The RHS varsity football team have had an amazing start to their season, going 3-0 for the first time since 2019. That same year Ripon High won the state championship. However the opponents the RHS football team went against in their first three weeks have been suspect competition, as none of these teams play in the transvalley league. On Sep 19 2025 however, was the opening night of trans valley league games. To start off league games, Ripon High faced off against Hughson High School. After a thrilling and exciting game though, the Ripon High Indians lost by a score of 28–31.
The game started off slowly for the Indians as the offense couldn’t generate anything in the pass or run game. However the run game would quickly get back on track with Junior QB, Andrew Shaw, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. On the defensive side of the ball, the defense has been able to control Hughson’s passing attack and rushing attack. However turnovers and penalties allowed Hughson to score 10 points and keep the game close at 14-10 heading to halftime.
In the third quarter these same issues would linger for the Indians, and Hughson’s passing game would begin to get in rhythm. This all would lead to the Indians trailing Hughson by a score of 24-14 by the end of the third quarter. While the game was still close, energy between the RHS sideline began to dwindle. Until a blocked punt in the fourth quarter by the RHS special teams allowed for momentum to shift in Ripon’s favor.
Right after, the offense was able to score with a QB sneak. The defense was then able to stop Hughson’s offense, allowing for Ripon High’s offense a chance to take the lead with four minutes left in the game. After a methodical drive featuring the run game, the Indians scored giving them the lead. With a score of 28-24, the Ripon sideline exploded with energy with over a minute left in the game. After several penalties though, Hughson’s offense was able to drive down the field and score a touchdown. This left the score at 31-28 with 15 seconds remaining. This game winning touchdown would shatter Ripon High’s comeback hopes.
The team’s juniors have been riding an undefeated streak since freshman year. Although they lost, junior fullback/safety, Ace Dougherty, explains how it felt to play in such a competitive game. “I love that,” he states. “It’s what I want every game.”
Even with the loss there are a lot of positives to come out of this game. This team fought hard against a team that were first place in the transvalley league in 2024, and proved Ripon’s run game is one that all teams need to fear. So if the team can improve on turnovers and penalties, RHS can be the best team in the league and go far in the playoffs.
