RIPON – In a battle of unbeatens with first place in the Southern League junior varsity race on the line, neither Ripon nor Mariposa could score any offensive points but the Knights snuck out a 7-0 win thanks to an interception return for a touchdown by Jake Grondz late in the first half.
With 1:56 showing on the second-quarter clock, the ball sailed on and out of the hands of a Grizzlies receiver and into Grondz’s hands. Grondz then raced 35 yards for the lone score of the night.
Ripon Christian was able to move the ball but could not finish, turning the ball over on downs twice inside the 20-yard line and fumbling it away two more times.
Grondz was the standout on offense as well, gaining 53 yards on 11carries and making a 29-yard circus catch on fourth down in the fourth quarter, keeping a drive alive and keeping the ball out of the Grizzlies’ hands.
Will Gilbert was 4 of 9 passing for 58 yards with an interception.
Lukas Van Groningen led the Knights defense with seven tackles. Jaden Booth and Nick Ochoa made six stops each with Cole Gemmell and Zach Brouwer adding five tackles apiece and Jay Hoekstra and Travis De Shields made four tackles each. Gilbert made an interception and tallied two tackles.
Valley Oak League
Manteca 40,
Weston Ranch 0
Aidan Nicolas ran wild for the Buffaloes at Guss Schmiedt Field.
Nicolas racked up 171 yards on just eight carries with a 69-yard touchdown runs. Krys Charles (3 of 6 passing, 91 yards) had touchdown throws of 25 yards to Jonathan Aranda and 63 yards to Javi Flores. Victor Martinez (10 carries, 53 yards) and Calvin Ramsey both scored on 1-yard runs.
Richie Garcia led the Manteca defense with five tackles and a fumble recovery. Destin De La Torre (forced fumble) and Joshua Saylor added four tackles each and Malik Nov made three tackles and defended two passes.
East Union 35, Sierra 6
The Lancers used a balanced attack to hammer the Timberwolves at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
Lane Cefalu (11 carries, 52 yards) scored on 1- and 5-yard runs for East Union. Zelmar Vedder (six carries, 69 yards) scored on a 26-yard run Tyler Diaz (five carries, 52 yards) added a 33-yard touchdown run. Neven Gonzalez pulled in a 65-yard touchdown pass from Jesus Gomez (3 for 6 passing, 125 yards).
Jonathan Castenada made nine tackles for the Lancers and Christian Perez snagged an interception.
