Three levels of Escalon Youth Cougars football were in action this past weekend, with the Novice, JV and Varsity all suiting up for playoff games. While the younger teams saw their seasons end with losses on the road, the varsity Youth Cougars won their game and move on to the next round.

Novice

Taking on the Argonaut Junior Mustangs at Linden High School, both teams displayed tremendous skill and sportsmanship, with standout performances from several young athletes. Landon Machado and Cruz Pacheco, representing the Escalon Youth Cougars, made their presence felt on the field. Machado scored an impressive touchdown, demonstrating his agility and determination, while Pacheco followed suit with a touchdown of his own, showcasing his skills on offense.

Liam Lombardi was not to be outdone, as he managed to secure an extra point, contributing to his team’s overall success in this nail-biting contest.

The game, however, was a tale of two halves, with the Argonaut Junior Mustangs staging a comeback in the final moments to secure the victory. Their relentless determination and resilience proved to be the difference-maker in this fiercely contested matchup.

The final score of Argonaut 18, Escalon 13 attested to the excitement and high level of play exhibited by both teams. It was a game filled with moments that will surely be remembered by the young athletes and their supporters.

JV

The Escalon JV Youth Cougars took on the Waterford Sabercats at Hughson High School and opened the scoring with a touchdown courtesy of their star player, Ryker Lial, early in the first quarter. Lial’s speed and agility were on full display as he dashed through the Sabercats’ defense. This touchdown set the tone for what would be an electrifying contest.

The Sabercats answered back with a touchdown of their own, leveling the score at 6-6. The competitive spirit was palpable, with both teams refusing to back down. The Cougars’ defense showcased impressive teamwork and resilience throughout the game, holding the Sabercats to just one more touchdown.

However, Lial was not done yet. In the third quarter, he broke free from the Waterford defense once again, scoring his second touchdown of the game. The Cougars took the lead, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Lial’s performance demonstrated his undeniable talent and commitment to his team.

In the end, however, the scoreboard read Waterford 14, Escalon 12. The Sabercats narrowly escaped with the victory, but both teams left the field with their heads held high, knowing they had given it their all. It was a memorable and exciting game that showcased the remarkable talents of young athletes from both sides.

Varsity

The varsity Cougars traveled to Bret Harte High School to take on the Calaveras Reds. The defense for Escalon was truly exceptional, with several standout players making significant contributions to their team’s victory. Leading the way was Leo Marrufo, who recorded a jaw-dropping 11 tackles, ensuring the Calaveras Reds had a tough time advancing the ball. DJ Bass, Dylan Ball, Trey Herrera, and Ian Trejo also made their presence felt with four or more tackles each, creating a formidable defensive line.

It was also a standout performance by Ty Caton, who was punishing Calaveras on special teams and on defense, racking up a total of four tackles of his own on the night.

Carter Cummings, Steven Fenton, Jake Ferreira, Kolten Kjellberg, and Adam Cordeiro rounded out the defense, making their impact known with multiple tackles of their own. With a collectively tenacious effort, the Escalon Youth Cougars’ defense prevented the Reds from gaining significant ground.

On the offensive front, the varsity team showcased their versatility and scoring prowess. Dylan Ball, Ian Trejo, Carter Cummings, Carter Yates, and Leo Marrufo all found their way into the end zone with electrifying touchdowns. Jake Ferreira was the standout quarterback, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and vision by tossing three passing touchdowns.

Adding to the excitement of the game were Ryan Huebner’s five extra points, which played a vital role in extending their lead. These extra points showed not only his ability to kick accurately but also the importance of consistency in special teams. The Cougars will face the Hughson Huskies in the second round of playoffs at Calaveras High School this Saturday, Oct. 28.

This article was contributed by Alonzo Trejo on behalf of the EYC program.