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The prep football season began with a stutter for four of the six area teams who opened the season last week.
Hilmar and Livingston were the only ones celebrating Friday night.
Los Banos came away feeling good after going toe-to-toe with Rocklin.
The prep football season began with a stutter for four of the six area teams who opened the season last week.
Hilmar and Livingston were the only ones celebrating Friday night.
Los Banos came away feeling good after going toe-to-toe with Rocklin.
Shawn Jansen
Merced was left scratching its head after the offense couldn't get into gear for most of the night against a tough Paradise defense.
Atwater couldn't hold on to the ball, finishing with seven turnovers, and, along with Stone Ridge Christian, is still looking for its first points of the season.
Don't worry, it's going to get better.
This should be an exciting season with plenty of our local heroes fighting for league titles.
Here are 11 games you shouldn't miss:
Golden Valley at Clovis (Friday)
The Jake Messina era begins. The former Merced defensive coordinator had been searching for a head coaching job the last few years and finally landed one across town.
We'll find out Friday what to expect from Messina's team.
West Side War -- Los Banos at Dos Palos (Sept. 17)
Dennis Stubbs is 2-1 against DP since taking over in Los Banos, including two straight wins.
However, Dos Palos returns all 11 starters on offense and just about everybody on defense.
It should be an electric atmosphere out at Ike Frankian Field.
Los Banos at Merced (Sept. 24)
Merced was the only team to beat Los Banos in the CCC last year with a 6-0 victory.
Los Banos agreed to play at Merced College this year, but the two schools will split the gate.
I'm glad the two teams eventually agreed to play because it will be a treat for fans watching two of the best running backs in the area play in Merced's Eric DeAnda and LB's Darron Brown.
Grant at Merced (Oct. 1)
Grant played before a national audience last week on ESPN2 and looked every bit the team ranked No. 4 in the nation in a 49-14 win over Folsom, which was ranked No. 7 in the state by ESPN/CalHiSports.
Grant looks big and fast. I don't know if Merced can make it a game, but it's worth a trip out to Stadium '76 to see Grant play.
Santa Fe Bowl -- Merced at Atwater (Oct. 8)
Atwater's dramatic victory in the final seconds of their 2009 contest will still be fresh in the minds of Merced.
With a bunch of new players in new spots, Atwater may struggle early on this season.
However, they should have it figured out by October, turning this game into a pivotal early CCC contest.
Buhach Colony at Merced (Oct. 22)
This game may ultimately decide the CCC title.
DeAnda put on a show last year with a school record 307 rushing yards against BC.
Buhach Colony may have the most explosive offense in the area with running backs Dallon Muse and Jarrell Davis.
Los Banos at Central Catholic (Oct. 29)
Another possible title game as two Western Athletic Conference heavyweights square off.
It'll be interesting to see if Los Banos is going to be a team that relies mostly on Brown and the running game, or if quarterback Ryan Carmo develops into the player LB thinks he can.
Hilmar at Escalon (Oct. 29)
Unfortunately, you can't be at two games in one night. If you can't make it to Los Banos-Central Catholic, this is a nice second option.
Hilmar circled this date as soon as it moved back into the Trans Valley League.
The two teams met in section title games in 2005 and 2003.
Mayors Cup -- Golden Valley at Merced (Nov. 5)
The student faces the teacher with Messina leading GV against Rob Scheidt and Merced.
This game could definitely have CCC title and playoff implications.
Kudos to conference officials for moving the rivalry games back to Week 10.
Bloss Bowl -- Atwater at Buhach Colony (Nov. 5)
The Bloss Bowl has been nothing but exciting since the two teams started the rivalry.
Buhach Colony looks to be the favorite this year. However, a lot can happen in 10 weeks.
It's going to be another week where it's tough to choose which game to attend.
Le Grand at Mariposa (Nov. 5)
Another fun rivalry game and this matchup could decide the Southern League championship in the final week.
We'll see if Le Grand picks up speed like it did toward the end of last season.
We know Mariposa will bring a physical, smash-mouth style of play.
Shawn Jansen is a Sun-Star sports reporter. He can be reached at 385-2462 or via e-mail at sjansen@mercedsun-star.com.
