Aiden Krupa returned a blocked punt for a touchdown 2 minutes into Ripon’s homecoming game against Riverbank on Friday, and the rout was on.

The Indians exploded for 27 points in the opening quarter and leveled the winless Bruins 55-6 for their fifth consecutive win. They can now shift its focus to a challenging closing stretch to the regular season that starts with dangerous Livingston on the road next Friday, Oct. 8.

The Indians (3-0 Trans-Valley League, 5-2 overall) made sure to keep their players fresh by sitting some of their standout players early in Friday’s contest. Running back Jack Manning scored a 36-yard touchdown on his only carry, while fullback Ethan Day had 1 rush go for a 3-yard touchdown. Day also had three receptions for 58 yards.

Trent Vink (4 of 10, 83 yards) and Sierra transfer Adam Berrera (3 of 5, 51 yards) split time at quarterback in place of normal starter Dylan DeGraaf. Berrera finished as the Indians’ leading rusher with 87 yards and three touchdowns. Vink ran for 68 yards and one score while also competing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Krupa.

BOYS WATER POLO

Ripon 15, Central Catholic 3

The Indians dominated on Thursday to improve to 2-0 in the Valley Oak League.

Ben Svoboda amassed seven goals despite limited time. Donny Armstrong and Teo West each had two goals, while Chetam Harvey, Brody Biedermann, McKeane Beier and Nathan Selna scored one apiece.

Biedermann also recorded four assists. Beier and Teo had two each. Goalie Benny Rodgers tallied nine blocks.