Nick Price ruled through the air, both on offense and defense, and the Ripon Chiefs torched the Salida Steelers 38-0 in a Trans-Valley Youth Football League regular-season finale at Stouffer Field Saturday.

The second of Price’s two interceptions was returned 50 yards to the end zone for the game’s final touchdown. Steven Crescini booted the conversion kick through the uprights for the final 2 points, finishing 4 for 5 on his attempts.

Price also stood out at quarterback, as he completed 30- and 20-yard touchdown passes plays to Jacob Xavier and Darren Sexton, respectively.

Fullback Caleb McCusker pounded his way to two first-half touchdowns. The Chiefs led 14-0 at halftime thanks to the dominant play of linemen Angelo Calderon, Austin Escobar, Jacob Martin, KJ Martin and Crescini.

Ripon came up with big plays on all facets. On special teams, Matthew Ysit blocked a punt and Dylan Lopez recovered a fumble on a kickoff return. Daelon Arriola sacked the Steelers quarterback on defense.

The Chiefs will kick off the first round of the TVYFL playoffs Saturday at Ripon High. The varsity team hosts the Modesto Rams at 7 p.m., JV takes on the Rams at 5 and novice starts off the day at 3 against the Modesto Christian Kingsmen.



Junior varsity

Chiefs 25, Steelers 0

Luke Navarro, Zach Bailey and Matthew DeDonatis each scored on touchdown runs of 15, 30 and 35 yards, respectively. Aaron Paschini added one more score on a punt return aided by a big block from Sid Gall.

Dylan Sexton, Mitch Ulrich and Bailey came through with quarterback sacks on defense. Logan Orlando and James Gaalswyk were also among the team’s top defensive performers.



Novice

Chiefs 12, Steelers 6

Needing a win to advance to the postseason, the Chiefs made it happen with big stops on defense and timely touchdown scampers.

Derric Roy romped 35 yards for the game’s first score, but the Steelers were able to tie it late in the first half. Roy got it going on Ripon’s deciding scoring drive in the third quarter, coming up with 30- and 20-yard gains that set up Cade McCusker’s 3-yard touchdown.

Roy also forced a fumble on defense. Quinn Cunha, Phillip D’Angelo, Roland Davis, Dale Fisher, Michael Solario all had big tackles in key moments.