By Luciano Gonzalez

The Indians were able to pull out a 45-25 victory over the Lathrop Spartans friday night to go 1-2 while the Spartans fell to a 1-2 record. This is the Indians first victory of the season after losing to both Sierra and Patterson. Nick Price(123 yards passing,2 TDS) and Ryan Fugit(176 yards rushing,3 TDs) were able to lead the offensive charge while Ripon’s Cody Haines was a key contributor on defense.

Ripon was able to capitalize on the opening drive with a touchdown from Fugit taking an early 7-0 lead
while the Spartans responded with a quick score of their own. Siditkun the Indians kicker was able to hit a field goal which resulted in a 10-6 Indians lead. By halftime the score was 24-12 after two Indian touchdowns from Trent Murphy and Ryan Fugit along with a late score by Lathrop. Lathrop headed into their locker rooms with momentum.

Lathrop came back second half strong and rallied back into the game with a touchdown their opening drive a 70 yard pitch and catch made by Lathrop receiver Reggie Carter Jr. Ripon responded with a touchdown of their own. The 3rd quarter ended with Ripon barely ahead of the Spartans 31-25. By the middle of the 4th quarter Ripon was on a critical drive which resulted in a touchdown catch by Mario Roach from Price which extended the Indians lead 38-25. Ripon’s defense shut down the Spartans completely in the 4th leaving them scoreless and Lionel Reyes sealed the victory with a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

When asked what was the biggest key to victory Ripon receiver Trent Murphy responded,” We played with much better aggression and just executed our blocks a lot better on offense.”

“Defensive showed up with great intensity and our pass coverage was much better this week. We also matured greatly as a unit,” said Ripon defensive lineman Evan Costa.

This was a huge win for Ripon who hopes to continue this win streak next week on the road against Sonora who is 2-1.