RIPON – The Ripon High Indians are 0-2 to start the season after falling to Patterson at Stouffer Field Friday, 38-14

But with 16 juniors including a defense with 10 new starters, RHS coach Chris Johnson said his team is simply going through some early season growing pains.

“We played better than last week,” Johnson said of the lopsided loss to Sierra. “We’re playing better – yet we have to play better.”

Patterson (2-0) presented plenty of problems for the young Indians.

“They got some guys with speed that we had trouble dealing with,” Johnson added.

In particular, senior wide receiver Damarrio Hammonds, who scored three touchdowns including an electrifying 90-yard punt return late in the second quarter.

Ripon trailed 17-0 after the Tigers drove 86 yards on three plays. Michael Lawson broke loose on a 47-yard run.

Patterson jumped out to a 10-0 first-quarter lead, capitalizing on an early fumble. Hammonds came up with a 15-yard scoring grab.

Kicker Alex Gebbing later converted on a 31-yard field goal.

Ripon had its best field position late in the first quarter thanks to the running of Ryan Fugit, who racked up 59 yards on 13 carries.

However, the drive ended when the Indians missed on a 27-yard field goal. After that, Patterson poured it on, scoring three times to 31-0 half-time lead.

The Ripon defense also had its moments. Matthew Ysit registered a sack and Cody Haines came up with a stop for a loss after a strong outside pursuit.

Hammonds closed out the scoring for Patterson midway through the second half, snagging quarterback Damien Paulo’s 14-yard pass on fourth down.

The Indians finally broke through in the fourth. Jacob Duxbury, who finished with 47 yards on 11 carries, scored on a 5-yard run.

The reserves came on strong as Javier Hernandez made the most of his playing time, gaining 66 yards on three tries. Angelo Baciocco capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

At this point, Johnson admitted his team was overmatched by Patterson, but he believes his young team will improve as the season goes on.

It’s all part of the process, Johnson said.

“I would love to face Patterson again later in the season,” he added. “I think it’ll be a different story.”



Ripon Christian 57,
Big Valley Christian 0

In Modesto, Call this a throwback. Ripon Christian running back Bryan Sytsma opened the post-Andrew Brown era with a performance even Brown would applaud. Sytsma rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns, taking the reins in the Knights’ shutout victory.

Sytsma scored on runs of 5 and 38 yards as Ripon Christian kept the ball on the ground. The Knights attempted just one pass – good for a touchdown – en route to rolling up 267 rushing yards.  Kevin Kramer, Seth Silveira and Derek Dotinga had rushing touchdowns of 39, 7 and 5 yards, respectively.

Connor McGovern returned an interception 44 yards for a score, while Ethan McMurray closed the scoring with a 66-yard scoop-and-score.

Billy Marr made his only pass attempt count, connecting with tight end Jared Stuit on a 57-yard touchdown in a 36-point first quarter.