Erase a four-score first quarter from host Hilmar, and Riverbank High's varsity football fell just 20-10 to one of the best small school football teams in the state on Friday.
But football games don't come with erasers.
The Yellowjackets were held to a modest 326 yards of offense and allowed 191 Bruin yards from scrimmage, but capitalized on early momentum for a 47-10 win.
"That first quarter they kind of jumped on us pretty good," Riverbank coach James Oliver said. "Then we realized we could play with them a little bit and we played much better after that."
Riverbank's highlight came in a dashing third-quarter effort from senior quarterback Alex Reynaga, who aborted a sweep play by keeping the football and sprinting to the opposite sideline for an 80-yard touchdown. Reynaga had trouble with a Hilmar defense focused on his every move, and settled for 74 positive yards on 11 rushes. He also hit three different receivers on five of nine passes for 70 yards with one interception.
"I think Hilmar was really impressed with Alex," coach Oliver said. "They pretty much tried to take him out of the game, but we were committed to running the football."
Oliver was impressed with Hilmar's athleticism, and highlighted the program's character throughout the contest.
"I thought Hilmar was one of the classiest teams we will play," Oliver said. "Their players were respectful and I hope in a couple of years we can get to their level."
Riverbank (3-5 overall, 0-4 Trans Valley League) has a bye this week and will host Ripon (5-2, 1-2) on Oct. 28 to continue play. The Indians bounced back from a 49-13 loss to Hilmar by playing tough in a 31-14 loss to Escalon and bouncing Hughson 34-12 last week. The team is led by quarterback Kyle Wengel (936 yards, 14 touchdowns) and running back Josh McCreath (715 yards, five touchdowns).
But football games don't come with erasers.
The Yellowjackets were held to a modest 326 yards of offense and allowed 191 Bruin yards from scrimmage, but capitalized on early momentum for a 47-10 win.
"That first quarter they kind of jumped on us pretty good," Riverbank coach James Oliver said. "Then we realized we could play with them a little bit and we played much better after that."
Riverbank's highlight came in a dashing third-quarter effort from senior quarterback Alex Reynaga, who aborted a sweep play by keeping the football and sprinting to the opposite sideline for an 80-yard touchdown. Reynaga had trouble with a Hilmar defense focused on his every move, and settled for 74 positive yards on 11 rushes. He also hit three different receivers on five of nine passes for 70 yards with one interception.
"I think Hilmar was really impressed with Alex," coach Oliver said. "They pretty much tried to take him out of the game, but we were committed to running the football."
Oliver was impressed with Hilmar's athleticism, and highlighted the program's character throughout the contest.
"I thought Hilmar was one of the classiest teams we will play," Oliver said. "Their players were respectful and I hope in a couple of years we can get to their level."
Riverbank (3-5 overall, 0-4 Trans Valley League) has a bye this week and will host Ripon (5-2, 1-2) on Oct. 28 to continue play. The Indians bounced back from a 49-13 loss to Hilmar by playing tough in a 31-14 loss to Escalon and bouncing Hughson 34-12 last week. The team is led by quarterback Kyle Wengel (936 yards, 14 touchdowns) and running back Josh McCreath (715 yards, five touchdowns).
