ESCALON – The Ripon High football team battled wet conditions, a sloppy field and a tough Escalon squad at Engel Field.The Indians led most of the way during this crucial Trans Valley League clash, only to see the Cougars prevail Friday, 14-9. The loss eliminates Ripon from playoff contention.Brandon Grogan’s 58-yard punt return set up Wesley Dick with the go-ahead touchdown at the 7:26 mark in the fourth quarter.“They made the most of their big-play opportunities in the second half,” Ripon coach Chris Johnson said of the Cougars. “We had those (same) opportunities in the first half.”The wet conditions and the slippery turf bogged down the offenses for both teams.