PLEASANTON — Amador Valley began its season behind the eight ball.

Fresh off winning the first North Coast Section title in school history, Amador Valley entered the year without five senior skill position players: running back Ismael Duenas (dislocated elbow); tight end Kade Robertson (season-ending torn knee ligament); and wide receivers Anthony Harrington (ankle), Aidan Foley and McKay Kenitzer (hamstring).

With injuries up and down their roster, the Dons (3-6, 1-2) endured four straight losses to start their season. Their average margin of defeat was roughly eight points, a sign of this team’s ability to compete despite not being at full strength. With a decisive 35-14 win over Monte Vista on Halloween, Amador Valley is looking spooky at just the right time.

“We never lost faith,” s

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