 ON HIGHER GROUND: Dana Hills' Dylan Denso goes airborne while gaining yardage as Foothill's Bryan Zantos defends in the first half Friday night. ROSE PALMISANO, OCVARSITY.COM FROM THE OCVARSITY BLOGAudioDana Hills senior football player Connor St. Clair talks after the Dolphins’ 36-14 season-opening victory against Foothill on Friday.
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Dana Hills starts season with big victory
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The Dolphins, who won just once in '07, are led by QB Schroeder in 36-14 triumph over Foothill.
OCVarsity.com
DANA POINT – When the buzzer sounded Friday night, Dana Hills’ football faithful erupted with a victory celebration.Last season, the Dolphins’ fans only did that once – and that was after a road game.
But Dana Hills is expected to be improved this season and the Dolphins made an impressive opening argument with a 36-14 season-opening triumph against visiting Foothill.
Duke-bound quarterback Sean Schroeder led the way with 253 yards passing and three touchdown passes. The receiving duo of Dylan Denso and Connor St. Clair had a big night as did running back Brett Giesen.
The Dolphins defense allowed two scores – on the last play of the first half and with 1:32 left in the fourth.
Dana Hills also recorded five sacks. Linebacker Brian Pauling forced a fumble on his sack and returned to the ball 18 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
“I’m not surprised,” Schroeder said of the victory. “This team put in a lot of work this summer.”
In 2007, Dana Hills finished 1-8-1. In the offseason, the Dolphins hired Brent Melbon as their new coach.
Operating out of a no-huddle, spread offense, Schroeder completed 13 of 22 passes before being lifted after three quarters. He was sacked only once.
Denso hauled in six receptions for 148 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Denso took a receiver screen and raced up field as the Dolphins opened a 34-6 lead. Giesen added the two-point conversion.
St. Clair finished with five receptions for 78 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown reception. On defense, the senior played safety and tipped a pass that was intercepted by Ryan Shimizu.
That play helped set up Schroeder’s scoring pass to Denso two plays later.
St. Clair also kicked and punted. He recovered his own onside kick in the first quarter but Dana Hills didn’t capitalize.
Dana Hills opened the game with a 15-play, 80-yard scoring drive. Schroeder capped it by rolling out and tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to St. Clair.
On their next possession, the Dolphins drove 87 yards for a score. Schroeder connected with Giesen on a 21-yard touchdown pass.
Giesen capped the Dolphins’ first-quarter with a 76-yard touchdown run with one second left. Receiver Zach Alario had big downfield block.
Click here for Foothill's stats, rosters and schedule
Click here for Dana Hills' stats, rosters and schedule
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
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