The Golden Eagles scored 35 points in the first half and used a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive pressure to roll past Modesto-Downey 42-20.

Del Oro made sure there would be little drama in its season opener Friday night. The Golden Eagles scored 35 points in the first half and used a balanced offensive attack and relentless defensive pressure to roll past Modesto-Downey 42-20. Junior quarterback Grayson Haugen completed 10-of-14 passes for 190 yards and three touchdowns in his first game leading Del Oro's offense, while senior Brennen Gibbs rushed for 126 yards and two scores on 18 carries. Del Oro wasted no time taking control. After recovering an opening onside kick, the Golden Eagles marched down the field and Haugen connected with Landen Parry for a 17-yard touchdown. Haugen then found Chase Carmazzi for a two-point conversion to give Del Oro an 8-0 lead. The Golden Eagles forced a turnover on downs on Downey's ensuing possession before Gibbs broke free for a 20-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Del Oro's defense and special teams continued to set the tone early in the second. Reid Elam returned a blocked punt 20 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0. Haugen later connected with Darius Dismukes on a 33-yard touchdown pass before Gibbs added his second score of the night on a 13-yard run. Downey finally got on the board late in the second quarter, but Del Oro entered halftime with a commanding 35-7 advantage. The Golden Eagles added to their lead midway through the third quarter when Haugen hit Carmazzi for a 20-yard touchdown after connecting on a 59-yard pass earlier in the series to move Del Oro deep into Downey territory. Carmazzi finished with six receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, accounting for more than half of Del Oro's receiving production. Dismukes added a 33-yard touchdown reception, while Parry caught one pass for a 17-yard score. Downey scored 13 points over the final quarter and a half, but Del Oro's early lead was never seriously threatened. The Golden Eagles finished with 342 yards of total offense, including 152 on the ground, while the defense spent much of the night in the Downey backfield. Del Oro recorded 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Parry led the way with 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. Braven Brink added 2.5 sacks, while Russ Von Seipler recorded six tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The victory gives Del Oro a 1-0 start to the season as the Golden Eagles prepare to travel to Mountain View to take on St. Francis this week.

Del Oro blasts Downey 42-20