethan Thomas, who completed a 25-yard TD pass to wide-open quarterback Cooper Maxwell.
With senior running back RJ Loftin sidelined through injury, the Warriors showcased their depth in the offensive backfield and it didn’t seem to matter who carried the ball.
“Offensively we grounded it out and we had a lot of running backs who stepped up tonight, which was nice to see,” White added.
Aden Mintonye added two TDs and had 103 yards on 11 carries, while Desolenni finished with 136 yards rushing on just six carries.
Mintonye scored on runs of 20 and 40 yards.
Kyle Starcher closed out the scoring with a one-yard TD run.
Senior center/defensive lineman Bridger Ratnour also had a big night anchoring both lines, which set the tone for the game.
“The kids stepped up,” White said. “Overall it was a really good performance.”
The team’s back-ups were just as effective and the Warriors held the visitors to just two yards of offense in the second half.
The remarkably consistent Daniel Gonzalez added seven PATs, stretching his streak to 23 straight before his first miss of the season after the final TD.
West Valley dropped to 0-3.
The Del Norte JVs also had a good night and improved to 4-0 with a 35-12 win over West Valley.
Next up, the Warriors will play at McKinleyville next Friday.
