Keith Dottley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado High School for AZPreps365.com

SCOTTSDALE-- A “return to normal” was imminent at Coronado’s football stadium on Friday night, with cheerleaders rallying the fans, the band blowing their brass, and the self-proclaimed “wolfman” inserting his cheeky brand of comedy into play recaps over the loudspeaker.

However, the moral support and motivation were not enough to will the Dons to a second straight victory, with coach Jerry Black’s team falling to a 47-12 defeat to Gilbert's Arete Prep Chargers.

Coronado fans weren’t the only ones glad to be back at the school’s Ed Anderson Field, as senior captain Keoni Rasiang had his season debut on Friday after missing the Dons’ first two games. It didn’t take Rasiang, better known as “Kiwi”, long to make his presence felt, taking a direct snap at the Arete Prep seven-yard line and scooting into the end zone on Coronado’s opening drive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keoni Rasiang (33) scored both of Coronado's touchdowns in his 2021 debut on Friday.

While the Chargers' defense couldn’t slow Rasiang down on the five-play, 49-yard drive, leg cramps and an upset stomach sidelined him shortly after. Battling through these ailments just to return to the field, he would add a six-yard rushing touchdown halfway through the third quarter.

When describing the source of his toughness and resilience, Kiwi referenced a recent hospital stint he endured just two weeks ago. “A lot of motivation from my family and friends," Rasiang said when asked how he overcame this trying period. "A lot. Keeping me up. Keeping me straight.”

Rasiang finished with 36 yards on six carries in addition to the first two touchdowns of his career.

On the defensive end, the Dons were dizzied by Charger quarterback Matthew Mcclelland’s lightning quick escapes from the pocket and his accurate arm when inside of it. The junior finished with 127 yards on the ground and two touchdowns to go along with his 192 passing yards and one score through the air. With Mcclelland's stellar play, Arete Prep managed to score on its first five possessions.

Some bright spots still shined through for the Dons, as outside linebacker Oakley Wilson’s three tackles for loss helped slow down the Chargers’ run game in the second half. “I just use what the coaches told me,” said Wilson. “How to read (the play), go up and tackle and make the play.”

The junior also made an impact on offense, with 46 yards rushing on four carries.

Senior cornerback Mykel Fisher also had a stellar game, acting as the joker to Mcclelland’s batman. With two third-down pass breakups, the captain furthered his status as a foundational piece for the program Black is building.

While Fisher played his heart out on the field, his mother, Charisse Curtis’ heart was warmed seeing him play in person for the first time in almost two years due to COVID-19 restrictions at AIA football games last season. “It’s exciting,” Curtis said, “to see him have the chance to shine for his senior season. Last season kind of shut down the players’ excitement.”

Curtis added that she has seen a “different light and excitement,” with Mykel so far compared to last year.

While Coach Black is happy to see friends and family in the stands again along with his team’s 208 yards rushing, the Cincinnati transplant was not thrilled with 99 penalty yards off 11 infractions committed by his team. “It’s just repetition and mental discipline,” said Black. “The kids have to put in the time to focus and make sure that they understand what their job is on every play.”

The Dons will look to implement these improvements as they take their 1-2 record to Cortez High School next Friday to take on the 0-3 Colts.