The Ripon Chiefs got off to an inauspicious start to their Trans Valley Youth Football League varsity game against the visiting Turlock Titans on Saturday.

Their first two drives were stalled by fumbles, leading to a scoreless deadlock at halftime.

While the defense continued to do its part, the offense finally erupted in the second half en route to a 16-0 victory at Stouffer Field.

Drake Vizcarra helped turn the tide by recovering a fumble on the Titans’ opening drive of the second half. Quarterback Nick Price would then hook up with Jacob Duxbury twice for 10-yard gains through the air, setting up his own touchdown scamper. Steven Crescini’s conversion kick made it 8-0.

Price struck again for Ripon’s final touchdown score, with Crescini again capping off the scoring sequence with a 2-point boot.

The Chiefs (4-1) will next square off with the Modesto Christian Kingsmen at Modesto Christian Saturday.



Junior varsity

Chiefs 34, Titans 13

All three of the team’s quarterbacks factored into the scoring for the undefeated Chiefs.

Logan Orlando scored once on a QB sneak and later hooked up with Luis Candido for a 30-yard score. Andrew Durrer also hit paydirt on a sneak, and Ryan Daggett connected with Dylan Sexton for a short 5-yard touchdown.

Matthew Dedonatis was the first to find the end zone, scampering in from 15 yards out. Alex Padilla converted on two 2-point kicks.

Highlighting the defense were Rhet Herrin’s fumble recovery and Mitch Ulrich’s sack.



Novice

Chiefs 34, Titans 7

Derric Roy did damage on both sides of scrimmage, starting with an interception early in the second quarter. He would later score three touchdown runs as Ripon (4-1) dominated after both teams were scoreless in the first quarter.

Cade McCusker added a 15-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and Tyler Escobar chipped in a 2-point kick following Roy’s final touchdown.