Seniors honored as Grizzlies play final home game of season

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Mariposa County High School boys soccer team played their final home game on Jan. 23 against the Le Grand Bulldogs.

Both teams battled on the pitch as the Grizzlies played hard for the seniors who were celebrated after the game.

The game remained scoreless at halftime but about two minutes into the second half, Le Grand’s Jason Borges scored to give the Bulldogs the lead at 1-0.

It was only about six minutes later when Borges launched a kick from midfield over MCHS goal tender Mason Rivera to increase the lead to 2-0.

Brandon Naranjo showed persistence and was able to set up Jhovany Marquez for the Grizzlies lone goal of the game.

Le Grand wasn’t finished and scored almost immediately after Marquez in the final seconds of the game to solidify the win at 3-1.

At the conclusion of the game, the team along with friends and family gathered on the field to celebrate the seniors who had just played their final regular season game on Grizzly Field.

Seniors on the team this season include Naranjo, Josiah Hayes, Moses Lopez and Antonio Estrella.

“Thank you for being here and supporting our seniors this year,” said coach Miguel Ramirez.

Hayes has been playing soccer for eight years.

“Josiah has been great this year,” Ramirez said.

“He doesn’t do less than 100 percent and it’s a great energy to have. It’s been a pleasure having him on the team.”

This is Lopez’s first year playing soccer.

“Moses has just been awesome,” Ramirez explained.

“We had someone pick up an injury and it was his turn to go in. He hasn’t let that spot go and I’m happy to have had him for the one season we got.”

Estrella was also in his first year with the MCHS program.

“Antonio has really helped us in a team manager role,” Ramirez said.

“He takes care of everything we need and it’s just been great to have him out here.”

Naranjo has been playing soccer for 12 years and is a captain for the Grizzlies this year.

“It’s been awesome watching him grow,” Ramirez said.

“This guy has been through a lot with no wins in his freshman and sophomore year. His junior year we beat Le Grand here at home 3-2, which was one of the coolest games to be a part of.”

After the loss to the Bulldogs, MCHS held a record of 1-7 in league play.

The Grizzlies traveled to Gustine to face the Reds on Jan. 27. Results were not available at press time.

Next up, MCHS will visit Stone Ridge Christian (0-7 in league) on Feb. 2.

Game time is 5 p.m.