YUBA CITY, CA (YSBC) - The River Valley Falcons and Yuba City Honkers girls’ flag football team made history on Thursday, Oct. 2 as it was the first meeting between the two flag football teams on the gridiron.

River Valley prevailed 27-14 with a dominant second-half effort to earn the victory and their first Foothill Valley League win of 2025.

The Falcons scored on the opening drive of the game as senior running back Taylor Ruggirello ran the ball in four-yards out and gave River Valley an early 6-0 lead.

River Valley senior running back Taylor Ruggirello (5) scores the first touchdown of the Falcons’ 27-14 victory against Yuba City on Thursday, Oct. 2. Photo by Steven Bryla

Both defenses dominated the rest of the first half by fading field position with punts.

In the final minute of the first half, Yuba City took the lead after Lali Cortez tossed a one-yard touchdown pass and converted an extra point.

On the ensuing Falcons possession, Garcia dropped back to pass, and her pass attempt was blocked by Cortez and taken back 17 yards for a touchdown, which extended the Honkers lead to eight at the half.

River Valley stormed out of the gate and owned the second half as they shut down the Honkers offense for the rest of the game. 

Garcia linked up with senior wide receiver Ericka Tankard for a 44-yard touchdown pass and after another failed extra point, the Falcons still trailed 14-12 with eight and a half minutes to go in the third.

River Valley senior quarterback Kaitlyn Garcia (24) tosses a long ball to senior wide receiver Ericka Tankard for a touchdown pass in the Falcons’ 27-14 win on Thursday, Oct. 2 against Yuba City. Photo by Steven Bryla

The River Valley defense stepped up as junior Evelyn Ramirez picked off a Yuba City pass that set up a drive right inside of Honkers’ territory. Ramirez cashed in on a 21-yard rushing touchdown and gave the Falcons a 20-14 lead with five minutes to go.

River Valley junior safety America Arechiga-Perez intercepted another Yuba City pass for the final turnover of the night. Ruggirello extended the Falcons lead with two minutes to go in the game on a 34-yard rushing touchdown.

Ruggirello expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that they have had a rough season record wise, but this was an obvious game they wanted to win as the school rivalry played a big factor. 

“If this was the only other win we get this year, this is the one we want,” Ruggirello said. 

She added that the defense adjusted toward focusing on the deep balls getting thrown more because they were beat in the first half on a couple throws. 

River Valley senior wide receiver Ericka Tankard (22) flies to the end zone for a touchdown in the Falcons’ 27-14 win over Yuba City on Thursday, Oct. 2. Photo by Steven Bryla

Ruggirello said their 6-0 loss on Tuesday night changed the momentum of the season and after the win on Thursday, she said that they feel good about the rest of their season moving forward. 

Honkers assistant coach told YSBC that it was a great game and his team played great. He added that with them playing more games and getting experience in adverse situations, they will be used as learning tools for future games.

River Valley will hit the road next as they play in Sacramento on Tuesday, Oct. 7 against Del Campo at 7 p.m. while Yuba City will travel to Auburn and take on Placer on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

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