Lathrop produced season-highs in points scored and yards gained last Friday in a 43-10 Western Athletic Conference victory at winless Livingston.

The Spartans (2-1 WAC, 3-3 overall) appear to have their offense in gear ahead of their big homecoming game against high-scoring Central Valley.

Roman Duvernay has helped key Lathrop’s offensive resurgence since he became eligible to play after serving the California Interscholastic Federation’s sit-out-period for transferring. He hit the century mark for a second straight week, rambling for 101 yards and four touchdowns on just eight carries.

The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Duvernay showed his breakaway speed on his final touch, a 55-yard dash in the fourth quarter. He debuted in the Spartans’ 39-6 win over Pacheco, and the arrival came at the right time with standout running back/defensive lineman Jayden White out with an injury.

Jaylen Santos was also instrumental against Livingston. He contributed 11 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns, a 31-yard reception and an interception on defense that set up Duvernay’s 6-yard TD scamper late in the first half. Lathrop led 14-3 at halftime and created separation with 28 unanswered points.

The Spartans totaled 470 yards, getting contributions from Dasani Brown (six carries, 44 yards; 19-yard reception), Ekam Sohal (four rushes, 42 yards; 14-yard reception), sophomore Brian Jackson (40-yard run), Damian Hermosillo (two catches, 37 yards) and quarterback D.J. Reyno (5-of-7 passing, 101 yards).

Angel Prado led the defense with 12 tackles, Avner Faaaliga and Ronine Jin Ragadio each had seven, and Josh Talalele netted six tackles and a sack.

Ripon Christian 17, Orestimba 6

In Newman, the Knights (1-2, 5-2 overall) held Orestimba (0-2, 4-2) to its lowest points total of the season.

Mason Clark was a two-way contributor for Ripon Christian, finishing with a team-high 97 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts, while coming up with four tackles and an interception on defense.

Quarterback Josiah Van Vliet scored the Knights’ other touchdown, as they rolled into halftime with a 14-0 lead. Talen Tameling capped scoring with a fourth-quarter field goal. He also converted on both point-after touchdown kicks.
Tyler Van Elderen rushed 16 times for 71 yards. Jack Schaapman (seven rushes, 46 yards) and Tameling (eight carries, 45 yards) were part of the Knights’ balanced ground attack.

Jax Booth had a big night defensively in his second game after recovering from a preseason ankle injury. He recorded a team-high 10 tackles, one for loss and two quarterback pressures. Tameling chipped in eight tackles, while Noah Costa had a sack.

The Knights have a bye this Friday and next hosts undefeated Hilmar on Oct. 23.