Mighty Dawgs thwart Mighty Pirates in season opener

Ramona Pop Warner Mighty Dawgs dominated their home field in the season’s opening game against the Oceanside Mighty Pirates on Aug. 25.

RPW dedicated the day to the men and women defending the nation.

The game at the Dawg Pound started with a Mighty Dawgs offensive possession. Quarterback George Cohen, along with Matthew Populin, Zaak DellaGala and Cameron Dingman, methodically drove the ball deep into Oceanside territory in a series of runs. Cohen capped the drive with a plunge into the Pirates’ end zone.

The Dawgs’ defense picked up where the offense left off. A sizable Oceanside offensive front jabbed at the Ramona defensive unit. The Dawgs defenders, led by linebackers Jason Gill and Cohen, swarmed to the ball, snuffing out the Pirates’ initial attack and putting the ball back in Ramona’s hands.

After another Mighty Dawgs offensive assault, running back Gill powered his way to Ramona’s second score of the day, closing the half with the Dawgs leading 12-0.

Ramona started the second half with a successful onside kick attempt. The start was stalled momentarily when a dropped ball bounced into the hands of a Pirates’ defender. The resilient Dawgs’ defense stiffened and stymied the Oceanside offensive effort.

Ramona’s offense struck again with pounding runs in the middle and on the edges. On a third and goal, Cohen found Dingman wide open in the end zone for the Dawgs’ third score of the day. With an encore performance, the pair connected on a similar play on the subsequent possession – only this time, Dingman followed the reception with a 40-yard gallop for the Dawgs’ final score of the day. Cohen finished the drive and the day with a successful point after attempt. Final score: 26-0.

For the day, the Dawgs’ defense collected five take backs and allowed only one first down. On offense, Ramona amassed yards on the ground and through the air, scoring four times by three different ball carriers.

“This team couldn’t have made us more proud,” said Assistant Coach George Cobian. “The Mighty Dawgs played a complete game making big plays in all phases. They defeated a formidable opponent in front of a spirited home crowd — an all-around great day.”