Hilmar just too much for Ripon in key TVL matchup

HILMAR -- Hilmar High's Zack Giuliano, No. 44 in your program, peers over the center in the classic posture of a middle linebacker. His white socks are stretched tight, and a small towel hangs from his hip.

And when he arrives at the ball, it is an event.

When the 190-pound Giuliano, one of the leaders of the Yellowjackets, pounds a ball carrier to the ground or bulls for yards, his team rises to a new level. He scored the Yellowjackets' first touchdown Friday night, the keynote burst of an impressive 49-13 Trans Valley League thumping of Ripon.

"We can beat anyone. We can hang with anyone," said Giuliano, who celebrated Senior Night along with 11 of his mates. Asked if he prefers tackles over touchdowns, he flashed a wide smile.

"I like to hit."

Giuliano embodied Hilmar's dominance, witnessed by about 2,000 bell-ringing horn-blowing fans at McSweeney Field. The Yellowjackets (4-1, 1-0) announced their entrance into the TVL race by scoring on six straight possessions — a field goal by Kurtis Bettencourt followed by five touchdowns.

The scoreboard jumped from 9-6 to 35-6 at halftime to 42-6 early in the second half, ending the game's competitive phase.

Hilmar took advantage of good field position, parlayed two interceptions into touchdowns, and owned the line of scrimmage. The Indians (4-1, 0-1) rode momentum into the game but not much during it. They passed for only 30 yards and were outgained 387-270.

"They beat us up front. What else can you say?" Ripon coach Chris Johnson conceded. "You learn from it."

Six different Yellowjackets notched touchdowns, two by Garrett Jericoff on a 17-yard inside rip and a 72-yard field-crossing journey with a screen pass from Andrew Olson. The game's biggest play spiced Hilmar's 26-point second quarter that no doubt impressed coach Frank Marques.

"We have so many weapons. No one can key on us when we get clicking," Marques said.

Hilmar can overpower opponents and it also deploys a spread attack. Better still for the Yellowjackets, they can run the ball off the spread. For Ripon, that was too much.

Olson (14-6-0) passed for 142 yards and efficiently guided a no-turnover offense. Jonathan O'Brien, Jeremy Nickelsen, Ryan White and reserve quarterback Dustin Fantazia also scored touchdowns.

"I think Ripon has a good team," Marques said. "It's just that we got on 'em."

Good point. Josh McCreath (21 carries, 128 yards) pushed forward for tough yards, but teammate Anthony Baciocco — aside from a 57-yard sprint during the first half — was held in check. So was the Indians' passing game.

Hilmar deserved its post-game pats on the back, and few were happier than Giuliano.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at 209-578-2302.