The Ripon Chiefs varsity got on the board first Saturday in the opening round of the Motherlode Valley Football League playoffs against the Hughson Huskies but could not pull off the win in a 32-8 loss to the Huskies.

Ryan Daggett (105 yards passing) connected with Cody Rachiel on a 7-yard scoring pass for Ripon to start the game but drive-stalling penalties hampered the Chiefs the rest of the day.

Michael Solario had two catches for 53 yards for Ripon and Spencer Schroen added 49 yards on the ground.

Junior Varsity

Chiefs 42, Lions 6

The Chiefs set the tone for the game with three second-quarter touchdowns.

Ripon’s Nico Ilardi was 6 for 9 passing for 140 yards with one passing and one rushing touchdown as well as an interception. Dorian Dougherty racked up 98 yards on just seven carries with a 30-yard touchdown.

Aiden Benzinger had a 12-yard touchdown and Gunnar Bertsch scored from two yards out. Beau Dionio pulled in a 38-yard reception and Bertsch made a 45-yard catch that set up a 9-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Padilla. 

The Chiefs Defense forced four fumbles with one returned 67 yards by Aaron Wood for a touchdown. Leobardo Ochoa was a standout on defense and Nathan Valdez was 3 for 5 on conversion kick.

Novice

Chiefs 32, Outlaws 12

After a double-overtime loss to the Outlaws in the final week regular season the Chiefs scored quick.

In the first period Jackson Holt got Ripon on the board with a 1-yard quarterback sneak and Blake Nichelson added to the Chiefs lead with a 9-yard touchdown run.

Isaiah San Nicholas had Ripon touchdowns on runs of 50 and 72 yards, Caleb Johnston scored from two yards out and Jack Gioffre ran the ball well behind a dominating performance from the offensive line and tight ends.

The Chiefs only gave up six points on defense and forced multiple fumbles and turnovers on downs.