In a week celebrating Homecoming activities, Riverbank High School athletes were disappointed on both the field and the court this past week.
The football Homecoming game was marred by both the loss of the game, to visiting Brookside Christian High School from Stockton, but also the loss of a key player near the end of the first quarter.
It wasn't an injury, but rather an ejection that caused the departure of outside linebacker and wide receiver Chris Certuche. His departure, for unsportsmanlike conduct, was felt on both sides of the Bruins’ line of scrimmage, since he normally plays both offense and defense.
Balancing the scale, somewhat, was the departure of two Brookside players, following the same altercation.
Game officials took nearly half an hour to sort things out following the play, discussing the call several times with both benches, ultimately calling RHS principal Dr. Sean Richey and Athletic Director John Bartlett onto the field.
At that point, Riverbank was behind by just 8-0, but the Bruins never really got back on track.
Brookside Christian outscored Riverbank 24-0 and 26-0 in the first two quarters, respectively, leaving the score 50-0 at the half.
Having been disqualified, Certuche was not eligible to return to the stadium during halftime, when the Homecoming King and Queen were announced. He was one of the nominees.
On the positive side, the Bruins returned to the field following the break with renewed vigor, blanking the Knights in the third quarter and holding them to just 8 more points in the fourth period.
The damage had already been done, however, and the final score was 58-0, Brookside Christian.
There was no JV game, and the younger Bruins’ season is over. Several JV players have been added to the varsity roster, though.
This week, Riverbank is on the road, traveling to Merced to take on Stone Ridge Christian High School on Friday, Oct. 14, then takes a bye week on Oct. 21.
They play at Big Valley Christian in Modesto on Oct. 28 before returning for their last game of the season, at home, on Friday. Nov. 4. It will be Senior Night.
Lady Bruin Volleyball
Varsity volleyball players have seen disappointment on the court lately, as well, but this past week, there were high points, despite losing three straight games in a match against visiting Escalon last Thursday.
The Lady Bruins improved in each of the games against the Lady Cougars, getting closer to the win with each, ultimately forcing an extended third game before succumbing.
Scores were 17-25, 21-25 and 25-27, with Riverbank getting nearer to the winning column with each frame.
And this improvement came hard on the heels of the Homecoming Powder Puff flag football game played the night before. Many, but not all, the volleyballers were there, playing hard against their teammates, divided by classes for the friendly competition.
And they seemed none the worse for wear on Thursday for the volleyball match against Escalon.
The Riverbank JV team lost in two games to the younger Lady Cougars earlier, 14-25, 11-25.
RHS volleyball was scheduled to play at Mountain House yesterday, Oct. 11, and host Hughson tomorrow evening.
They have a bye and two more away games before they return home for Senior Night and the last game of the season, hosting Hilmar.
