If the community did not know that the Riverbank High football program was turning a corner, the Bruins' 51-6 shellacking of Delhi High in the Riverbank High Homecoming game on Friday night likely opened a few eyes.
The Bruins were able to put together their most impressive outing of the season, holding Delhi to one second-half touchdown on their way to a convincing 45-point victory in front of the enthusiastic home crowd.
"I was very happy," Bruin head coach Aaron Thurman said. "Very happy. I challenged them before the game to come out and make a statement and not worry about fatigue and numbers.
"I challenged them to come right out of the gate and they executed well."
Riverbank found themselves up 28-0 after one quarter of action, leaving the Hawks to ponder on what would go right for them as the Bruins' Homecoming guest.
Riverbank would walk into the locker room with a comfortable 37-0 lead, sending a message to the other teams in the Trans-Valley League that the Bruins made some tremendous strides during the off-season.
"The first half," Thurman said, "was probably one of the best halves of football I have seen; at any level.
"They truly played one outstanding half of football."
Riverbank was led by the offensive production of Shane Gaynor, who rolled all over the Hawks for 178 yards and a touchdown. Christian Vega racked up 98 yards on the ground and a game-high three touchdowns, while teammate Jose Moreno tallied 65 yards on eight carries and a pair of touchdowns. Moreno was also a beast on the defensive side of the ball, recording a pair of sacks and a safety.
Riverbank is one overtime victory shy of being 2-1 and now will head to Waterford to try and get its record up to .500 and continue to open eyes to another Riverbank High program that is poised for respect.
"The win is hopefully going to be a building block and a confidence builder," Thurman said. "I realize that we are 1-2, but I routinely make the mistake of thinking we are 1-1-1 with that overtime loss to Gustine.
"I hope that they realize that we are one point away from being a 2-1 ball club."
The Bruins have a sure focus when they prepare for battle with the Wildcats Oct. 2, hopefully establishing a new foundation for Riverbank football.
"We're going into Waterford with a lot of momentum," Thurman said. "And maybe getting a little respect from the community...
"It is nice when people say you're playing good football."
The Bruins were able to put together their most impressive outing of the season, holding Delhi to one second-half touchdown on their way to a convincing 45-point victory in front of the enthusiastic home crowd.
"I was very happy," Bruin head coach Aaron Thurman said. "Very happy. I challenged them before the game to come out and make a statement and not worry about fatigue and numbers.
"I challenged them to come right out of the gate and they executed well."
Riverbank found themselves up 28-0 after one quarter of action, leaving the Hawks to ponder on what would go right for them as the Bruins' Homecoming guest.
Riverbank would walk into the locker room with a comfortable 37-0 lead, sending a message to the other teams in the Trans-Valley League that the Bruins made some tremendous strides during the off-season.
"The first half," Thurman said, "was probably one of the best halves of football I have seen; at any level.
"They truly played one outstanding half of football."
Riverbank was led by the offensive production of Shane Gaynor, who rolled all over the Hawks for 178 yards and a touchdown. Christian Vega racked up 98 yards on the ground and a game-high three touchdowns, while teammate Jose Moreno tallied 65 yards on eight carries and a pair of touchdowns. Moreno was also a beast on the defensive side of the ball, recording a pair of sacks and a safety.
Riverbank is one overtime victory shy of being 2-1 and now will head to Waterford to try and get its record up to .500 and continue to open eyes to another Riverbank High program that is poised for respect.
"The win is hopefully going to be a building block and a confidence builder," Thurman said. "I realize that we are 1-2, but I routinely make the mistake of thinking we are 1-1-1 with that overtime loss to Gustine.
"I hope that they realize that we are one point away from being a 2-1 ball club."
The Bruins have a sure focus when they prepare for battle with the Wildcats Oct. 2, hopefully establishing a new foundation for Riverbank football.
"We're going into Waterford with a lot of momentum," Thurman said. "And maybe getting a little respect from the community...
"It is nice when people say you're playing good football."
