DIXON, CA (MPG) – Rams fans were anxiously up and down in their seats Friday night watching the Dixon varsity football team battle back and forth against Winters during the first half.

The Rams (2-0) led the Warriors (0-1) following 12 minutes of play, 15-8. Dixon was scoreless in the second quarter while Winters scored another touchdown, tying the score going into halftime at 15 apiece.

That’s when the Rams seized control. Dixon shut out Winters in the third, outscoring the Warriors 14-0 to take a two-score lead. The Rams increased the separation in the fourth period, outscoring Winters 13-7 to widen their lead to three scores, which was ultimately the final. Dixon won 42-22, nearly doubling up the Warriors.

"I don't know why but even in the past, Winters always gives us a great game," said jubilant Dixon coach Wes Besseghini to the Independent Voice after the game.

The victory got even sweeter for Dixonites shortly after the win at 11 p.m. The Rams earned KCRA-TV “Team of the Week,” as the football team, cheerleaders and band were spotlighted on channel three.

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Dixon got on the scoreboard first on Friday. Senior quarterback Jett Harris tossed a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Brent Green who was running a post pattern. Sophomore Jackson Cummins rushed in for the two-point conversion to give the Rams an early 8-0 lead. Winters quickly matched it with eight points of their own.

The Rams retook the lead on a 35-yard TD pass from Harris to senior wideout Luis Torres, who also converted the extra point attempt with his leg. Dixon recovered a Winters fumble in the second quarter but failed to capitalize. The Warriors tied the score with their second rushing TD of the night, followed by a successful PAT.

In the second half, Dixon scored its first rushing TD of the game to reclaim the lead. Winters had another costly turnover with an interception, although, this time the Rams capitalized on it. Dixon took a commanding two-score lead following a 10-yard rushing score from senior running back Braden Baumbach.

Harris set up the Rams for their next score with a long pass to junior Jordan Sengmany. The duo hooked up again later in the drive, this time for a TD. The PAT was missed, leaving the Warriors’ deficit at 20.

Winters began to claw back in the fourth quarter, as junior quarterback Colton Brown completed a TD pass to senior wide receiver Ethan Judd, followed by a successful PAT. The Warriors recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt.

However, Green made a clutch interception, officially putting the comeback attempt to bed. Dixon scored its final points of the night on a 30-yard pass from Harris to junior receiver Leo Iglesias for the TD. The PAT was good. Dixon beat Winters 42-22. The Dixon junior varsity team was not as fortunate, losing 53-6.

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Dixon was led by Harris who completed 14-of-18 passes for 243 yards and four TDs. Baumbach had 14 carries for 65 yards and two scores. Torres had a team-high five receptions for 99 yards and a TD. Three other Rams had one receiving score each. On defense, Green had two interceptions and Torres had one.

Brown finished 7-of-13 for 65 yards, one TD and three interceptions for Winters. Senior RB Justice Madsen rushed 11 times for 107 yards and two scores. Junior defensive back Diego Casillas and sophomore linebacker Gio Jimenez each had a team-high eight tackles in the loss.

Both teams will be on the road this Friday. Dixon will play at Armijo (1-1) in Fairfield while Winters will play at St. Helena (1-0). Each game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

Additional reporting by Dixon editor, Debra Dingman.