It's been a roller coaster of a season thus far for the Ripon High Indians.

Interim coach Cole Williams described it as that following Friday's 27-15 victory over Trans-Valley League newcomer Sonora.

"This was a statement game for us," he said amid the post-game celebration at Stouffer Field.

It was also the first TVL win for the Indians (1-3, 3-5), who bested a tough team in the Wildcats (3-2, 6-2) while improving their postseason chances.

Anden Ries helped seal the deal for Ripon, reeling off a 58-yard run late in the game. Prior to that, the Indians were nursing a 20-15 lead while being pinned down on their own 6-yard line following a penalty.

Ries added some insurance, scoring from 11 yards out with 1:27 left in game. He finished with a game-high 136 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns.

"We were able to execute (our game plan) tonight," Williams said.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Sonora scored first, capitalizing on a turnover at midfield, with quarterback Eli Ingalls taking the ball in from the 4.

Ripon moved the ball through the air behind quarterback J.J. Brawley.

He completed passes of 21 and 13 yards to Michael Evans and Logan Spear, respectively, in the process, driving his team to inside the 10.

From the Wildcats 4, Eric Guevara, off a direct snap, found the end zone from there.

Tied 6-6, Spear recovered a fumble to set up the next score. Ries put the Indians ahead, 13-6.

Sonora cut into the lead right before the half, with kicker Emanuel Garibay connecting on a 45-yard field goal, making it 13-9.

Ripon came up with a turnover in the third quarter with Tipeti Paini forcing the fumble while coming up with the recovery.

Brawley, who completed 8 of his 11 passes for 80 yards and no interceptions, kept the drive alive with a scramble on fourth down. Nathan Curless then capped off the 52-yard drive with 2-yard touchdown run.

The Indians came up with another turnover on the ensuing kick off, with Brody Nail recovering the loose ball.

They were unable to take advantage of the opportunity.

The Wildcats got the ball back and drove down for the score. Tommy Sutton made it a game by rambling loose on a 30-yard TD run.

The Indians were looking to run some time off the clock with about five minutes left in the game. They got much more than that thanks to Ries' long run.