Late touchdown sends Hilmar over RC and into D-6 final

HILMAR The second pass thrown by Hilmar High quarterback Danny Texeira was intercepted. His fumble at the 1 cost his team another score. His bobbled punt snap further stung the Yellowjackets.

“Probably nerves,” he admitted. “It was definitely one of the worst games I’ve ever played.”

Texeira responded, however, like a champion. His 11-yard rollout to the right for a touchdown with 1:15 left vaulted Hilmar past stubborn Ripon Christian 34-28 Friday night and sent the Yellowjackets to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI final.

Hilmar (9-3) will meet Bradshaw Christian, a 55-13 victor over Gustine, for the D-VI title next Saturday night at 6 o’clock at Lincoln High. The Yellowjackets got there with precious little to spare against an aroused underdog in Ripon Christian (9-3).

Noah Batista’s interception and 19-yard return to the RC 27 eventually led to Texeira’s run, a scramble off a called pass play.

“I cut inside the guy and took a shot down the middle and it paid off,” Texeira said. “I’m glad my team had my back.”

Ripon Christian still didn’t back off. The Knights reached the Hilmar 49 in the game’s final minute until a snap fumble resulted in the game-clinching turnover.

There was relief mixed with joy in Hilmar’s post-game celebration on the floor of McSweeney Field. The Yellowjackets, who trailed 21-20 deep into the fourth quarter, dug deep into their winning pedigree.

“I knew Ripon Christian was a well-coached team that was getting better and better,” Hilmar coach Frank Marques said. “They had the athletes and a good scheme.”

The Knights shook off a 20-point start by Hilmar and gradually pounded back into contention. Winning 1-on-1 matchups was RC’s strength. Quarterback Travis Zuidervaart, hit hard only three plays before, somehow eluded the rush and passed to 6-foot-6 Ty Beidleman alone in the secondary for a 57-yard touchdown.

RC then took the lead before halftime when Jonah Lewis tugged the ball away from a Hilmar defender in the end zone to complete the 22-yard toss from Zuidervaart.

“No one expected that from a Southern League team against a Trans-Valley League champ,” Knights coach Trey Ozenbaugh said. “I’m extremely proud of how our team played tonight.”

Ripon Christian has reached a section final. That said, the Knights understood the impact of a victory over a traditional power like Hilmar.

“Just from a respect standpoint, it would have been a tremendous win,” Ozenbaugh said. “But Hilmar came through. They’re a great program.”

Marques summoned composure from his shaken team at halftime.

“The kids were nervous. We just made the adjustments, and all credit is due to our defense,” Marques said.

Ripon Christian contained the Texeira-to-Alex-Chavez tandem until they hooked up for a 29-yard scoring strike, followed by Texeira’s pass to Cody Rentro for the 2-pointer. Hilmar led 28-21 with 5:21 left.

The Knights answered on the next series. Receiver Zach Cortwright, after his catch, carried smaller tacklers for a 52-yard gain to the Hilmar 18. On the next play, Zuidervaart found Connor McGovern in stride in the end zone to draw even 28-28.

Rentfro, Hilmar’s hard-working running back/linebacker, was spent at game’s end. He acknowledged how RC extended his team.

“I’ll be feeling it tomorrow,” Rentfro admitted.

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 5:59 AM with the headline "Late touchdown sends Hilmar over RC and into D-6 final."