Merced College football look to start 3-0 for the first time since 1995 against Shasta.

Shasta College has been a formidable opponent for the Merced College football team. The Knights have won the last three games against the Blue Devils.

Merced College (2-0) will try to stop that streak when it heads to Redding on Saturday to face the Knights (0-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

A win would be the Blue Devils first 3-0 start since 1995.

Merced College has looked impressive in the first two games, routing College of the Redwoods 40-18 and then dominating San Jose City College 46-7.

The Blue Devils have been able to move the ball through the air and on the ground. Quarterback Frank Cocio has completed 27 of 43 passes for 448 yards and five touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Receivers Brandon Sanchez and Nick Cook have been the primary targets. Sanchez has hauled in eight catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Cook has six catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

Hanisi Lotulelei has led the ground attack with 239 yards and three touchdowns. Alex Gutierrez has added 104 yards and three touchdowns.

Hartnell hurt Shasta through the air in last week’s 25-20 win. Hartnell quarterback Devon Daich threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns against the Knights.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils defense has surrendered just two touchdowns in the two games.

Demarkus Jones and Justin Landeros lead the team with 15 tackles each. David Perales has made a big impact up front with 12 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks.

The Shasta offense struggled to move the ball against Hartnell. Quarterback Trent Darms threw the ball 47 times for only 195 yards and one touchdown. The Knights only had 54 yards rushing on 28 attempts as a team. The leading rusher was Justin Hellyer with 60 yards on 12 carries.

This story was originally published September 15, 2017 at 3:32 PM with the headline "Merced College football look to start 3-0 for the first time since 1995 against Shasta.."