Prep football: Hey, Enochs, wanna race?

ATWATER -- Buhach Colony's three-headed football monster is now just two, but that doesn't mean the Fly Sweep offense is any less dangerous.

Leading rusher Corey Chapman is sidelined indefinitely because of disciplinary reasons.

In his absence, seniors Dallon Muse and Jarrell Davis should see an increased workload beginning Thursday evening against Enochs at Johansen High.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

"We had a good practice," head coach Kevin Swartwood said Monday evening. "They got after each other pretty hard. It's a short week and Thursday games are always tough. You have to cram a lot into two days, but we'll be ready."

The loss of Chapman changes the look, but not the objective of the Fly Sweep.

Buhach Colony will have Muse and Davis behind an offensive line that features 6-foot-5 center Matt Cochran, as well J.J. Corn, Andrew Mark and Chris French.

Muse is the more complete running back. His frame is sturdy enough to run between the tackles and his speed will pose a problem for linebackers and defensive backs. He's also capable of catching passes out of the backfield.

Davis will keep defenses honest, exploding around the edges and up the sideline on the sweep.

Enochs will counter with running back Herbert Whitehurst, the workhorse in last week's 35-24 win at Sierra. Whitehurst rushed for 165 yards and four TDs.

"They're excited. We got a good feel for it today at our team meeting," Swartwood said. "We talked about how excited Enochs is going to be. This is their hometown. Their house. They have a chance to go to 2-0, so it would be a nice step for them. We talked about matching their excitement."

Thursday

Summerville at Mariposa, 7 p.m.

After playing in The Gold Bowl at the Mariposa Fairgrounds for the last 60 years, Mariposa finally gets a true home game. Head coach Bob Kelly and his boys open a new era in Mariposa football this season when it takes on quarterback Zach Roberson and Summerville at Pioneer Market Grizzly Stadium on Thursday. Funded privately, the on-campus stadium is a true community jewel.

Friday

West at Atwater

Mental mistakes doomed Atwater in a 26-0 loss to Napa last week. Atwater (0-1) makes its home debut this week against Tracy West looking to shore up penalties and gaffes that, among other things, erased a 72-yard touchdown pass to tight end Andrew Morgan.

Los Banos at Tracy

Los Banos (0-1) was victimized by the arm strength and vision of Rocklin's Jimmy Laughrea last week. Now comes the experience and versatility of another touted quarterback, Tracy's Casey Wichman. The returning all-San Joaquin Athletic Association player was 12 of 20 for 232 yards, two TDs and one interception in two games against Los Banos last season.

Golden Valley at Clovis (at Lamonica)

The Jake Messina Era gets underway against Clovis at Lamonica Stadium. The game features two big-name programs looking to pick themselves off the canvas. In the last three years, Golden Valley is 9-21 and Clovis 5-26. Neither team has had a winning season in that time. There's no understating the importance of a strong start for either side.

Merced at Clovis West (at Buchanan)

After being cut up by Paradise's ground attack in the first half last week, Merced's front seven buckled down and stymied the Wing-T in the final 24 minutes. Now comes an even bigger test, Clovis West and head coach Mike Parsons, a former Chowchilla assistant who won a state bowl game with Modesto Christian last fall.

Hilmar at Ceres

Ceres (1-0) finally figured out how to win a season opener, snapping a 12-year skid of opening-game losses with a thrilling victory at Ripon. Ceres' Jeremy Cagle and Nick Welsh stopped Ripon's Louie Mejia at the goal line on the final drive, preserving a 22-15 win. There were some tense moments in Hilmar's 17-14 victory over Beyer last week, too.

Fremont at Chowchilla

Two programs with section championship pedigrees meet under the lights at Henry Massaro Stadium. After a disappointing 2009, Chowchilla and "The Ringleader" Devin Gaines look to get back to the form that produced a Central Section crown in 2008. Fremont was tops in the Oakland Section last fall.

Le Grand at Tranquillity

Le Grand heads into the Central Section to face the reigning West Sierra League champions. Tranquillity returns athleticism at the skill positions from a team that went 8-3 last fall, including running back Omar Flores and quarterback Ramon Leal. Le Grand will slug back with linebacker Bob "The Hitman" Perez and tight end/defensive end Alex Martinez.

Livingston at Modesto Christian

Livingston (1-0) scored points by the minute in a runaway victory over a lesser opponent. Now comes the defending CIF state Small School champions, Modesto Christian (0-1). MC is led by one of the West Coast's top recruits, tight end/defensive end Raymond Nelson. The UCLA commit had two sacks and four catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-20 loss to Oakdale last week.

Delhi at McLane

Delhi travels into the Central Section, hoping it left its dubious losing streak at home. Delhi has posted back-to-back 0-10 seasons and lost 24 straight overall. Fortunately, optimism is high in head coach Rod McCombs' camp. Delhi doesn't have a large roster, but it has a wealth of varsity experience.

Bret Harte at Gustine

Senior Roman Puppo will be the lynch pin for Gustine, on both sides of the ball. The running back/linebacker was second only to since-graduated Joseph Gerhart in rushing attempts (86), rushing yards (284) and tackles (72).

Encina Prep at Stone Ridge Christian (at Buhach Colony)

Stone Ridge Christian (0-1) was embarrassed by East Nicolaus last week, 47-0.