HILMAR — Lathrop delivered the first blow in the form of Michael Ramos’ 62-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter, but Hilmar scored 21 unanswered points in the second half for a 35-13 win.
Ramos had 170 yards on 12 carries in the first half, and quarterback Keonne Linnell scored on a 1-yard run late in the second quarter. The extra-point try was blocked, leaving Hilmar (2-0) ahead 14-13 by halftime.
The Spartans (1-1) had an opportunity to build on the first-quarter momentum. After the defense held Hilmar to a three-and-out on its opening possession, Lathrop threatened to double the lead before Marcus Alvarez picked off a Linnell pass in the end zone.
Then Hilmar quarterback Tristan Crowley went to work. He had a hand in all five of the Yellowjackets’ touchdowns, starting off with a 24-yard run in the second quarter.
Crowley’s 73-yard pass to Bryan Milan gave Hilmar the lead for good with 2:32 left in the first half. He later had 10- and 12-yard touchdown tosses to Carter Azevedo and scored on a 2-yard run.
Lathrop has its bye week coming up and will look to rebound against talented Franklin of Elk Grove at Cosumnes Oaks High on Sept. 15.

The Turlock Journal contributed to this report.