Games to Watch: TVL and Southern League rivals go head-to-head
The midpoint of the high school football season brings a true league-play feel across Merced County and beyond.
Southern League powers are jockeying for early control, the Trans-Valley League renews one of its best rivalries, and Central California Conference contenders are tuning up for the stretch run.
From Hilmar’s annual Vaca Bowl trip to Escalon to Merced’s push for a top-20 Sac-Joaquin Section ranking, Friday’s slate is packed with playoff-style matchups and small-town bragging rights.
El Capitan (3-2, 0-0 CCC) at Immanuel (3-1), 7 p.m.
The Gauchos wrap up nonleague play on the road before diving into the Central California Conference grind. Gauchos QB Sergio Mendoza has the offense clicking, Lorenzo Peters powers the run game and Anthony Jones already owns 15 catches and six TDs on the year. Immanuel’s defense has allowed only 20 points all season, so El Capitan’s pass rush, led by Adrean Lucio and Tyler Johnson and tackling machine Elias Hernandez, will be key if the Gauchos want momentum heading into league play. Avoiding early turnovers and staying ahead of the chains will be key to bringing a road win 80 miles back to Merced.
Hilmar (4-1, 1-0 TVL) at Escalon (2-3, 0-1 TVL), 7 p.m.
The annual Vaca Bowl is always physical and hard-fought. Hilmar’s veteran offensive line has paved the way for more than 1,300 rushing yards and five different 100-yard rushers, allowing sophomore RB Adam Branco to average over 100 rushing yards per game. Escalon, under coach Andrew Beam, has faced a brutal schedule — its three losses came to teams with a combined 14-1 record — and is hoping two-way standouts Dylan Ball and Carter Yates (both nursing turf-toe injuries) can return. Ball leads the Cougars in both rushing and receiving, giving them a chance to keep pace if the offense protects the football.
Le Grand (3-1, 1-0 Southern) at Waterford (3-1, 0-0 Southern), 7 p.m.
This Southern League showdown features contrasting styles. Le Grand’s offense is powered by breakout RB Thomas Benting. The freshman, through four games, already has 446 all-purpose yards, with 7 total touchdowns on 94 carries and 3 receptions. He leads all freshmen in yards, carries, yards per game, touchdowns, all while having zero fumbles thus far. Waterford will look to contain the freshman back with their defense, allowing only 35 total points through their first four games. The Wildcats’ 216 rushing yards, led by senior Alex Wolfe and sophomore C.J. Price, weren’t enough to overcome El Capitan last week. They’re looking to bounce back in their Southern League opener.
Denair (4-1, 1-0 Southern) at Gustine (2-3, 0-1 Southern), 7:15 p.m.
Expect a classic small-town Friday-night atmosphere in Gustine. Both teams led by a committee of running backs will prove to be a run-heavy matchup. The Coyotes want to build off last week’s win over Stone Ridge Christian in their league opener. Gustine held Mariposa County to 80 rushing yards despite losing in their league opener. Both squads are chasing their first Southern League victory, making this a critical matchup for playoff positioning.
Merced (4-0, 0-0 CCC) at Enochs (1-3, 0-0 CCAL), 7 p.m.
The Bears are ranked No. 21 in the Sac-Joaquin Section and eyeing a top-20 spot as Central California Conference play looms. Senior quarterback Vicente Cortez headlines an offense averaging nearly 40 points per game. Enochs already has lost this year to a Central California Conference team in Buhach Colony. The Eagles will be looking to spoil Merced’s momentum in this final nonleague test.
OTHER FRIDAY GAMES
Delhi at Stone Ridge Christian, 7 p.m.
Grace Davis at Lathrop, 7 p.m.
Beyer at Livingston, 7 p.m.
Modesto Christian at Mariposa, 7 p.m.
Pacheco at Central Valley, 7 p.m.
