The Escalon Outlaws continued their journey toward the goal of a League Championship with a second round match-up of the season against longtime rival Ripon Chiefs. This game would be contested on a neutral field. The Salida Steelers would play host to the Motherlode Valley Football League Valley Division Championship. The Outlaws would bring a potent offense and stingy defense to bear against the Ripon offense that was second to only Escalon in efficiency.
Ripon would receive the opening kick-off, but was forced to punt as their initial drive stalled. Escalon would turn their initial possession into a long sustained drive powered by punishing runs by Damien Tom, Brian Hale and Colton Panero. The drive ended with on a 5-yard touchdown run around the left end by Kaidence Trejo. Fabian Torres booted the point after touchdown through the uprights, giving the Outlaws an 8-0 lead.
The balance of the first quarter and most of the second was a battle between the 30-yard lines. As the second quarter was drawing to a close Kayden Christensen was able to break through the Ripon offensive line to block a punt and then recover the ball deep in Ripon territory. The Ripon defense stiffened giving little ground. Torres would step onto the field to attempt a rare field goal, and knock it through from 31 yards away just as time expired in the first half of play. Escalon would enjoy an 11-0 lead at the halftime break.
The score would remain the same through the third quarter. Escalon would mount another assault on the Chief’s defense with another long drive that began at the end of the third quarter. Methodically the Outlaws moved towards the Ripon end zone pounding the ball on the ground. The drive ended with an 8-yard run by Panero through the left side carrying Ripon defenders into the end zone refusing to go down.
The Outlaws’ defense would finally relent as Ripon scored a touchdown with 3:56 left on the game clock. Ripon would miss the point after attempt making the score 17-6. Escalon would be expecting the on-side kick, and would recover, all but extinguishing Ripon’s hopes. Ripon would not get another chance to possess the ball.
This win was the first in three tries for the Outlaws in the Valley Division Championship Game. Escalon will be facing tough competition in the form of the Amador Eagles, the Motherlode Division Champions. The Motherlode-Valley Football League Championship Game will be played at Bret Harte High School hosted by the AMA Bullfrogs.
JUNIOR VARSITY
The Jr. Varsity Outlaws would meet the host Salida Steelers in their Motherlode-Valley Football League Valley Division Championship Game. These two teams met in a hotly contested Week #6 match up where Escalon scored a last second victory, 30-27.
Salida would have few answers on this day as Escalon dominated in all areas of the game from the first kick off to the final whistle. It would be a long day for the Steelers’ defense as Escalon took the opening possession for a score culminating in an 8-yard run through the middle of the line by Logan Webster. Demetrius Teixiera would boot the point after touchdown through the uprights giving the Outlaws an 8-0 lead.
Escalon’s defense would hold and force a turnover on downs, ending Salida’s first possession. It did not take long for Escalon to strike again as Daniel Corral took a pitch around the right end 55 yards to the end zone racing past the Steelers’ pursuit. After the kick by Teixiera Escalon would lead 16-0.
If Salida did not turn the football over on downs Escalon would take the ball away. Luke Andersen would recover a loose ball at midfield to put an end to the first quarter. Escalon could not turn that takeaway into points, but it would not be long before the Outlaws would post another tally.
Desperation set in early on the Salida sideline as they again tempted fate attempting to gain first down yardage on fourth down deep in their own territory. The Outlaws were up to the task forcing Salida to give up possession. This time Escalon would not be denied driving the ball the short distance ending in a 5-yard run by Jacob Redding. After the kick Escalon would be leading 24-0.
In the third quarter the Outlaws would not lift off of the accelerator. Ty Harris would intercept a long pass attempt. The ensuing drive would end on a 1-yard plunge by Webster. Teixiera would add the point after touchdown pushing the lead to 32-0. Webster would also tally an interception, but would return it a short distance for another touchdown. Another point after touchdown would be added by Teixiera elevating the score to its final at 40-0.
The Jr. Varsity Outlaws will also be facing the Amador Eagles on Saturday at Bret Harte High School for the season championship.
