Homecoming is a time for teams to play their best games because alumni are there to watch their hometown play. However that was not the case for Ripon this homecoming on Friday Oct 6. RHS had struggled on both sides of the ball as they gave up 35 points on defense, and the offense got shutout, not getting a single point on the scoreboard. 

On the offensive side of the ball, Ripon had to rely on their passing game more than they’re used to. The Indians had chances getting a score on some drives; however, an inability to get into the end zone torched any chances Ripon had at chasing down it’s early deficit.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Indians struggled to stop the ground attack, however the coverage through the passing game was solid and helped stop a couple of Hilmar drives. However, the offensive side of the ball put the defense on bad spots throughout the game making it even more difficult to stop Hilmar’s offense.

 “I know how big an event this is,” junior safety Brett Shaw states. “This [was] an opportunity for a little high school to just come together, so I really [tried] to be drilled in and bring my A-game for this homecoming match. I knew they were going to be a tough team, and they definitely were but we gave it everything we could.”

Even though this was not the game many fans were hoping for, there were many plays that helped RHS get close to scoring. If RHS can finish out those promising drives, this team has all the potential in the world to be one of the best teams.