Oct. 2, 2024

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The McDaniel brothers came through again in the clutch Friday night, connecting for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left in the game to lift unbeaten Hughson to a thrilling 28-21 Trans-Valley League victory over Ripon Christian.

The winning pass from Robert to younger brother Bryce was their second TD of the game and capped a fun back-and-forth game that saw Hughson (5-0, 2-0) fall behind for the first time this season.

“It was nice to see us challenged. Sometimes, bad things turn into good things,” said Huskies Coach Shaun King, whose team was down 14-7 after a lackluster first half.

“It felt like we came out flat at the start of the game. We weren’t being ourselves,” said King, who didn’t mince any words during his halftime message. “I wanted to make sure the second half was a different story.”

The Huskies – responding to their coach – came out of the break with more energy. After stopping Ripon Christian on the opening drive of the third quarter, Hughson’s offense began to click behind its talented offensive line. Eli Wilbanks scampered 40 yards for a score to tie the game at 14-14.

Hughson then took a 21-14 lead early in the fourth quarter when Robert McDaniel found Malakai Sumter on a 45-yard TD pass. Amazingly, the throw and catch came on a fourth-and-19 play that, if it hadn’t worked, could have set up RC’s offense near midfield.

“I felt like our defense was kind of beat,” King explained. “I felt good about play call. It was just a streak up the left side against single coverage. Malakai beat his guy and Robert made a perfect throw.”

The play was reminiscent of two years ago, the last time Hughson and RC met, which came in the Northern California Division 5-AA championship game. On that day, the Huskies converted a fourth-and-20 situation that led to the winning score with 11 seconds left. Hughson won that game 31-28 after being down 18 points entering the fourth quarter.

“We’ve been there and done that before,” King said of his team’s latest comeback effort against the Knights.

Hughson’s lead didn’t last for long after Sumter’s touchdown. Ripon Christian (2-3, 0-2) marched down the field, scoring on a TD pass with about five minutes left in the game to knot the score at 21-21.

That set up the McDaniel brothers for the game-winning drive. Hughson was methodical, trying to burn as much time as possible so if it didn’t score, Ripon Christian wouldn’t have much time left. With the ball on the RC 25-yard line and 13 seconds left, King called timeout.

“Bryce felt good about his matchup,” King said. “We put Malakai in motion and the safety went with him, which left Bryce one on one on right side.”

Robert McDaniel’s pass into the endzone was on a target again, lifting the Huskies to the victory. The University of Arizona-bound senior now has 16 TD throws – six of them to his brother. He finished 10-for-22 for 202 yards. Wilbanks added 120 yards on the ground. Defensively, Colt Foss made 15 tackles while Sumter had 12 tackles and an interception.

King said the leadership of his seniors – many of whom played on the state title team two years ago and also have won back-to-back Section championships – is critical during close games.

“We’re never out of a game,” he said. “There are always opportunities, always chances. Every week is going to be like this.”

Next up is archrival Escalon (2-3, 1-1), which is coming off a 42-17 road win over Hilmar.

“I’m excited about this week,” said King, who has only beaten Escalon once in six tries. “It’s a special week and it should be a great game. We don’t talk about it, but everyone knows who we’re playing. They’ve been good for years. They’ve only had two head coaches in 40 years. It’s impressive.

“Our games are always great battles. Whoever has the ball last usually wins and this week probably will be the same. We look forward to it.”

Things don’t get any easier after Escalon. Next week, Sonora (5-0, 3-0) comes to Husky Memorial Stadium in what could be a showdown for the TVL title.