Grizzly quarterback Austin Battles uncorks a pass above the outstretched arms of the SRC defensive line. Photos by Matt Johnson
The Mariposa County High School varsity football team has shown it is good at responding to adversity.
After a tough loss to league foe Denair on Oct. 16, Mariposa came back the following week to hang on for a 19-7 win over the visiting Stone Ridge Christian Knights on Oct. 23.
The win had big implications, as it gave Mariposa a lead over SRC in the league standings. Mariposa improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Southern League contests. Stone Ridge fell to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in league matchups.
“I was impressed by the way these boys battled,” said MCHS Coach Chase Pometta. “The way they handle adversity, that’s what our program is all about. For them to come out on top with a victory, that’s a very satisfying win.”
As it often is, Mariposa was powered by the engine known as Rusty Bull. The senior running back was entrusted with 29 rushing attempts and gained 202 yards, along with a touchdown in the second half.
Mariposa took a 3-0 lead with 5:09 left in the first quarter on a 23-yard field goal by Jhovany Marquez.
Jiah Esh wraps up a ball carrier during Friday’s matchup against SRC. The game was competitive to the end, and perhaps in a sense, it was closer than the final score indicated.
Then Grizzly quarterback Austin Battles found receiver John Ogilby for a 55-yard touchdown pass, with Ogilby catching it over the middle and turning on the jets to score. The extra point was good to give MCHS a 10-0 lead with 2:44 left in the first quarter.
After a methodical drive, Stone Ridge’s quarterback plunged in for a two-yard touchdown run with 5:24 left in the second quarter, with the extra point good to cut the lead to 10-7.
A 20-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer extended Mariposa’s lead to 13-7.
The final scoring came with 7:41 left in the game when Bull broke free for a touchdown run.
Two of the key moments in the game came in the second half, where Grizzly defenders Beau Pokora and Manuel Siller both had interceptions while SRC was threatening to score.
Pokora’s came in the third quarter when SRC was putting together a strong drive. Siller’s came with four minutes left to play in the game.
Manuel Siller carries the ball early in the game on Friday night, a 19-7 win for Mariposa. Siller had a big interception in the late moments.
Pometta said his coaching staff was conferring at halftime and felt that Pokora was going to make a big play.
“He was starting to figure out the routes,” said Pometta.
Siller’s takeaway was also huge, as it effectively ended any realistic chance SRC had of winning.
“Before that (play), I had messed up. My friends had told me, ‘Play through it. Forget all about that. Next play.’ So I locked in,” said Siller. “I was guarding him and following his hip. As soon as I turned, the ball was right there in my hands.”
Another important contribution for the Grizzlies came from the kicker Marquez, who nailed two field goals and an extra point despite playing through pain.
“At this time of year, there are a lot of injuries. Jho has been fighting through it,” said Pometta. “He said he can still kick, and man — he can kick!”
Battles was efficient, going 9-of-12 for 152 yards and a touchdown. He added three scampers for 13 yards.
Beau Pokora comes down with an interception during the second half against Stone Ridge Christian. The Mariposa defense tightened up when it needed to late in the game.
Siller was the only other Grizzly to gain any yards on the ground, with a solo carry for one yard.
“We knew it would be a dogfight,” Siller said. “We prepared all week for that.”
Ogilby was the main receiving option for Mariposa, hauling in five receptions for 77 yards and the touchdown. Brady Martin had two receptions for 51 yards, including a key catch late in the game to keep the ball in Mariposa’s hands.
“Battles gave him a chance, and that sealed it,” Pometta said of the catch.
Ogilby led the defensive push for Mariposa, recording eight tackles. Bull added seven, while Pokora and Devin Coca both had five of their own. Bull and Ethan Briese both had tackles for losses, with Bull’s being a sack. Briese also had two quarterback hurries.
Next up for Mariposa is the visiting Waterford Wildcats. Waterford is not having a strong 2026 campaign, but is coming off a 14-6 victory over Delhi. The Wildcats sit at 3-5 overall and 2-3 in league performances. That is good for sixth place in the league standings.
Waterford will visit on Friday, Oct. 30 with game time slated for 7:15 p.m.
“This puts us in a great position,” said Pometta. “But we’re not going to look ahead. It’s all about Waterford this week.”
Pometta said Waterford is similar to SRC in the fact they like to throw the ball.
“Waterford has a sophomore. I’ve seen some tape on him, just from common opponents. The kid has a great arm and good command of the offense,” he explained.
Mariposa still has an outside shot at winning the Southern League, although it would take some luck. Denair sits atop the league with no losses and plays Delhi and Waterford over the final two weeks of the regular season.
Both Delhi and Waterford are in the bottom half of the league standings.
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