By ALONZO TREJO
Special To The Times
Downey High School in Modesto was the site for several battles on the gridiron this weekend, as the Escalon Youth Cougars football teams took on the Tuolumne Bears.
Following is a recap of the action.
Junior Novice
The Junior Novice Cougars faced a tough challenge Saturday, Sept. 21 as they went up against the Tuolumne Bears in a hard-fought game that ended in a 19-0 loss for Escalon. Despite a determined defensive effort, the Cougars were unable to keep the Bears from dominating the scoreboard.
Defensive highlights for the Cougars included standout performances from several key players. Jacob Mackrell led the team with an impressive five tackles, showing his determination to halt the Bears’ offense. Hunter Jones followed closely with four tackles, contributing to the defense’s effort to contain Tuolumne’s relentless attack.
Sebastian Coronado added three tackles, while Maverick Santos made two tackles. Both players were crucial in slowing down the Bears’ advances. Additionally, Isaiah Gonzalez and Sebastian Martinez each recorded one tackle, playing important roles in the overall defensive strategy.
Despite the best efforts of Escalon’s defense, the Bears managed to break through, scoring 19 points without a response from the Cougars. The loss leaves Escalon with valuable lessons as they look ahead to their next matchup.
Novice
The Novice Cougars were victorious in spectacular fashion, delivering a commanding 20-0 victory over the Tuolumne Bears. The game showcased the Cougars’ tenacious defense and effective offense, allowing them to dominate on both sides of the ball.
On defense, Grady Johnson led the charge with an impressive five tackles, anchoring a unit that refused to let the Bears gain any traction. Andres Jimenez and Braydyn Bettencourt each added three tackles, further stifling Tuolumne’s attempts to advance. Blaine Suniga and Noah Canela each recorded two tackles, contributing to the relentless pressure on the Bears’ offense.
The defense also saw contributions from Andrew Machado, Zackariah Doty, Jase Govia, Logan Lanza, and Eric Cardenas, who each made one tackle. Additionally, Karson Sandretto played a pivotal role in the shutout with a crucial fumble recovery, halting a potential Bears drive and keeping the momentum firmly in Escalon’s favor.
On offense, Liam Lombardi was a standout, scoring two touchdowns that put the Cougars in a commanding position. Antonio Brunetti added to the lead with a rushing touchdown, sealing the victory for Escalon.
Junior Varsity
The Junior Varsity Cougars bounced back strong this week with a commanding 29-6 victory over the Tuolumne Bears. The Cougars’ balanced performance on both defense and offense was key to their success, as they controlled the game from start to finish.
Defensively, Noah Castellanos was a standout, leading the team with six tackles. His effort helped keep the Bears’ offense in check, limiting their opportunities to score. Zander Alvarado and Jameson Kuykendall each added three tackles, playing pivotal roles in the Cougars’ defensive wall.
Jace Turnbough was a dual threat, not only making two tackles but also scoring two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and impact on the game. Colton Faria and Jacob Barker contributed with two tackles each, while Zimri Hodge, Cooper Johnson, Lucas Kackley, Landon Machado, Landon Silva, Levi Baca, and Mathew Fenton all chipped in with a tackle apiece, underscoring the collective effort of the defense.
Lucas Kackley also made a crucial fumble recovery, further stifling the Bears’ offensive attempts and providing the Cougars with excellent field position.
On offense, Julian Cruz was the star, scoring two touchdowns and leading the charge for Escalon. His contributions, along with Turnbough’s touchdowns, gave the Cougars a comfortable lead that they never relinquished.
The Bears managed to score once, but it was not enough to threaten the Cougars’ dominance. Escalon’s cohesive play and determination were evident throughout the game, resulting in a well-deserved victory.
Varsity
The Varsity Cougars delivered an exciting 24-16 win against the Tuolumne Bears, thanks to a combination of solid defense and timely offensive plays. The game was a nail-biter, with the Cougars holding off a late surge from the Bears to clinch the victory.
Steven Fenton was the standout player of the game, making a significant impact on both sides of the ball. Fenton recorded five tackles, grabbed a crucial interception, and capped off his night with a touchdown, showcasing his all-around talent. His performance was instrumental in securing the win for Escalon.
On defense, Noah Gonsalves and Adam Cordeiro each made four tackles, playing vital roles in containing the Bears’ offense. Landen DeCroix added three tackles and scored a touchdown, demonstrating his versatility and helping to extend the Cougars’ lead.
Ty Caton also made a significant contribution with three tackles and a critical interception, while Ryker Lial matched Caton with three tackles of his own. Trevor Jansen chipped in with two tackles and an interception, further frustrating the Bears’ attempts to rally.
Cristian Camara, Trey Herrera, Diego Garcia, and Archer Sanders all contributed to the defensive effort as well, with Sanders adding a rushing touchdown that helped put the game out of reach.
The Bears managed to put up a strong fight, closing the gap late in the game, but the Cougars’ defense held firm, preventing a comeback. Escalon’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute key plays proved to be the difference in this closely contested matchup.
EYC Cheer
Outstanding performances by all cheer squads this weekend. A few ladies were acknowledged this past week for their positive attitude, helping others, conquering a skill and outstanding character. “Spirit Stick” recipients were Caroline Jones, Aryanna Gonzalez (Junior Novice), Nicole Morales, Zoe Gutierrez (Novice), Aubrey Webster, Alivia Sanders (Junior Varsity), Reagan Fernandes and Kenleigh Fernandes (Varsity).
