There is reason for optimism at Ripon High following a tumultuous season for the football team.
The Indians battled through injuries and a mid season coaching change but still managed to make the playoffs, finishing 2-4 in the Trans-Valley League and 4-7 overall.
The lower-level teams offer some hope after both the freshman and JV teams went 10-0. Leading the way will be experienced linemen such as Tipeti Paini, who has been named All-TVL Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
He is one of just two local players who made the All-TVL first team. Joining him is Ripon Christian safety Amos Cady.
The TVL also announced its first all-league flag football team. Ripon (1-9 TVL, 3-15 overall) has two selections in its inaugural season.
The 5-foot-11, 248-pound Paini, a second-year junior, helped pave the way for Ripon’s run-heavy Wing-T, which ground out 163.3 yards per league game. He was also named to the All-TVL first-team defense after recording 6.0 tackles for losses, 3.5 sack and nine pressures — all team-highs.
Cady had another productive season for Ripon Christian (1-5, 5-7), which reached the postseason after arriving from the Southern League. Cady played with a high-ankle sprain for much of the Knights’ league games. The second-year junior contributed 34 tackles and an interception to earn his first-team defense spot. He was also selected to the second-team offense after leading RC with 384 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.
Making the all-league second-team offense for Ripon were 6-3, 260-pound junior tackle Walker Leamer, running back/wing back Nathan Curless (210 scrimmage yards, two TDs) and running back Anden Ries (317 yards, two TDs).
Senior linebackers Jehren Arriola (29 tackles, interception, 3.0 TFL), Eric Guevara (48 tackles) and Logan Lefebvre (46 tackles, 3.0 TFL) were among Ripon’s second-team selections. They’re joined by defensive lineman Logan Spear (34 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks) and defensive back Nathan Gaines (35 tackles, interception).
Ripon Christian second-team honorees include senior captains Jimmy Heida and Josh Miller. The 6-1, 295-pound Heida anchored the Knights’ offensive line at center, while the versatile Miller settled in at tight end (18 receptions, 195 yards, two TDs). Senior inside linebacker E.J. Bruno (45 tackles) made
the second-team defense.
Four Ripon Christian juniors also made the second-team list: quarterback Mason Tameling (72-of-129, 771 yards, 10 TDs, three interceptions; 152 rushing yards, TD), outside linebacker Aaron Van Hofwegen (48 tackles, 3.0 TFL, three pass break-ups), inside linebacker Chase Bunnell (39 tackles, 3.5 TFL, interception) and Blake Stuit (49 tackles).
UCLA committed quarterback Robert McDaniel of TVL champion Hughson (6-0, 13-1) is MVP. Hughson and co-runner-up Sonora (4-2, 12-2) are the reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Divisions V and VI champions, respectively.
Sonora running back and special teams returner Cash Byington earned Outstanding Offensive Player, and Ryan Lewis of Escalon (4-2, 6-6) is Outstanding Defensive Player.
Others receiving major awards: Sonora’s Tommy Sutton (Outstanding Offensive Back), Hughson’s Malakai Sumter (Outstanding Receiver, Defensive Back), Hughson’s Colton Taylor (Outstanding Defensive Lineman) and Orestimba’s Nicolas Cuevas (Outstanding Linebacker).
Flag football
Seniors Emily Paxton and Starla Skiles are the first-ever All-TVL selections for Ripon (1-9, 3-15).
Top honors went to players from the tri-champions.
Sophomore quarterback/defensive back Ariana Velasco is MVP after leading Escalon (8-2, 14-11) to a piece of the title. Leah Hobby of Hughson (8-2, 17-6) is Outstanding Offensive Player, while Maya Barajas of Orestimba (8-2, 21-7) received Outstanding Defensive Player.
