Football roundup: Merced stays perfect. Los Banos, Denair, Mariposa earn big wins
It was a statement night for Stone Ridge Christian’s high-powered offense — and for several Merced-area programs making mid-season pushes toward playoff contention.
On homecoming night in Franklin, the Knights lit up the scoreboard against Waterford, while Merced stayed unbeaten, Los Banos impressed in league play and Denair, Mariposa County and Johansen each notched convincing wins across the region.
Los Banos 42, El Capitan 21
Los Banos’ offense came alive with a 42-21 win over rival El Capitan in league play. The Tigers stormed out to a 14-0 halftime lead and stayed in control behind a steady ground game and timely passing. The victory evened Los Banos’ record at 3-3 overall and 1-0 in league, while El Capitan fell to 3-3 and 0-1.
Buhach Colony 42, Atwater 40
In the night’s wildest finish, Buhach Colony edged Atwater 42-40 in an offensive showcase. The Eagles moved the ball effectively through the air behind senior QB Ali Banks Jr., but Buhach matched every score and held off a late Atwater rally to secure its first league win. Buhach Colony moves to 3-3 and 1-0, while Atwater sits at 3-3 and 0-1 in the CCC.
Merced 51, Golden Valley 6
The Bears kept rolling behind another explosive offensive effort, hammering Golden Valley 51-6 to move to 6-0. The Bears’ balanced attack proved too much for the Cougars. Merced moves to 6-0, while Golden Valley falls to 0-6.
Mariposa County 42, Delhi 13
Mariposa County improved to 6-0 with a 42-13 road win at Delhi, scoring 21 points in the first quarter and controlling the game throughout. Junior RB/LB Rusty Bull led the way with 77 rushing yards, two touchdowns and a forced fumble. Sophomore QB Austin Battles added 54 rushing yards and a score, while the Grizzlies’ defense forced three turnovers, including a fumble return TD by senior OL/DL Mason Bissmeyer. Delhi’s junior QB Bryan Martinez tallied 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the defeat.
Denair 49, Le Grand 21
Denair opened fast and never slowed down, striking for 28 first-quarter points en route to a 49-21 victory over Le Grand. The Coyotes improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in league, while Le Grand slipped to 4-2 and 2-1.
Sonora 22, Hilmar 21
In a Trans-Valley League thriller, Sonora escaped with a 22-21 win over Hilmar. Both teams traded scores early before Sonora’s defense stiffened late to preserve the one-point win, keeping the Wildcats unbeaten at 7-0. Hilmar dropped to 4-3 and 1-2.
Johansen 24, Pacheco 0
Johansen’s defense posted a shutout on the road, blanking Pacheco 24-0. The Vikings scored in each of the first three quarters and improved to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in league play. Pacheco fell to 0-6.
Central Valley 41, Beyer 21
Central Valley’s offense clicked in a 41-21 win over Beyer. Sophomore QB Junior Gomez threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns, and senior RB Emanuel Luna rushed for 150 yards and a score. Cristian Gudino led all receivers with 100 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Hawks climb back to .500 on the season.
Other scores:
Grace Davis 24, Livingston 13
Lathrop 44, Ceres 7
Central Valley 41, Beyer 21
This story was originally published October 4, 2025 at 12:38 PM.
