RIPON — An emotional roller-coaster throughout, it was Modesto Christian riding high at the end of a thrilling 42-41 finish Friday at Ripon’s Stouffer Field.
Ripon (1-1 Trans-Valley League, 4-3 overall) had a chance to at least tie with 1:52 left in the game after Ryan Daggett (12 of 20, 195 yards, two TDs; rushing TD) hit James Gaalswyk for a 16-yard pass on fourth down.
Sophomore Mario Hernandez kept the Crusaders (2-0, 3-4) ahead by blocking the ensuing point-after kick as Ripon coach Chris Musseman frantically tried to call a timeout. In a game featuring many big plays, Hernandez also did his part by converting six of his seven PATs.
“I should have done a better job of getting the officials’ attention sooner,” said Musseman, who made a last-second decision to attempt a two-point conversion. “That was on me.”
The Indians had a 14-0 lead in the first quarter but found themselves playing catch-up down by two scores for much of the second half. Dylan Sexton (25 carries, 92 yards, TD) came up with a diving 5-yard catch in the end zone to close Ripon in 42-35 with 4:36 to go.
Michael Winters added 84 yards on eight carries and had a big interception in the end zone late in the second quarter. Modesto Christian led 21-14 at the break.
“We got up on them but I think we let off the pedal a little bit,” Musseman said. “But give Modesto Christian credit, they can bring in some incredible athletes that we don’t have. We had a tough time dealing with their size and their speed, but our guys battled.”
Isaiah Torres led MC with 117 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, while punishing fullback Paul Puaauli scored three times.

Oakdale 48, Sierra 6
OAKDALE — The Mustangs (4-0, 6-1) led 48-0 by halftime before going in cruise control for the rest of their homecoming rout.
Daemon Duran scored on a 4-yard run for Sierra (1-3, 2-5), which heads to East Union next week.

C. Catholic 70,
W. Ranch 12
MODESTO — It was a short but productive night for star running back Dauson Booker, who had 113 yards and four touchdowns on just six total touches (four rushes) from scrimmage for the Raiders (4-0, 6-0).
Weston Ranch (0-4, 1-6) kept it close early on after Amier Bowen’s 80-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fairbanks, making it 14-6. Central Catholic then rallied for 54 unanswered points.

VOLLEYBALL
Ripon Christian 3,
 Denair 0
DENAIR — The Knights (8-2, 9-13 overall) rolled to a 25-11, 25-11, 25-17 on Thursday night to remain in second place in the Southern Athletic League.
Paige Vos racked up eight kills and three aces in limited action, while Mackenzie Miller chipped in six and five. Rachel Bakker contributed four kills to a balanced attack that included three kills apiece from Megan Bos and Renae Heida. Taylor Alger collected 23 assists, four aces and two digs. Bethany Silveira led the defense with seven digs.