DENAIR — Denair needed just 17 minutes to build a comfortable lead in its 5-2 victory over Ripon Christian on Thursday.

The Coyotes were ahead 3-0 by the 17th minute. Drew Bakker pumped some life into Ripon Christian (1-5 Southern League, 3-10 overall) with a goal, and Rian Koetsier’s medium-range blast in the 33rd minute kept the Knights in reach by halftime down 4-2.

“I thought the guys could pull off the come back,” Ripon Christian coach Keith Terpsma said. “They had the momentum for a while after Drew’s goal and appeared determined to make a game out of it.”

Denair (2-4, 7-5) buried the back-breaking fifth goal just 10 minutes into the second half. It doesn’t get easier for Ripon Christian, which hosts second-place Gustine next Tuesday.

Valley Oak League

East Union 2, Kimball 1

 TRACY — The Lancers (3-2-1 Valley Oak League, 5-2-1 overall) outshot the host Jaguars (1-4-1, 2-10-1) 26-4.

“We dominated the first half very well,” East Union coach Victor Polanco said. “In the second half we got a little relaxed – maybe a little tired – and we substituted a bit.”

Edgar Avalos broke a scoreless tie 38 minutes into the game and put the Lancers ahead 1-0. In the 71st minute Daniel Gomez converted a penalty kick and gave East Union a 2-0 lead.