After battling through four consecutive preseason games that were decided by only one score, Modesto Christian High's varsity football team was looking for some separation in its Trans-Valley League opener and Homecoming game against the visiting Riverbank Bruins on Friday.
And separation they got.
The Crusaders exploded for three touchdowns in each of the first two quarters and held their ground in a 20-6 second half advantage during a 61-6 blowout of Riverbank.
The loss dropped Riverbank to 3-2 on the season while MC advanced to the same tally.
"Obviously that was the best team we have played so far, and they introduced us to the TVL," Riverbank coach James Oliver said. "We had a lot of kids get banged up a bit, but we played hard and all the way to the end the kids never quit."
The Bruins had trouble staying with the speed and intensity of a Modesto Christian offense led by Arizona-bound quarterback Nathan Sudfeld. Though Sudfeld completed just four of eight passes for 137 yards (all season lows), he had plenty of success handing the ball off to Crusader runners that dashed to 467 total yards on the ground.
Riverbank finally scored with seven minutes to play in the third quarter when Raymond Burney hauled in a 69-yard touchdown pass from Alex Reynaga. Burney had four receptions for 103 yards while Reynaga saw a season low 53 yards on 10 carries and completed six of 19 passes for 140 yards and his first three interceptions of the year.
Reynaga had 11 tackles in a valiant defensive effort as well.
"Modesto Christian had a couple of big plays, but we didn't wrap up and we missed a lot of tackles," coach Oliver said. "We hadn't seen that type of speed since (a preseason scrimmage with Franklin of Stockton)."
Things won't get any easier for Riverbank as they continue the TVL schedule. The Bruins face the returning Division III State Champions, Escalon (4-0) in Cougar territory on Friday.
Escalon punished Dixon in a 67-0 non-league win this past week and beat Riverbank 63-0 a season ago. The Cougars have a 400-yard rusher (Josh Miguel) a 300 yard rusher (Matt Roberson), a 300-yard passer (Gino Franceschetti) and sport a defense that has allowed just three scores all season.
The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.
And separation they got.
The Crusaders exploded for three touchdowns in each of the first two quarters and held their ground in a 20-6 second half advantage during a 61-6 blowout of Riverbank.
The loss dropped Riverbank to 3-2 on the season while MC advanced to the same tally.
"Obviously that was the best team we have played so far, and they introduced us to the TVL," Riverbank coach James Oliver said. "We had a lot of kids get banged up a bit, but we played hard and all the way to the end the kids never quit."
The Bruins had trouble staying with the speed and intensity of a Modesto Christian offense led by Arizona-bound quarterback Nathan Sudfeld. Though Sudfeld completed just four of eight passes for 137 yards (all season lows), he had plenty of success handing the ball off to Crusader runners that dashed to 467 total yards on the ground.
Riverbank finally scored with seven minutes to play in the third quarter when Raymond Burney hauled in a 69-yard touchdown pass from Alex Reynaga. Burney had four receptions for 103 yards while Reynaga saw a season low 53 yards on 10 carries and completed six of 19 passes for 140 yards and his first three interceptions of the year.
Reynaga had 11 tackles in a valiant defensive effort as well.
"Modesto Christian had a couple of big plays, but we didn't wrap up and we missed a lot of tackles," coach Oliver said. "We hadn't seen that type of speed since (a preseason scrimmage with Franklin of Stockton)."
Things won't get any easier for Riverbank as they continue the TVL schedule. The Bruins face the returning Division III State Champions, Escalon (4-0) in Cougar territory on Friday.
Escalon punished Dixon in a 67-0 non-league win this past week and beat Riverbank 63-0 a season ago. The Cougars have a 400-yard rusher (Josh Miguel) a 300 yard rusher (Matt Roberson), a 300-yard passer (Gino Franceschetti) and sport a defense that has allowed just three scores all season.
The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.
