Wildcats lose a second-league game

Written by Nick Stuart

The Sonora Wildcats suffered a second loss in league play, falling 15-27 against the opposing Ripon Indians. The Wildcats won the coin toss and deferred kicking off to start the game. They seemed to be in control on the field as their defense made a stand, giving up only one first down before forcing a punt. The Wildcats offense also looked good, as a short series of plays brought them within range to attempt a field goal, but the kick fell short. The Wildcats’ defense held again, and when they got the ball back, they were able to score the first points of the evening at the start of the second quarter with a quarterback keeper for #5 Eli Ingalls. The PAT was blocked, however, and the Wildcats were up 6-0. Turnovers on offense for the Wildcats gave the Indians back-to-back scoring drives, and with a missed PAT from Ripon this time they took the lead 6-13. With time running out in the first half, the Wildcats took a chance on a 46-yard field goal from #8 Emanuel Garibay, which was good, and closed the half 9-13.

The Wildcats received the kickoff to start the second half but soon turned the ball over again. A long series by Ripon removed 9 minutes off the clock and saw a third rushing touchdown, bringing the score up to 9-20 in favor of Ripon. The Wildcats answered with a rushing touchdown of their own from #29 Tommy Sutton but were unable to score on the two-point conversion, leaving the game at 15-20. With the Indians trying to use up as much time as possible on every down, the Wildcats were unable to stop the rushing offense, and Ripon moved down the field and scored again, raising the Ripon lead out of reach for the Wildcats at 15-27.

The Wildcats are set to face the 0-6 Modesto Christians at home next week. This week’s Chicken Ranch Casino Player of the Game was #22 Colton Gibson, who made some great defensive tackles throughout the game.