JONAMAR JACINTO

Flag football continues to grow at a rapid pace as it enters year 4 as a sanctioned sport in the California Interscholastic Federation. Sierra and Lathrop are among the original flag football programs in the state, while Manteca, Ripon and East Union started the following year. River Islands established its program last season, when participation statewide increased by 25.4% to 24,979 new players, according to CIF.

Ripon High will remain as the Indians, after all. The school received the required endorsement from a federally-recognized Native American tribe to keep the nickname it has used for a century.

Manteca has high hopes for its third season, which started with a 13-6 win at Lathrop on Wednesday.

The post-Adriana Dorn Era begins for Ripon tonight when it visits Sierra for the start of the girls volleyball season.

1. DB/WR Jayden Harris, Manteca, Sr. Versatile defensive back is coming off a breakout campaign in which he finished among the state leaders in interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Harris earned Co-Outstanding Defensive Player in the Valley Oak League after picking off nine passes, two returned for touchdowns. He also racked up 63, tackles, six for losses, two sacks, two forced fumbles and 11 pass break-ups. A three-star prospect, Harris has received seven Division I offers and is committed to Washington State. He will get to show off more of his offensive chops this season as a receiver opposite twin brother Jaylin. Jayden displayed his big-play ability with few opportunities, collecting 186 yards and two touchdowns on just four receptions.

River Islands’ senior class is eager to leave a mark in its final act. Under the direction of new coach Nicholas Kendall, the Riptide is primed for an historic third varsity season after missing playoff berths in the first two.

Ripon had high hopes for 2025 with an athletic junior class blending with an experienced cohort of seniors led by accomplished linemen. The season did not go as expected.

Ripon’s best player may have graduated, but that doesn’t change expectations for the seven-time Sac-Joaquin Section champion. The youth-laden Indians weathered an early onslaught from host Sierra on Friday and swept the season opener, 25-18, 25-13, 25-13.

After two matches in the new season, Ripon coach Greg Soliz isn’t yet sure what to make of his team — other than it being very young and very talented. Ripon swept its home opener against East Union on Monday, 25-14, 25-15, 25-15.

Cameron Seefeldt and the Ripon girls golf team teed off the Trans Valley League season on Tuesday, putting together a comfortable 165-220 win over visiting Sonora.