Published Oct 3, 2026 5:38 am
Summerville defeated by River Islands—Photo by Danny Scott
Written by: Danny Scott
Summerville was defeated by River Islands 37-17 on Friday night.
The Bears started Friday night’s contest by allowing a long, methodical drive down the field, resulting in a touchdown to give the Riptide a 7-0 lead through the first quarter. Summerville would answer with a huge JT Oliva end-around touchdown to answer at 7. After exchanging field goals, Summerville forced a late first-half turnover. With less than a minute remaining, Summerville took a chance at points. That gamble was successfully paid off after a huge Bowen Forster catch-and-run gave the Bears first and goal from the 1-yard line. With 10 seconds remaining before halftime, Evan Roberson gave the Bears a 17-10 halftime advantage.
The Bears opened the second half with a good drive before a fumble on a short-yardage run that took all the momentum away from Summerville. River Islands from that point would outscore Summerville 27-0 in the second half. The second half was not without its moments, however. A chippy second half never felt that it was too far away for the Bears to get back in until a late turnover gave River Islands the ball with less than 5 minutes remaining and a 13-point advantage. River Islands had a chance to kneel the ball out; however, they elected to throw a final touchdown pass to end the game with a 20-point victory.
JT Oliva won Black Oak Casino Resort Player of the Game for his stellar work as a pass catcher and his touchdown. Bryce Bailey delivered the Foust Heating and Air Hot Hit in the 4th quarter.
The Bears are on the road next Friday, taking on Calaveras.
The Sonora Wildcats games air live on KVML 1450AM/102.7 FM, with Nick Stuart and Zeb Drivdahl. The Summerville Bears can be heard on 93.5 KKBN with Danny Scott and Noel Rathmel as your hosts for all the action and the Bret Harte Bullfrogs will be on Star 92.7 FM with Jeremy Hurtado.
Live Video and archives of football games will be on myMotherLode.tv, information about the season is on the High School Sports Page here or download the myMotherLode App now for Andriod or Apple devices.