The Ripon Chiefs suffered a 34-22 loss last Saturday to Central Saints at Stouffer Field.

The Chiefs of the Trans Valley Youth League’s American Conference trailed early on to the Modesto Metro Conference Saints, who jumped out to a 16-0 lead.

Nick Price’s kickoff return to the Central 40 gave Ripon good field position. From there, he hit Jacob Duxbury on a 10-yard pass, setting up Drake Vizcarra’s 10-yard run up the gut for a Chief touchdown.

Steven Crescini booted the two-point kick to close the gap, 16-8.

Central scored again, claiming 22-8 lead at the intermission.

Caleb McCusker made it 22-14 in the third quarter, scoring on a 10-yard run. The drive was helped out by the Chiefs’ game plan of moving the ball around to the likes of Daelon Arriola, Vizcarra, and McCusker.

Despite the defensive efforts of Sebastian Gonzalez, Adolfo Sanchez, Angelo Baciocco, and McCusker, Ripon was unable to keep Central off the scoreboard.

The Chiefs did add one more score, with Price connecting with Duxbury on a 15-yard TD pass.

Ripon will travel to Salida for the regular season finale on Saturday.



Junior Varsity

Saints 40, Chiefs 14

Central jumped out to a 16-0 lead and never looked back.

The only scores came on Logan Orlando’s 60-yard bomb to Aaron Paschini – Alex Padilla connected on the two-point PAT kick – and Luke Navarro’s 3-yard run to make it 24-14 at that point.

Early on, the Chiefs got defensive boosts from Padilla, who made a nice open field tackle, and Matthew DeDonatis, who came through with an interception.

Zach Bailey and James Gaalswyk were among the defensive standouts in the second half.



Novice

Saints 13, Chiefs 6

A 55-yard touchdown run by Adam Wood accounted for Ripon’s only score.

That play was set up by Derric Roy’s 20-yard quarterback keeper.

The Chiefs defense came out hitting hard led by Michael Solario, Rolando Davis, and Wood.

Other standout players included Caleb Delgado, Jerry Nix, Chris Albritton, Tyler Escobar, and Trendon Arriola.

Philip D’Angelo, Quinn Cunha, and Cade McCusker also stepped it up on defense.