Prep football roundup: Central Catholic falls in Holy Bowl, Riverbank ends losing streak

Quinton Hamilton
·6 min read

The Central Catholic High football team stayed within striking distance in Friday night’s Holy Bowl matchup against St. Mary’s and finally broke through in the second half.

Wyatt Drago scored on a four-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter to give the Raiders their first lead of the game, 33-27. The short rushing score was the second touchdown in a stretch where the Raiders scored 14 unanswered points. During the run, Tyler Wentworth intercepted a pass on defense and found Trace Hernandez for a 34-yard touchdown pass.

Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt and Scotty Hallmon (9) celebrate a touchdown during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt and Scotty Hallmon (9) celebrate a touchdown during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.

The Central Catholic offense stalled in the final quarter.

St. Mary’s took the lead early in the fourth quarter and did not look back. Asante Carter scored twice in the final quarter, on runs of two and 42 yards, respectively, to seal the game, 42-33.

In the first half, Joey Alcutt scored the Raiders’ first touchdown on a 68 yard run to tie the game a 7-7. Trailing 14-7, Wentworth ran for a 17-yard touchdown and after a blocked extra point attempt, the Raiders trailed 14-13. After a St. Mary’s touchdown, Wentworth and Hernandez connected on an 80-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to remain within a point.

Both teams traded touchdowns until the fourth quarter, when the Rams scored 15 unanswered points.

Central Catholic travels to Reno, Nevada, next week to take on Bishop Monague before returning home Sept. 8 to host Serra of San Mateo.

Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt takes the handoff from quarterback Tyler Wentworth during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt takes the handoff from quarterback Tyler Wentworth during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.

Liberty 49, Enochs 3: A 14-0 first quarter deficit grew to 42-0 at halftime as the Eagles lost to Liberty of Brentwood for the second straight season. Enochs kicked a third quarter field goal for its only points of the game. Enochs hosts Buhach Colony at Gregori Sept. 1.

Riverbank 28, Valley 6: Riverbank held the section’s longest active losing streak until Thursday. The Bruins beat Valley at Cosumnes River College despite attempting just one pass. Jeremiah Cooper rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown and Gabriel Nisperos ran for 69 yards and two scores. Mysael Carmona added a rushing touchdown.

Escalon 23, Buchanan 21: Talan Reider drilled a game-winning 32-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to give the Cougars a narrow win over a Buchanan team ranked in the top 35 in California. After going scoreless in the first quarter, Escalon scored in the second and third to take a 14-9 lead. Buchanan quickly regained the lead and the two sides traded scores until Reider ended the game.

Modesto 26, Beyer 22: The Panthers bounced back from their Week 1 loss, pulling out a narrow victory over the Patriots. Modesto visits Stagg next week while Beyer will have a bye. It will look for its first win this season Sept. 8 at West.

Hilmar 21, Los Banos 13: Hilmar score 14 points and held the Tigers scoreless in the first 12 minutes Friday night. Los Banos pulled within a point in the third, but the Yellowjackets scored two unanswered touchdowns to take a 21-13 lead. The defense came up big in the fourth quarter, shutting down Los Banos’ final drive.

Sonora 43, Ripon 0: Sonora’s offense rolled in Week 2 against Ripon. The Wildcats rushed for five touchdowns in the first three quarters but did not score in the fourth. Both teams are 1-1 early in the season. Ripon hosts East Union in its home opener Sept. 1.

Patterson 35, Mountain House 21: The Tigers opened the game with back-to-back pick sixes, opening up an early 14-0 lead. A 41-yard field goal and a rushing touchdown in the second quarter propelled Patterson to a 24-7 halftime lead. Eleven second half points helped Patterson keep the game out of reach and advance to 2-0.

Sierra 61, Davis 14: Davis dropped to 0-2 with Friday’s loss to the Timberwolves. The Spartans scored all 14 points in the first half of their home opener at MJC. They will look for their first win this season Sept. 8 against Bear River.

Ceres d. Delhi (by forfeit): Delhi was forced to forfeit Friday’s contest after the Sac-Joaquin Section issued penalties from its Week 1 fight against El Capitan. According to the Merced Sun-Star, Delhi decided to forfeit its next two games.

Merced 39, Gregori 27: The Jaguars fell behind 33-13 in the third quarter but despite outscoring the Bears 14-6 after that point, they were unable to overcome a first-half deficit. Gregori travels to Atwater next week before finishing its non-league schedule with a pair of home games.

Waterford 20, Big Valley Christian 14 (OT): An overtime touchdown gave Waterford its first win of the season in a back and forth contest with host Big Valley Christian. After going down 14-6, the Wildcats scored 14 unanswered points.

Downey 31, Lodi 14: Downey scored 24 unanswered first half points on a passing touchdown, two rushing scores and a field goal before Lodi found the end zone. The Knights look to go 3-0 to start the season next week as they host Merced. Joseph Ramirez played quarterback, filling in for Carson Lamb who sprained a finger on his throwing hand in Week 1. Ramirez completed 17 of 29 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Kirkendall rushed for two touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass and was credited with 0.5 sacks.

Johansen 36, Orestimba 32: Johansen starts the season 2-0 for the first time since 2018 after beating dynamic quarterback Alex Milan and Orestimba Friday night in a high scoring affair.

Cosumnes Oaks 49, Pitman 24: The Pride were unable to win their second game of the season, falling to Cosumnes Oaks on the road. Pitman trailed by just four points heading into halftime but allowed 28 straight third quarter points.

Ripon Christian 68, Pajaro Valley 0: The Knights bounced back from a Week 1 loss in a big way, shutting out Pajaro Valley in their home opener. Mason Tameling completed four of five passes for 111 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Seven rushers combined for 331 yards led by seniors Grant Sonke (3 carries, 72 yards) and Brady Grondz (5 carries, 64 yards).

Oakdale 21, Aptos 14: Oakdale scored 21 unanswered second half points to secure the comeback victory on the road against Aptos. Wes Buford rushed for two touchdowns and drilled an extra point to make it a 14-13 game in the third and Chase Lopez scored the game winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. A successful two-point conversion sealed the victory.

Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt breaks free on a touchdown run during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt breaks free on a touchdown run during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
St. Mary’s Samson Hunkin dodges Central Catholic defender Josh Robertson during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
St. Mary’s Samson Hunkin dodges Central Catholic defender Josh Robertson during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth reaches up for an interception during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth reaches up for an interception during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic coaches Roger Canepa, middle, and Tim Garcia talk with quarterback Tyler Wentworth during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic coaches Roger Canepa, middle, and Tim Garcia talk with quarterback Tyler Wentworth during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth throws on a roll out during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth throws on a roll out during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Brooklyn Cheek makes a catch along the sideline as St. Mary’s Brennan Carr defends during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Brooklyn Cheek makes a catch along the sideline as St. Mary’s Brennan Carr defends during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Trace Hernandez makes a catch past St. Mary’s defender Brilan Reynolds and runs in for a touchdown during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Trace Hernandez makes a catch past St. Mary’s defender Brilan Reynolds and runs in for a touchdown during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
St. Mary’s Kenneth Moore III makes a touchdown catch during the game with Central Catholic at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
St. Mary’s Kenneth Moore III makes a touchdown catch during the game with Central Catholic at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth runs in for a touchdown in the first half of the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Tyler Wentworth runs in for a touchdown in the first half of the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023. St. Mary’s won the game 42-33.
Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt breaks free on a touchdown run during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Joey Alcutt breaks free on a touchdown run during the game with St. Mary’s in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
St. Mary’s Samson Hunkin dodges Central Catholic defender Josh Robertson during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
St. Mary’s Samson Hunkin dodges Central Catholic defender Josh Robertson during the game at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, Calif., Friday, August 25, 2023.
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