RIPON – Hilmar High turned in a convincing 24-0 Trans-Valley League victory over Ripon Christian on Friday and clinched at least a share of the conference title for first-year head coach Mark Santos.
The Yellowjackets improved to 9-0 overall and 5-0 in league play heading into their bye week. After that, they’ll host archrival Hughson on Nov. 6 at McSweeney Field and try to wrap up the outright title.
“The standard here is to win,” said Santos. “We want to be judged by what happens in November. We want to be practicing come Thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving practices mean the team is playing for a Sac-Joaquin Section title, something his predecessor, Frank Marques, did 10 times in his 23 seasons at the helm.
Holding a 10-0 lead at the intermission, the Yellowjackets stepped on the gas to start the third quarter.
Hilmar forced a turnover over downs, taking over possession on RC’s 44, then gave the ball four consecutive times to Adam Branco, who bulled his way in from 14 to make it 17-0
Blake Vitorino picked off Knights quarterback Josiah Van Vliet at the RC 42 and returned it 12 yards to the 30. Two carries by Branco moved the ball to the 13, and John Pereira capped the drive three plays later on a 2-yard burst in the end zone for the final margin.
Hilmar’s defense once again forced a turnover on downs and gave the offense possession near midfield. The Yellowjackets moved inside the red zone before their drive stalled, and they gave it back on downs. Still, they managed to chew more than five minutes off the clock and RC got back with 4:33 remaining.
Hilmar’s offense spent much of the second half running out of the Power I formation, something the school was known for in the 1980s under legendary coach Jerry Van Lengen, for whom Marques played. Santos, in turn, played for Marques.
Branco said he likes running out of the Power I.
“I love it,” said Branco. “Our lineman are huge, and we have great blocking. It works well.
Branco’s cousin, offensive lineman Maddox Branco, likes it, too, even though his cousin gets all the touchdowns and the glory.
“I’m OK with that,” said Maddox Branco. “I’m just here to win. I want to win TVL, win section, win NorCal, win state. That’s all I’m here for.
“But we love the Power I. Three yards and a cloud of dust.”
For all of the Yellowjackets’ success, they were without running back/linebacker Lucas Belo, the team’s leading tackler and best defender, and senior guard duo Nicholas Salas and Alden Kuchta. Plus, several members of the team were hindered by a flu bug that’s going around the Hilmar locker room.
The team figures to be at full strength when Hughson comes to town.
