RIPON – The Indians nearly came away with their first Trans Valley League win of the season against Modesto Christian last Friday.

Instead, they witnessed the Crusaders rallying late in the game and score the game-winner in the final minutes.

The Ripon High sophomore football team fell, 13-10.

“I thought we played a good overall game,” Indians coach Jorge Velasco said. “We did it while playing a lot more freshmen.”

Ripon (0-3, 3-4) had trouble getting its offense in gear, scoring on a first-half field goal by freshman kicker Mauricio Aguirre.

Down 7-3, the Indians rallied back late in the game. Quarterback Ryan Fugit momentarily put his team on top by hitting Jace Fetridge on a 7-yard touchdown strike.

But the Crusaders returned the favor in the final minutes, going to the air and finding the open receivers.

“We had guys out of position,” Velasco said.

Manteca 52, Lathrop 10

The Buffaloes built a comfortable 30-0 halftime lead and never looked back in their Valley Oak League win Friday.

Michael Gonzales erupted for 193 yards on just 15 carries, leading a Manteca ground game that saw four different players score touchdowns.

“This was a great team effort,” Manteca head coach Adam Liel said. “This was a very difficult week to stay focused not being at school, but we came together in all three phases of the game.”

Alex Laurel scored three times for Manteca, while teammates Brandon Dabney and Nick O’Brian also got in the endzone.

Oakdale 42, Weston Ranch 14

Weston Ranch fell behind early and could not muster a comeback, falling to the visiting Mustangs in VOL action Friday.

Kashon Andrews scored both of the Cougars’ touchdowns, breaking loose for a 50-yard scamper and hauling in a 55-yard touchdown pass from J’son Moton. The Cougars have been facing an uphill battle all season due to lack of players, but the team is focused on closing out the season playing winning football.

Weston Ranch wll try and post a victory Friday when they travel to Tracy to take on Kimball High.

Sonora 21, Sierra 15

Sierra High came up just short of knocking off the Wildcats at home, but fell by a touchdown Friday in Sonora.

Sierra got a solid showing from Jonathon Montoya who hauled in a touchdown score from Jake Pruit. Teammate Bryson Sanders also notched a touchdown reception from Pruit.

“We have to play better on defense and special teams next week,” head coach Dan Duke said.

Kimball 42, East Union 19

The Lancers were able to accumulate 368 yards of total offense, but found difficulty stopping the Kimball Jaguars from adding points in a VOL loss Friday.

Victor Lopez broke loose for 213 yards on 16 carries, breaking into the endzone twice in the contest.

Three turnovers hurt East Union’s chances at earning the victory.