All four levels of Escalon Youth Cougar football got victories on Saturday, Sept. 30, including a shutout for the Novice team.

Junior Novice

The Junior Novice Team displayed their dominance on the football field this past weekend as they traveled to Summerville High School on a rainy day and secured a convincing 36-6 victory over the Tuolumne Bears. A remarkable defensive display, Wesley Ramirez led the charge with six tackles, while Sebastian Martinez and Hunter Jones added one tackle each to stifle the Bears offense. Brayden Bettencourt’s incredible effort on defense was evident with his four tackles, and Grady Johnson and Zackariah Doty contributed with one tackle apiece. The relentless defense made it difficult for Tuolumne to gain any ground.

On the offensive front, The Junior Novice Team showcased their scoring prowess. Nathaniel Cruz was unstoppable, scoring an impressive three touchdowns during the game, while Zackariah Doty made a significant impact with a touchdown of his own. Hunter Walker added two more touchdowns to the total, securing the team’s victory.

In addition to their outstanding tackles and touchdowns, the Escalon players also demonstrated their skills in recovering fumbles. Zackariah Doty managed a fumble recovery, and Sebastian Coronado added another recovery to the mix, ensuring that the momentum remained firmly in Escalon’s favor.

Novice

The Cougars’ defense was the standout of the game, relentlessly tackling and pressuring the Tuolumne offense. In a display of teamwork and determination, several players made critical tackles throughout the contest. Andres Jimenez, Cruz Pacheco, Liam Lombardi, Antonio Brunetti, Grant Coble, Brodi Moorman, Jase Govia, Logan Lanza, Alder Morgan, and Josiah Canela each contributed with tackles to stifle the opposition.

Noah Castellanos led the defensive charge with two tackles, while Landon Machado was a force to be reckoned with, recording three tackles and a fumble recovery. Jase Govia also made an impressive fumble recovery, further cementing the Cougars’ defensive dominance.

Offensively, Landon Machado showcased his versatility by not only making significant tackles but also scoring a crucial touchdown. Final Score EYC 10, Tuolumne 0.

Junior Varsity

The JV defensive line showcased their prowess on the field with some stellar tackles. Masyn Bettencourt, Easton Hunt, Becket Trimble, Jameson Kuykendall, Mason Rodriguez, Ryker Lial, Kaleb Butler, Nixon Walker, Colton Faria, Waylon Morgan, Jaxon Kemp, Logan Gonsalez, Lucas Machado, Dylan Borges, and Cru Herrera all contributed to the team’s defensive success.

Nixon Walker was a standout on defense, recording an impressive five tackles throughout the game, while Mason Rodriguez also made a significant impact with three tackles of his own. The team’s defense played a pivotal role in securing the win.

The offensive side of the team was equally impressive, with players like Gavin Decroix and Ryker Lial lighting up the scoreboard. Gavin Decroix scored a crucial touchdown, while Ryker Lial took center stage, scoring an incredible three touchdowns. Kaleb Butler also made his mark with a safety, contributing valuable points to the team’s total. Final score EYC 30, Tuolumne 19.

Varsity

The Cougars found themselves in unchartered territory Saturday. Trailing the Bears in the first quarter, 11- 0. Tuolumne is the first team to score on the Cougars defense this season. Dylan Ball’s rushing touchdown and a crucial converted onside kick recovered by Carter Yates would help put the Cougars on top at the half with a score of 14-11. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cougars were relentless, stifling the Bears’ offense at every turn. Leo Marrufo was an absolute force to be reckoned with, tallying an impressive 11 tackles during the game. Ian Trejo was also dominant, contributing five tackles to the defensive effort. Together with their teammates, they proved to be an impenetrable wall that Tuolumne struggled to breach.

The Cougars’ defense was further bolstered by exceptional contributions from Steven Fenton, Ty Caton, Dylan Ball, Daniel Bass, Jake Ferreira, Dylan Machado, Carter Cummings, Ethan Cruz, Ryan Huebner, Noah Gonsalves, and Rhodey Trimble, who combined for a total of 20 tackles, ensuring that the Bears had a tough time advancing down the field.

Dylan Ball had an interception and recorded three touchdowns during the game, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. Carter Yates and Leo Marrufo each contributed with one touchdown, showcasing the team’s offensive depth. Final Score EYC 38, Tuolumne 17.

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