GUSTINE — Homecoming Friday at Gustine High delivered all the tradition, community pride and late‑season grit the Reds could ask for, capped by a resilient 30–12 win over visiting Modesto Christian.
Grand Marshal Lloyd Vierra led the parade of floats before joining team captains at midfield for the ceremonial coin toss. Gustine lost the flip and kicked off, but the Reds ultimately claimed the prize that mattered most — a comeback victory that energized a packed home crowd.
Modesto Christian opened strong, marching 60 yards for a passing touchdown to take a 6–0 lead after a failed conversion. Gustine answered immediately. Juan Aguilera broke loose for a 10‑yard run, Avery Ethridge powered ahead for a first down, and Aguilera later ripped off a 40‑yard touchdown sprint to tie the game 6–6 with under a minute left in the first quarter.
The Crusaders regained the lead early in the second with another passing touchdown, going up 12–6. Gustine responded with a long kickoff return from Emanuel Rodriguez, followed by a highlight run from Aguilera that pushed the Reds deep into Crusader territory. A tipped pass resulted in an interception, but Gustine’s defense forced a quick punt to regain possession with 3:40 left in the half.
Behind more tough running from Aguilera, Gustine drove inside the 5‑yard line, where quarterback Adrian Campos punched in a half‑yard touchdown. A successful two‑point conversion gave the Reds a 14–12 lead.
The momentum swung sharply in Gustine’s favor. On the next Modesto Christian play, Luke Avila intercepted a pass with 28 seconds left. Campos immediately connected with Crue Correa to the 15‑yard line, setting up a trick play: Campos pitched to Ethridge, who fired a touchdown pass back to Aguilera with three seconds remaining. Another two‑point conversion sent Gustine into halftime ahead 22–12.
During the extended intermission, the Gustine High marching band and cheer squad performed before the 2026 Homecoming Court was presented. Jesus Angulo and Angelica Mendoza were crowned king and queen.
Modesto Christian opened the second half by recovering an onside kick and converting a fourth‑and‑long, but Gustine’s defense stiffened. Justin Lopes delivered a key sack, and pressure from Jeff Camera forced a turnover on downs. The Reds pushed into Crusader territory as the third quarter ended with the score unchanged.
Early in the fourth, Modesto Christian stopped Gustine inside the 10, but the Reds’ defense immediately pinned the Crusaders deep. Forced to throw out of the end zone, the quarterback was intercepted by Ethridge, who returned it for a touchdown. Aguilera added the two‑point conversion to extend the lead to 30–12 with 7:50 remaining.
Gustine’s defense closed out the night with more strong play. Leonardo Jimenez broke up a third‑down pass to force a punt, and an unsportsmanlike penalty against Modesto Christian helped the Reds move into victory formation to seal the Homecoming win.
After the game, Gustine head coach Collin Lane praised his team’s perseverance.
“As normal, I’m happy for the guys because they’ve lost some close games this year,” Lane said. “They never hung their heads. They bring great practice habits every single day. Overall, this has been one of the better groups I’ve had as a coach. They’re coachable, they have great attitudes, and I’m glad they got to win on Homecoming.”
Lane said the team’s goals extend beyond the scoreboard.
“They set goals before the season, and none of them had to do with winning football games,” he said. “They had to do with being better men, and they’re still striving to do that. I’m just happy we’re seeing success on the field now that matches that effort.”
