Ripon High’s Zach Scudder and freshman Scott Tolman of Sierra are two of the favorites in today’s Sac-Joaquin Section frosh-soph final in the 100-yard breast stroke.

Scudder recorded the fastest time in Friday’s preliminary round at Tokay High in Lodi, while Tolman joins him in the top three.

Tolman will compete in three events, as he also qualified for the consolation races in the 100 freestyle and 200 medley relay. Nic Perez, Jacob Hampton and Zach Thomas make up the rest of the Timberwolves’ quartet.

“We’re really pleased with how the boys did, and we’re looking forward to seeing what happens (today),” Sierra coach Dave Breitenbucher said. “Two of the kids on the relay are new swimmers, so that’s pretty exciting.”

Ripon will bring the largest contingent of Day 2 qualifiers among area schools with already four individuals and two relays advancing from the girls team.

Justin Clark is the No. 1 seed in the 100 back stroke and No. 3 in the butterfly. Scudder is third in the 200 free. The frosh-soph 200 medley relay made the cut for the consolation race.

 “If everything goes right, we could walk away with six to eight wins at the frosh-soph level,” Ripon coach Erik Zador said. “We’re excited for (today).”

Junior Corey Winter was Ripon’s lone representative in the varsity ranks. He is a consolation qualifier in the 200 individual medley after claiming the section’s frosh-soph championship in the event last year.

“Corey did really well, there were just some really fast 200 IM times,” Zador said. “About 45 minutes later he had to do the 100 butterfly, and he had his best time but didn’t advance. Doing it at the varsity level is a difficult task.

East Union’s Elijah Salas narrowly missed an automatic berth to the second day, but he will return as a first alternate for the 100 backstroke consolation heat after placing 17th with a personal record time of 55.99 seconds.

Salas joined Scott Fisher, Collin School and Steven Jessup on the 200 free relay. The all-senior foursome set a season best mark (1:37.85) in their final race together.

Manteca also fielded 200 free relay team consisting of senior Kevin Perez, junior Stephen Ruble, sophomore Brandon Craighead and freshman Austin Welch. They finished in 1:38.23 for 39th place.

The finals begin at 10 a.m. today back at Tokay.