Next woman up.
Ripon coach Louis Rivera is working on his third quarterback this season, and he has found a gem. Sophomore Aubree Fleming threw for two touchdowns Thursday behind nearly 200 all-purpose yards to lead Ripon to a 13-0 win over visiting West in non-league flag football action at Wes Stouffer Field.
“That is my quote-unquote third-string quarterback,” Rivera said of Fleming. “I think she is 5-1 as a starter this year. She came in because my starting quarterback got knocked out with a concussion and has been out with a concussion for the last six games. I am so proud of her (Fleming).”
Ripon has allowed on average less than four points a game this season.
“The defense has been lights-out in almost every game,” Rivera said. “The only game we gave up a lot of points was because we gave up two pick-sixes. They have been lights-out all season.”
Fleming completed 10 passes for 107 yards with two touchdowns and ran the ball six times for 86 yards.
“Being QB is very stressful,” Fleming said. “But I’ve been doing a lot better. I haven’t really thrown any interceptions since like the second game I played as QB.
“It’s been great, especially being out there with all my teammates.”
Late in the first quarter Fleming hit Ava Aguirre (five receptions, 76 yards) with a 44-yard scoring pass and midway through the fourth quarter she iced the game with a 33-yard touchdown throw to Mia Hendryx.
“I ran a short route for a quick pass,” Aguirre said. “And I had to cut my way all the way through the defense which can be a little difficult because you have to read the field all at once.
“All you have to do is move your hips, hope and pray that they will not get your flag.”
Teagan Osborn led the defense for Ripon (6-2) with six pulls. Fleming and Taylor Paris added four stops each and Giuliana Locarnini three.
“We have been practicing a lot,” Osborn said. “We practice hard and e play hard, we play how we practice.
“Every play you take it like the ball is going to come at you, no matter what.”
The Wolf Pack of Tracy drops to 3-3.
Ripon travels to Livingston on Saturday for a tournament and opens at 10 a.m. against Madera.
