The majority of the fall sports teams at Oakdale and Riverbank high schools have already seen some action, with tournament and non-league contests filling the early season schedule.
From volleyball to cross country, flag football to water polo, here is a look at the recent competition.
VOLLEYBALL
Oakdale’s Lady Mustangs were busy with tournament games on Saturday, Aug. 22 and enjoyed a successful day with victories over Summerville, Delhi, Mariposa County and Big Valley Christian. They did lose to Hughson and lost to visiting Turlock, 3-0, when they hosted the Foundation Game.
The Riverbank girls, meanwhile, took losses to Mariposa County, Ceres, Enochs and Waterford at the Aug. 22 tournament.
FLAG FOOTBALL
It was a meeting of the Mustangs and Bruins on Monday evening, Aug. 24 in Oakdale, as the host team battled Riverbank to escape with a 14-12 decision.
Riverbank’s girls have played several matches already, taking losses to Hilmar, Ceres, Orestimba and Lincoln in addition to Oakdale, while earning a win over Gustine.
CROSS COUNTRY
Making a trip to Atwater, the Bruin cross country teams participated in the Screamin’ Scott Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 22. In the varsity boys three-mile race, Armando Garcia came away with a third place overall finish, running the course in 16.00.9.
For the varsity girls, Riverbank had three finishers in the top 20, paced by Zuri Golding, who was 11th overall in 20:34.1; Lesilee Valdez was 17th overall and Emily Ramirez took 19th.
FOOTBALL
Riverbank hosted a multi team scrimmage on Friday night, Aug. 21. At the JV level they faced off against Galt and Denair high schools. At the varsity level, the Bruins welcomed Galt, Denair, Rio Vista, and Modesto Christian to Angelo Novi Field. Teams took turns on offense and defense with set time limits in a round robin format, said RHS Athletic Director Juan Harvey.
Oakdale will suit up for its first action of the season this coming Friday night, as the Mustangs travel to Sonora to face the Wildcats on Aug. 28. Varsity kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with junior varsity beginning the night at 5 p.m.
WATER POLO
Oakdale’s varsity water polo boys saw some tournament action on Aug. 22 and had a win and a loss. They fell by a 19-5 decision to Sanger, but enjoyed a 15-7 victory over Enochs. They jumped out to a 5-1 first quarter lead against Enochs and never looked back. Collin Bonds paced the Mustang effort with five goals and three assists.
GOLF
The Riverbank Lady Bruins hosted Escalon at the Ripon Golf Course – previously known as Jack Tone Golf Course – in non-league action and played hard but ultimately fell to Escalon by a 25-stroke margin, 202-227.
