Coming off a second-place finish in the Manteca Gridiron Showdown tournament, East Union’s upstart flag football team got to host a game at Dino Cunial Field for the first time on Tuesday.
The experience gained from Saturday showed, as the Lancers rolled to a 31-6 victory over Ripon — another first-year program.
“I think we were a little nervous, because it’s the first home game in front of their friends and family under the lights,” EU coach Steve Jackson said. “We’ve been pushing tradition, and that everything we’re doing is for the first time here.”
His Lancers (5-1) had the look of a veteran squad from the outset.
Sophomore quarterback Julianna Gaspar connected with running back Caliyah Lopez (seven receptions, 78 yards; three rushes, 13 yards) for four straight pass completions on the opening series, which ended with a 2-yard catch. Gaspar finished 13 of 20 for 187 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.
“They have thoroughbreds,” Ripon coach Louie Rivera said of East Union. “They were impressive, but it was good for us to see that.”
Kaylee Mejia contributed three catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns. She also led the East Union defense with four flag pulls. Gwen Baker added a 15-yard touchdown reception.
Linebacker Isabelle Reyes helped the Lancers gain early momentum with a pick-six that gave them a 12-0 lead with 13 minutes left in the first half. Ava Barrera contributed three tackles, a pass break-up and a key interception.
“We were able to do some things today, but we had some missed opportunities,” Jackson said. “That’s the learning process. We’ve only been doing this for like 3 ½ weeks now, but the girls are doing what we’re asking of them and they’re dealing with any adversity very well.”
Rivera was also pleased with his team’s effort, despite the outcome.
After struggling to finish drives in their first three possessions, the Indians got on board late in the first half when quarterback Lelia Sanchez scored on a 10-yard scramble that closed them in, 18-6.
A turnover allowed East Union to pad its lead at the end of the half. Barrera came up with her pick in Ripon territory, and Gaspar hit Mejia for a 1-yard TD on the final play.
“The girls were moving the ball,” Rivera said. “A couple of the passes were intercepted, but if the ball doesn’t bounce that way maybe we’re looking at a closer game. It wasn’t bad, for their first game. I’m extremely impressed and happy with them.”
Sanchez finished 12-of-24 passing for 142 yards to go with 35 yards rushing. Tati Perez caught five passes for 61 yards. Running back Starla Skiles racked up 68 yards from scrimmage on nine total touches.
Ximena Del Toro highlighted the defense with three tackles and an interception. Emily Paxton had four tackles.
Ripon is back in action today at Downey, while East Union welcomes Kimball next Tuesday, Sept. 3.
