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The Berkeley High football team continued to steamroll its opposition on Friday night, demolishing De Anza High 33-6 in the league opener for both teams. 

Fullback Aaron Boatwright ran for 159 yards and quarterback Dessalines Gant threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns for the Yellowjackets, who have now outscored their opponents 131-27 on the season. 

The Berkeley defense also did its part, forcing five turnovers and holding the Dons scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. Safety Robert Young had two interceptions in 27 seconds in the first half, while Chris Watson settled for a single pick when his 100-yard interception return was called back on a Berkeley penalty. 

Berkeley’s special teams even pitched in with a touchdown, as Sean Young returned a punt 52 yards for his team’s only score of the second half. 

“I’m pretty satisfied with the way we played today,” said Berkeley head coach Matt Bissell. “We came out strong in the first half and never really let [De Anza] get in the game.” 

The Jackets opened the game with a remarkable 15-play touchdown drive that ate nearly eight minutes off the clock, with Antoine Cokes plunging over the goal line from a yard out. When safety Patrick Henderson picked off a pass on De Anza’s second play from scrimmage, it looked like another squash job for Berkeley. 

The De Anza defense and some untimely penalties stalled the ensuing drive at the 28-yard line, and kicker Terrell Elliott came on to try a long field goal. But the snap was over holder Jeff Spellman’s head, an apparent disaster. 

Spellman picked up the ball and scrambled away from two tacklers. With both teams converging on the ball, Berkeley tight end Robert Hunter-Ford rumbled down the field by himself. Spellman tossed a high pass towards Hunter-Ford, who made a twisting, leaping catch in the back of the end zone for a 13-0 Berkeley lead. 

“Everything doesn’t always go perfect,” said Spellman, who played most of the second half at quarterback in relief of Gant. “Sometimes you have to make something out of nothing.” 

The botched-kick-turned-touchdown seemed to break De Anza’s spirit, as Berkeley scored twice more before halftime. The Dons drove down to the Berkeley nine-yard line only to fumble the ball away, and the Jackets answered with a touchdown when Hunter-Ford came down with a jump ball in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal from the 19. Hunter-Ford used a bit of his rebounding technique learned on the basketball court to yank the ball away from two defenders for his third touchdwn catch of the year. 

Another De Anza turnover set the stage for Berkeley’s biggest play just before halftime. Robert Young tipped away a pass with 27 seonds left in the half and managed to grab the ball before it hit the turf. Although three straight penalties knocked the Jackets back to their own 28-yard line, they needed just one play to make up that yardage and more. Sean Young went in motion to the right and found himself uncovered on the sideline. Gant didn’t miss the opportunity, hitting Young in stride for an easy 72-yard touchdown. 

Gant was impressive in his first start as signal-caller, showing nice pocket presence and a cannon arm. The senior, who played in the second half of the two previous games, completed 5-of-10 passes. 

“I felt pretty comfortable. I know I made some mental mistakes that I’ll have to work on in practice,” Gant said. “but my offensive line gave me a lot of time, so it wasn’t too hard.” 

Bissell refused to name his starter for next week’s game against Encinal, although he did praise Gant’s performance. 

“I thought Dez played well, I was very happy with what he did tonight,” Bissell said. “But Jeff played well too. We’ll have to watch the tape and practice next week and make a decision.” 

ley nine-yard line only to fumble the ball away, and the Jackets answered with a touchdown when Hunter-Ford came down with a jump ball in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal from the 19. Hunter-Ford used a bit of his rebounding technique learned on the basketball court to yank the ball away from two defenders for his third touchdown catch of the year. 

Another De Anza turnover set the stage for Berkeley’s biggest play just before halftime. Robert Young tipped away a pass with 27 seonds left in the half and managed to grab the ball before it hit the turf. Although three straight penalties knocked the Jackets back to their own 28-yard line, they needed just one play to make up that yardage and more. Sean Young went in motion to the right and found himself uncovered on the sideline. Gant didn’t miss the opportunity, hitting Young in stride for an easy 72-yard touchdown. 

Gant was impressive in his first start as signal-caller, showing nice pocket presence and a cannon arm. The senior, who played in the second half of the two previous games in relief of Spellman, completed 5-of-10 passes. 

“I felt pretty comfortable. I know I made some mental mistakes that I’ll have to work on in practice,” Gant said. “but my offensive line gave me a lot of time, so it wasn’t too hard.” 

Bissell refused to name his starter for next week’s game against Encinal, although he did praise Gant’s performance. 

“I thought Dez played well, I was very happy with what he did tonight,” Bissell said. “But Jeff played well too. We’ll have to watch the tape and practice next week and make a decision.” 

Notes: Berkeley’s junior varsity team tied with De Anza, 12-12.