Ripley Sparks Santiago to 24-20 Victory

Santiago High School running back Alex Ripley bid a memorable farewell to his high school football career Thursday night, leading the Cavaliers to a 24-20 Garden Grove League victory over Bolsa Grande at Bolsa Grande.

Ripley, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior, rushed for 181 yards in 15 carries, including touchdown runs of 32 and 81 yards. He also caught a two-point conversion pass and blocked a field goal attempt.

Santiago sophomore Dan Agramont also played a big role, kicking field goals of 31, 43 and 48 yards.

Bolsa Grande (3-7, 2-5 in league) took a 14-10 first-half lead on touchdown runs of 32 and four yards by quarterback Bryan Taylor. Taylor finished the game with 107 yards in 16 carries.

Santiago (3-7, 3-4) came back and took the lead, 21-14, with 3:43 left in the third quarter on Ripley’s 81-yard touchdown and two-point pass reception.

David Cruz then recovered a Bolsa Grande fumble to set up Agramont’s 48-yard field goal with 14 seconds left in the third quarter.

Preston Lemon recovered a fumble by Ripley on the Santiago 28, setting up an 11-yard touchdown run by Marcus Wilson that cut the deficit to 24-20. Marcus’ twin brother, Maurice, led the Matadors with 145 yards rushing in 23 carries.