Ripon was beset by injuries and inexperience last season, but if history is any indication, the Indians are due for a turnaround.
The last time they went 3-7, back in 2014, they went on to enjoy five straight winning seasons and punctuated the run with the program’s first state championship.
There are many battle-hardened seniors along with juniors thrown to the fire as sophomores coming back. The top offensive playmakers graduated, but this year’s group is more confident and motivated to make up for a rare down season.
“Looking forward to the new season and what we have in store for everybody,” outside linebacker Nathan Curless said. “I know for me, I’m hungry, and so are most of my teammates. We want redemption after our poor performance last year.”
The returning varsity vets are buttressed by talent from the 6-3 JV team. Longtime coach Chris Musseman is satisfied enough with the depth of his roster to not bring up any players from the up-and-coming sophomore class that went undefeated at the freshman level.
“I think the program is in a good spot right now,” Musseman said. “We are doing everything we can to keep last year’s freshman class at the JV level. We’re not pulling any sophomores up at this point, but as the season goes on, something might change.”
Health remains a major concern for the team, but the Indians believe they have the goods to compete in the ever-strenuous Trans-Valley League.
Here’s a peak into the upcoming season for Ripon:
Wing-T tweaks
Xzavier Clark was the featured wingback in Ripon’s offense the past two years with his big-play ability in the run and pass games.
The Indians will miss his speed, but with an improved offensive line and overall depth at the skill positions, they intend to spread the wealth more.
“Last year, we were kind of banking on one player or one play to go the whole distance,” Curless said. “This year, I think we’ll be very consistent and able to drive down the field a lot better.”
Ripon will rely more on tough, between-the-tackles running. Senior Brett Shaw takes over at wingback. He may not be as fast as his predecessor, but Shaw has the bulk to be effective as a down blocker with still enough athleticism to contribute as a ball carrier.
“He can run the ball a bit and catch it,” Musseman said. “He brings strength and speed. Our wing is going to be a little bit different this year, and (Shaw) fits that role very well for us.”
After a productive run at the JV level, J.J. Brawley orchestrates the Wing-T as its quarterback. Musseman believes the 6-foot-2 junior’s intelligence and playmaking on the run will serve the new-look offense well.
Eric Guevara, Logan Lefebvre, Xaiden Reyes and Anden Ries are all in the mix at the running back spots.
Paving the way for them is a now-experienced line led by center Canaan Clark, the lone returning senior. Walker Leamer and Tipeti Paini are returning as second-year juniors, and 6-foot-3, 300-pound tackle Wyatt Swift gives the group additional size. Logan Spear and Josh Husband are physical tight ends who will also contribute as pass catchers.
“Offensive line should be an improved group for us this year,” Musseman said. “Walker and Tip both started last year as sophomores, and we have a couple kids coming up from JV we really like.
“It was very difficult for us last year on the offensive front, because we were not only inexperienced, but we also had a lot of kids get hurt. We were just trying to put it together with tape and get through the year. I think we’re going to be able to sustain drives better and burn some clock.”
Defensive depth
Underclassmen were thrust into action because of injuries, and Ripon hopes to see the fruits of that experience gained this year.
Third-year cornerback Dru Orlando was named to the All-TVL first team, while Nathan Gaines (safety), Guevara (inside linebacker), Paini (defensive line) and Spear (defensive line) are returning second-team selections.
The loaded linebacking corps includes Jehren Arriola and Ries in the middle and Curless, Lefebvre and Shaw on the outside. Guevara, Shaw, Spear, Gaines and Curless were the team’s top five leading tacklers last season.
“With our athleticism and speed, I think we can pretty much cover any team that we play,” Lefebvre said. “Our pursuit will be really good this year. We have a lot of depth on defense, especially on the defensive line.”
Health watch
Every football team has to deal with injuries at some point, but it did not take long for them to take its toll on a team lacking depth and experience to begin with.
Three key starters sustained major injuries in the last year, and two of them may not be available for the season opener against Linden.
Lefebvre suffered a broken hand in Ripon’s third game of 2023, and many others would soon join him on the sideline.
“It was definitely disheartening at the time,” Lefebvre said. “It felt really bad and I couldn’t do much about it. I sat on the sideline and cheered on my teammates hoping that was going to be enough. Going through that gives me lots of motivation to be better. I just hope I can bring some energy, and hopefully my play can help out the team.”
Ries is coming back from two season-ending knee injuries. He was one of Ripon’s top two-way players for much of his sophomore campaign before the injury. Orlando’s zero-week status is also up in the air as he recovers from a back injury that kept him out of summer workouts.
“(Orlando) is a difference maker for the defense,” Musseman said. “He allows us to do different things defensively. He’s a natural corner who can shut down his side a little but, so we’d love to have him back.”
TVL gets tougher
Already considered the best small-schools league in the state, the TVL has managed to get even better.
Joining the decorated cast of state champions is Sonora from the Mother Lode League and Orestimba and Ripon Christian from the Southern Athletic League. Sonora seized at least a share of the last nine Mother Lode titles, losing just one league game. Ripon Christian and Orestimba combined for eight Southern League championships since 2010.
“There is no gimmie game anymore,” Musseman said. “The key in the TVL this year is who is healthy in the end.”
The Indians are already well acquainted with Sonora, going 2-7 in non-league play the last nine seasons. Oct. 11 marks the return of the Ripon Bowl rivalry game with Ripon Christian. Ripon won all eight of the previous meetings in blowouts, but the Knights have since developed into a consistent contender in the lower divisions.
“I think the community is going to love it, but for us, we really have to look at it as any other TVL game,” Musseman said. “It’ll be a good football game, and we’re going to have to get after it. It’s not the Ripon Christian of old. That’s not who they are going to be, and it’s going to be another big game for us.”
Outlook
Ripon may be better equipped to endure some knocks, but the health concerns remain.
The Indians may be without a couple of key players for part of their challenging non-league schedule that includes prolific spread offenses from Linden and East Union. Even with the more arduous schedule, they expect to be back in contention.
“Keep Ripon in your rear-views,” Curless said, “because we’ll be coming.”
