RICARDO YELLOW JACKETS 32AA 8TH GRADE CHAMPIONS — front row, from left to right, Rami Morales, James Davis, O.J. Faragoza, Ritchie Villarreal, A.J. De La Rosa, Mark Garcia, Raziel Villarreal; middle row, Ricky Martinez, Mike Montoya, Christian Garcia, Nick Labanino, Jorvis Houston, Patrick Alvarado, Hunter Meyer, Jay Garcia, Brayden Wilson, Kelly Grubb; back row, Head Coach James Davis, Coach Mike Morales, J.D. Quintanilla, Jacob Alvarez, Derek Ballard, Colton Strubhart, Derek Valerio, Forest Unterbrink, Jonathan Calvo, Matt Waddingham, Victor Cavazos, Coach Felix Munoz. Ricardo Middle School’s eighth grade football team won the District 32-2A championship after downing San Diego 32-23 last Thursday.

Quarterback James Davis threw a touchdown pass to Matt Waddingham and ran for another score. Running back AJ de la Rosa scored on three runs and helped the Yellowjackets finish with an 8-1 overall season record (5- 0, in district) which includes an eight game winning streak after Ricardo lost their opening contest.

De la Rosa’s first score came through a scamper of 22-yards on Ricardo’s opening game drive.

The Yellowjacket defense stumped the Vaqueros, who went three and out, and Ricardo retook possession at their own 38 yard line.

De la Rosa quickly scored his second touchdown from 19 yards out and Nick Labanino punched in the two-point conversion; the Jackets now led 14-0.

Ricardo’s defense nullified San Diego’s offense again forcing them to punt.

Davis capped off a seven play drive, which covered 64 yards, on a seven yard run.

De la Rosa later punctuated a nine-play 68- yard drive with a touchdown run of two yards in the final quarter.

“It has been a tremendous year for our team, we set goals at the beginning of the year to be district champions and the kids worked real hard to accomplish this” Head Coach James Davis said. “Our defense was outstanding all year long and they kept us in every game, and the offense was so versatile and explosive that the opposing defense never knew who had the ball.”

Davis also praised his offensive players for consistently paving a way for Ricardo’s running game this season.

“The offensive line and receivers did such a great job blocking down field all year long, and I am just so proud of their efforts,” Davis said.

“We have an outstanding tradition here in Ricardo, and kids grow up around here wanting to be a Yellowjacket, we have a great community that supports the football team and our district leadership is second to none.”