In a matchup between two defending section and state champions, Escalon beats Ripon
Just hours before its March 26 football game against Amador, Escalon had to cancel due to a possible COVID-19 exposure.
The game the following week was canceled as well as the Cougars had to quarantine for 10 days.
An already shortened season was shrunk from five games to three but Escalon coach Andrew Beam said his team remained motivated and had virtual film sessions and individual workouts in anticipation for a return.
The team remained focused because they knew their next opponent was one of their biggest rivals, Ripon, which didn’t practice all week after its game against Weston Ranch was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Indians’ program.
On Saturday at Engel Field, the Escalon squeaked by Ripon, 10-7, in a game between two teams with plenty of rust.
“We are still out of shape and not in the condition we need to be in,” Beam said. “The defense bailed the offense out.”
Junior Tyler Medina had an interception near midfield on the final play of the game for the Cougars (1-1) and sophomore Matthew Baptista had two interceptions.
Ripon (0-3) coach Chris Musseman said the team had a walk-through on Saturday morning, the first time they were able to practice since being shut down for 10 days.
“The kids played their hearts out,” Musseman said. “We had Zoom practices and people don’t understand how hard it is to not get the reps at practice, especially in this short season.”
Escalon sophomore wide receiver Owen Nash had a big night with six receptions for 172 yards and his 58-yard catch in the first quarter was key in the Cougars getting on the scoreboard first after senior running back Luke Anderson scored on a 5-yard run with 2 minutes, 37 seconds remaining.
Ripon senior Mason Knight had a 9-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven with 8:53 remaining in the half and both offenses struggled the remainder of the half until Escalon senior quarterback Ty Harris connected with Nash for a 73-yard pass late in the quarter.
However, with only six seconds remaining until half, the Ripon defense came up with two huge stops (a Baptista run and Harris incomplete pass) and the game remained tied at intermission.
Senior Brayan Barrientos connected on a 33-yard field goal attempt to give Escalon a 10-7 lead with 5:33 left in the third quarter.
The Indians had a chance to tie or take the lead early in the fourth quarter but couldn’t capitalized on a first-and-goal from Escalon’s 2-yard line due to a false start penalty, botched snap, and dropped pass on fourth down.
“We had plenty of opportunities,” Musseman said.
On the ensuing drive, Anderson had a 33-yard run that brought energy to the Cougars sideline. He finished with 18 carries for 130 yards and one touchdown.
“It was a dogfight,” he said. “Our defense played out of their minds. That was one of the best defensive performances I’ve seen.”
Ripon ends the season at Oakdale on Friday while Escalon hosts Sierra.
“We need to finish out the season the right way,” Beam told the team after the win.
Marin Catholic 45, Central Catholic 10: The Raiders (2-2) fell on the road to Marin Catholic (4-0).
This story was originally published April 10, 2021 at 10:58 PM.
