This Friday our Ripon High Indians (4-3) battled it out with long time rivals the Escalon High Cougars (3-4). Both teams came out with the fire to win. Escalon was ready for revenge after being beaten in the final seconds of last year’s game when former senior Nick Price threw a touchdown to running back Jacob Duxbury, who made a stunning one handed grab in the flat of the endzone to seal the Indian’s victory.

Little did Escalon know that they would be playing a Ripon team that was ready for a fight. Ripon came into the game with only one thought in mind, winning. After a tough preseason, Ripon was underestimated but went on to prove they weren’t a team to be taken easy after beating Modesto Christian’s Crusaders 23-6.

Ripon’s defense started to give the Cougars a taste of what they would be in for from the very first play from scrimmage when Ripon safety, Luis Candido, stripped the ball from the hands of running back D.J. Grumbs and ran it in for a touchdown.

Just a little bit more than a minute after scoring, the Indian’s defense met their end zone again when senior cornerback and receiver Aaron Paschini recovered a fumble and took it to the house. Soon after scoring, Candido showed his worth once more by picking off Dylan Azevedo and leading the way for senior kicker Thomas Sidtikun to kick a 33-yard field goal.

Escalon fullback Tim Costa scored a touchdown from the one yard line to put 7 points on the board for the Cougars. This was followed by a field goal by Guillermo Alvarez after Ripon’s Ryan Wilson had fumbled the ball.

At Halftime, the players left the field with a score of 17-10. Escalon still had a shot at a win.

Escalon quarterback Dylan Azevedo was picked off again just after returning from halftime.

Candido connected with Aaron Paschini on a halfback pass to put the Indians up 24-10 in the end of the third quarter. Escalon’s hope of winning was starting to diminish.

Bryce Kinsey and the rest of the Ripon defense played a pivotal role in the game. Chris Musseman, the Indian’s Head Coach, said “Defense, defense carried us all night long,” when asked about what helped Ripon win the game. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Daggett also said, “Our defense really took control this time. They were ready for anything.”

The game ended 24-10 with the Indians taking home the win. This rivalry game gave Ripon an extra boost of confidence that they’ll carry with them when they face off against the Hughson Huskies at home this coming up friday. The TVL Championship is already in sight.

Ripon’s Junior Varsity had not been so fortunate. They lost to undefeated Escalon 41-7. Sophomore running back Justin Hansen said, “We came out flat, like we were scared to play them because they were bigger than us. We’re going to have a good week of practice this week  and come out next game with a fire to win in our hearts.” Ripon’s JV will also be playing home next week against the Hughson Huskies.