Denair ends Mariposa winning streak with 26-20 Southern League victory

Mariposa County High School’s run through the Southern League hit its first setback Friday night at Denair when the Coyotes held off the Grizzlies, 26-20, in a closely contested matchup between two of the league’s top teams.

The loss ended Mariposa’s four-game winning streak and dropped the Grizzlies to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in league play. Denair improved to 6-1 overall and remained unbeaten in the Southern League at 4-0.

Senior running back Rusty Bull carried the Mariposa offense, rushing 26 times for 201 yards and two touchdowns, an average of 7.7 yards per carry. Bull also caught the Grizzlies’ only touchdown pass, accounting for all three of Mariposa’s scores.

Quarterback Austin Battles completed 7 of 13 passes for 75 yards and one touchdown. Denair intercepted two of his attempts. John Ogilby led Mariposa’s receivers with four catches for 29 yards, while Bull contributed the scoring reception.

The 20-point output was Mariposa’s lowest of the season. The Grizzlies entered the game averaging more than 37 points during their four-game winning streak, a stretch that included league victories over Gustine, Modesto Christian and Delhi.

Mariposa will return home Friday, Oct. 23, to face Stone Ridge Christian at 7:15 p.m. The Knights are 5-2 overall and 3-1 in league play, making the game important to both teams’ position behind Denair. Mariposa then closes the regular season at home against Waterford on Oct. 30 and at Le Grand on Nov. 6.

Denair holds first place in the Southern League at 4-0, followed by Mariposa and Stone Ridge Christian at 3-1. Denair and Stone Ridge Christian have already met this season, with the Coyotes defeating the Knights, 28-14, on Sept. 25. Le Grand is 2-2, Waterford is 1-2, and Gustine and Delhi are each 0-3 in league play. Overall, Denair is 6-1, Mariposa and Stone Ridge Christian are both 5-2, Le Grand is 3-4, Waterford is 2-5, Gustine is 1-6 and Delhi is 0-7.

With three games remaining, the Grizzlies still have an opportunity to remain near the top of the standings, but Friday’s home contest against Stone Ridge Christian now carries added weight in the Southern League race.