Del Oro soars past Foothill 61-7

Del Oro lit up the scoreboard in a 61–7 rout of visiting Foothill of Palo Cedro on Friday night. The Golden Eagles dominated from the opening kickoff, scoring in all four quarters, piling up 448 total yards and cruising to victory behind a running clock for most of the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Nolen Sauve completed 12 of 14 passes for 229 yards and five touchdowns. Brennen Gibbs had four catches for 100 yards and two scores, while Ashton Greenhalgh added a 58-yard touchdown grab. Tight ends Landen Parry and Luke Galer each snagged a touchdown. Del Oro coach Josh Parry praised Sauve's growth. The senior threw for just four touchdowns and eight interceptions last season but has turned his fortunes around with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions this year. Sauve has improved his quarterback rating by nearly 100 points and is already approaching his yardage total from a season ago. "The number one area of growth for him is his management of the game," Parry said. "It takes a smart player to understand where the ball should go, understanding your footwork, understanding the important things about the game like taking the checkdown, using your feet, extending the play and knowing when to throw the ball out of bounds." Del Oro's rushing attack was just as balanced, racking up 213 yards. Senior Brock Sherman led the way with 95 yards and a touchdown, while juniors Ty Sauve and Brandon Alfonso also added scoring plunges. The defense forced two turnovers. Senior Jamison French led the Golden Eagles with nine total tackles, while senior Colby Sjolie recorded a sack and tackle for loss. Finn Burth had three tackles for loss and Parry had an interception that he returned 32 yards. Del Oro (3-0) is riding a hot streak entering Sierra Foothill League play this week, and Parry noted the turnaround as the Golden Eagles have already passed their win total from 2024. "Everybody is staying in their lane, doing their job, focused on what's ahead of them and not getting caught up in distractions," said Parry. "It was our home opener too, so the community was out and they used it as fuel to get excited." Del Oro and Parry will welcome a familiar face to town this week as former head coach Casey Taylor leads his Oak Ridge Trojans to Loomis to begin SFL play.