The Coronado Dons, led by their new dynamic duo of Mikel James and Dayvion Sumpter, bested the Arizona College Prep Knights on Friday, 40-23.

James and Sumpter led the way on the ground for the Dons as they combined for 276 yards and four touchdowns.

Sumpter was playing in his first game of the season as he had transferred from Saguaro this summer. His first touch as a Coronado Don was a 65-yard punt return where he weaved through the Knights and found himself in the end zone. That, along with an interception, made Sumpter’s debut a memorable one.

“He makes our offense just so dynamic,” said Coronado head coach Curt LeBlanc. 

James, the Dons' starting quarterback, was electric running the read option with Sumpter. He scored three of their touchdowns and had 116 yards rushing.

It was James’ passing that was most impressive. He completed 13 of 21 attempts for a career high 239 yards and a touchdown that went for almost 70 yards.

The win was Coronado’s first of the season and the Dons are now 1-0 in region play.

“It feels absolutely great,” said James. “We worked our butts off out there. We worked as a team and I love it. I can’t wait to get some more so we can be 5-0 in our region.”

Defensively, the Dons held their own against the Knights' strong passing offense. Senior linebacker Hazem Seddik had a sack and two tackles for loss.

The pass rush was working for Coronado most of the night as they finished with three sacks while maintaining consistent pressure.

The Dons’ biggest mistake of the night came midway through the second half. After James landed a punt well within the 1-yard line, the Coronado defense held Arizona College Prep to no gain on two plays. On third and 10 from the 1-yard line, sophomore quarterback Mark Chavez connected on a short pass to wide receiver Bryan Dyson, who took it 99 yards for a touchdown.

“We’re kind of getting in a groove offensively, which is awesome to see,” said Knights head coach Myron Blueford.

The Dons put the game to rest early in the fourth quarter. After Dyson's touchdown, the Dons responded with a five-play, 58-yard drive which ended with James diving for a touchdown after scrambling. That put the Dons up 40-23. 

Sumpter, 1-0 in his Dons career, said he plans on getting some more wins this year as he and the entire Coronado roster are hungry for more.

The Knights play at home against Paradise Honors next Friday, while the Coronado Dons face Fountain Hills at home next Friday.