While the varsity football team was at Modesto Christian on Friday, Oct. 6 the JV team was playing Big Valley Christian, as MC doesn’t have a junior varsity squad.

For Escalon, it was a 35-6 win over the host Big Valley squad.

A high scoring first quarter for the JV boys saw Ben Gonzalez score on a 68-yard rushing play, Isaac Patino adding the point after for an early 7-0 lead. It was 14-0 Escalon after a 38-yard rushing score by Donovan Martinez, kick good by Patino and a 60-yard pass play for a touchdown from Ethan Butler to Ben Gonzalez, Patino kick good, made it 21-0 Escalon.

Putting the final points on the board in the opening quarter, Ben Ferreira picked off a pass and went 39 yards for the pick six, Patino added the kick and it was 28-0.

Daniel Marrufo joined the scoring parade in the second quarter, getting a 30-yard pick six and Patino added the point after, making it 35-0.

Escalon would not score again in the game and Big Valley avoided the shoutout on an 8-yard rushing play in the fourth quarter; they went for two but were denied, leaving the final score 35-6 in Escalon’s favor.

“We capitalized on big offensive plays and multiple turnovers in this game,” said head coach Brant Rose. “In addition to the two interceptions, returned for scores, Luca Cerasi had an interception and Ethan Butler forced a fumble that we recovered. We are hoping to keep the momentum from these last three wins into this huge showdown with Hilmar.”

The JV boys will face off against the Yellowjackets with a 5 p.m. kickoff Friday, Oct. 13 at Modesto Junior College.

FRESHMEN

Literally a last second score – with just two ticks remaining on the clock – helped the Escalon freshmen avoid a shutout loss. They traveled to Sonora on Thursday, Oct. 5 and were upended by the host Mustangs, 43-6.

“Curtis Thomas did a good job running the ball,” head coach Joey Costa said. “He scored on a short 3-yard run.”

The young Cougars trailed 36-0 at the half and Costa said by the end of the second quarter, he was subbing out his players, making sure everyone had an opportunity to play in a game that was basically out of reach.

“Our starters were playing special teams but other than that, our seconds were in,” Costa said.

The frosh boys return to Trans-Valley League play this week, traveling to Hilmar on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Hughson beat Livingston and Ripon beat Hilmar in league play this past week.

“I think we can play with any of those teams,” Costa said, as his squad will put the lopsided non-league loss behind them and focus on Hilmar.