Ripon avenges blowout loss to large-school Sierra

For about nine months, the Ripon football team has stewed on its seven-loss season.

Head coach Chris Johnson said his team, handcuffed by disciplinary issues and devoid of playmakers, was embarrassed in defeat.

That frustration was born from a 54-7 loss to Sierra in their 2014 season opener. That night, running back Mark Paule Jr. rushed for more than 200 yards and a school record seven touchdowns.

That nightmares of that game have been put to rest.

Jacob Duxbury scored three touchdowns as the Indians exacted revenge with a 34-20 victory over the Timberwolves.

Ripon raced out to a 34-13 halftime and never looked back. Duxbury scored on runs of 5 and 60 yards, and had a 19-yard touchdown reception from third-year quarterback Nick Price.

Angelo Baciocco returned an interception 22 yards as the Indians staggered the defending Valley Oak League co-champions with an early assault.

Paule did his best to close the gap. The state’s top returning scorer tallied three touchdown runs on a night when he needed another school record to best the vengeful Indians.

Ripon (1-0) continues its thorny nonconference schedule at Patterson next week. The Tigers pounded Escalon, 53-34.

Sierra (0-1) will look to right the ship at Central Valley (0-1) in a meeting of former Valley Oak League foes.

This story was originally published August 29, 2015 at 1:46 AM with the headline "Ripon avenges blowout loss to large-school Sierra."