Big games this week with Buhach Colony facing Merced. WAC title up for grabs.

The high school football season is hitting the stretch run. The stakes are raised the deeper we get into the season as playoff hopes and league titles are on the line.

That’s the case this week with two key matchups.

Merced (3-4 overall, 2-1 Central California Conference) hosts Buhach Colony (5-3, 3-1) at Veterans Stadium as both teams try to make a run at a postseason berth.

Meanwhile, the Western Athletic Conference championship is likely on the line at Loftin Stadium as Los Banos (7-0, 2-0 WAC) hosts Patterson (6-1, 2-0).

Kickoffs are scheduled for 7 p.m.

“It’s always good when you’re preparing for a game that means something,” said Los Banos coach Dustin Caropreso. “We haven’t been in a situation like this for a long time. We’re trying to keep a level head. We’ve been in big games before, don’t get me wrong. But not one of this magnitude.

“If Patterson doesn’t lose to Downey, we’d be looking at two 7-0 teams.”

Buhach Colony at Merced

The Thunder have momentum coming into tonight’s matchup, winning five of their last six games. A win would likely clinch BC’s first playoff spot since 2012.

Buhach Colony’s 27-14 win over Pitman last week was the Thunder’s first win over the Pride since Kevin Navarra took over the program in 2014. Counting the 21-10 loss to Turlock this season, the Thunder were 0-10 combined against Pitman, Turlock and Merced the last four years until last week.

“That win was huge for us because it keeps our goals realistic, which is being able to make the playoffs,” Navarra said.

After a 1-4 start, Merced has been in playoff mode for the past three weeks.

“We know that Buhach Colony is going to be coming in with confidence,” said Merced coach Rob Scheidt. “They’re excited. They have an opportunity to play for a playoff spot. So do we. That’s what you want when you get to week eight, nine and 10. You want to be playing for something.”

In two of the Thunder’s early-season losses they were hurt by running quarterbacks against Downey and Tracy. Merced has dual-threat quarterback of its own in Dhameer Warren, who has thrown for 13 touchdowns and ran for seven more.

“I think he has to let the game come to him,” Scheidt said. “Dhameer does a good job when he protects the ball. Not just ball security when he’s running the ball, but when he passes as well.”

The Bears offense also got a boost last week with the debut of running back Garrett Egan, who made his debut after transferring from El Capitan. Egan rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown in the Bears’ 56-14 win over El Capitan.

Navarra says there’s always big-game feel when it’s Merced week for the Thunder.

“A lot of our kids have gone to school together with the Merced kids when they were younger or played youth football together,” Navarra said. “So there’s always a little more excitement when we play the Bears. Besides last year, if you want want to make the playoffs or contend for a championship, the road always goes through Merced.”

Patterson at Los Banos

There should be a ton of points as they two high-powered offenses come together in a battle for the WAC championship.

Patterson is averaging 43 points per game and are led by quarterback Gabe Sanchez. The senior has passes for 1,702 yards and 22 touchdowns with just one interception. He’s also run for 561 yards and three scores.

“Their team speed is pretty darn good,” Caropreso said. “Their quarterback can run as well as throw. They also have some height out on the perimeter. On defense they get to the football. Their speed is what concerns me.”

Los Banos counters with an offensive averaging 36.1 points per game. Quarterback Anthony Caballero has thrown for 1,461 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s also ran for 586 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Antonio Lopez has also rushed for 1,183 yards and 16 touchdowns. Receiver Daniel Guerrero has caught 27 passes for 578 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Tigers have done a good job of focusing on the game in front of them and that’s led to a perfect 7-0 record and a big opportunity this week against Patterson to take control of the conference.

“That’s the amazing thing is that week in and week out this group has stayed focused on the task,” Caropreso said. “They’ve done a great job of not letting one game get bigger than the other.”

This story was originally published October 19, 2017 at 3:34 PM with the headline "Big games this week with Buhach Colony facing Merced. WAC title up for grabs.."