After a close call with Patterson earlier in the week, Sierra’s Valley Oak League-leading flag football team tamed the Tigers 30-6 Thursday at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.

The Timberwolves (9-1 VOL, 16-5 overall) can clinch at least a share of their first title with a win over visiting Oakdale next Tuesday. Sweeping the two-game series secures an outright claim of the league crown.

Sierra first had to get past a dangerous Patterson (6-4, 7-11) team that is scrapping for third place and the last available Sac-Joaquin Section automatic playoff berth.

Janessa Barnes scored two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving. She finished with seven catches for 74 yards. Taylor Zalunardo (six carries, 64 yards) and Alison Cozby (two receptions, 23 yards) each scored one touchdown.

Freshman quarterback Tessa Zalunardo completed 13 of 15 passes for 140 yards, one TD and one interception. She also rushed for 22 yards. Maitland Kohoutek was 4-of-8 for 59 yards and TD.

Jaylen Esteban paced the defense with six tackles, and Margeil Garcia had a sack.

Livingston 35, Lathrop 12

On Wednesday, the Spartans (10-2 Western Athletic Conference, 16-3 overall) were unable to keep up with the fourth-ranked team in the SJS in Livingston. The Wolves improved to 23-0 overall and secured their second straight conference championship.

Abby Rentaria (four receptions, 100 yards) provided one of the highlights for Lathrop, scoring on a 60-yard pass play. Kiana Quintero (five receptions, 36 yards) recorded the Spartans’ other touchdown.

Quarterback Luz De Luna racked up 233 yards and two TDs on 12-of-21 passing. Heiddy Camacho led the defense with five tackles, one pass break-up and an interception. Angelique Gonzalez also had five tackles.

VOLLEYBALL

Escalon 3, Ripon Christian 2

With automatic bids for the playoffs still up for grabs in the Trans-Valley League, the Knights (5-5, 12-14 overall) suffered a 25-16, 22-25, 23-25, 25-22, 7-15 defeat.

Alanna Blanco amassed 43 assists, 18 digs and three blocks. Paige Van Hofwegan blasted 16 kills and four aces. Haley Kootstra contributed 11 kills and three blocks. Anneke Dyt collected 21 digs.

JV flag football

Lathrop 18, Livingston 6

Kylee Soares scored on an interception return for Lathrop.

Morgan Hegler hooked up with Citali Lopez for a passing TD. Marianna Coon added a 7-yard touchdown run.