Escalon High School’s freshman football team opened their season with a solid 22-14 win over visiting Calaveras on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Brian Hale scored two rushing touchdowns, and the Cougar defense forced four Calaveras turnovers. Scores for Calaveras came by way of a kickoff return late in the second quarter and a 10-yard run with less than two minutes left in the game.

Hale’s first score was a 3-yard run to cap Escalon’s first possession of the game. His second score, a 1-yard plunge, came at the end of the Cougars’ second drive. Dylan Parks threw to Kaidence Trejo for the two point conversion and a 14-0 lead.

Calaveras returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and two point PAT.

Escalon’s next drive stalled, and the visitors started a drive near mid-field. Forced to throw deep, the Calaveras pass was intercepted by Trejo, whose dazzling return resulted in a 48 yard touchdown. Hale ran in the two point conversion, and Escalon had a 22-8 lead at halftime.

Both teams used the second half to develop their squads, and Calaveras scored late in the fourth quarter to make the final score 22-14.

“It was a good effort for the team’s first high school game,” commented Coach Roger Beeman. “This group could do some pretty special things. We have some size, speed, and determination, but we need to get stronger and develop more consistency. I think they’ll do very well.”