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Flag football girls nail down Trans-Valley League wins
Ari qb 10-2
Quarterback Ari Velasco goes into scramble mode and looks to pick up a few yards during earlier season action on the home field during varsity flag football. Escalon put their first two Trans-Valley League games in the win column this past week, defeating Sonora and Hilmar. Marg Jackson/The Times

Defeating Sonora by an 18-6 final, Escalon won its regular season opener, the first flag football game in the Trans-Valley League.

“It was a great defensive performance as we made life difficult for the Wildcats,” said head coach Steve Largent of the Sept. 23 contest. “Rachelle Barker led with seven flag pulls while Helena Arroyo chipped in four flag pulls.”

Freshman Yesenia ‘Yaya’ Marsellis had an interception in the game, and junior defensive back Soraya Aguayo also had an interception that sparked the Lady Cougar offense into taking a two-score lead.

“Offensively, it was Jasmine Barron with 148 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. One on the ground, two in the air from quarterback Ari Velasco,” Largent added.

The offense for the Escalon squad continued to click in Hilmar, as Velasco was 14-for-15 for 106 yards and two touchdowns on Thursday, Sept. 26. Velasco connected with Barron for two more scores in the road game, which went into the win column for Escalon.

“Reagan Baker ran the ball exceptionally well, rushing for 33 yards, Velasco found Rebecca Wampler twice for 23 yards,” said Largent.

Marsellis had the key turnover that allowed Escalon to take control.

“The play of the night was Velasco connecting with Barron on a boot left to pick up a first down and make it very difficult for the Yellowjackets,” Largent noted.

The girls were slated to host Orestimba (13-4, 2-0) this week and then travel to Hughson (7-4, 2-0) for a 6 p.m. game on Wednesday, Oct. 2. After their two wins this past week, Escalon stood at 6-8 overall, 2-0 in league.

 

JV

The junior varsity flag football team, with head coach Joseph Dalpogetti, opened up Trans-Valley League play with a win on the road. Sonora doesn’t have a JV team so the girls had to wait until Thursday, Sept. 26 and traveled to Hilmar.

“Our first JV TVL game in program history … we came away with a 12-0 win,” Dalpogetti said. “Kenadie Baker scored on our first drive on fourth down from about 20 yards out on a short pass.”

The following drive, Bretta Brooks connected with Milea Krieger for a 50-yard touchdown pass. Brooks had two passing TDs on the night.

“Our secondary did a great job of not letting Hilmar complete anything downfield,” Dalpogetti said of Brisa Patino, Georgia Northcutt and Ava Rodriguez.

The JV girls are scheduled to travel to Hughson for a 5 p.m. contest on Wednesday, Oct. 2.