CCC title on the line Friday night for Merced and Turlock

If you ask Merced head coach Rob Scheidt, one of the biggest surprises this season has been the play of the the Bears defensive line.

What Merced lack in size they make up in speed with defensive ends Robby Huddleston and John Becerra. Kenneth Hamel and Christian Aramburu have more than held their own inside.

The Bears defensive line will be tested against a big Turlock offensive line Friday night as Merced (6-2 overall, 3-0 Central California Conference) travels to Joe Debely Stadium to face the Bulldogs (5-3, 3-0) with the conference title on the line.

“Whoever wins comes away with the conference championship,” Scheidt said. “That’s all you can ask for in a Week 9 game.”

Turlock is trying to win its first CCC championship since 2003. This week has definitely had a big-week feel at practice for the Bulldogs.

“It’s been a while,” Turlock head coach James Peterson said. “This is as big as it gets. It’s as big as it’s been in a long time here in Turlock. We’re ready to go after it. We understand what this game means.”

Both teams have their share of playmakers.

Merced quarterback Tyrone Williams and Turlock quarterback Bubba Moreno are two of the top signal callers in the league. Both offenses can put up points quickly.

Scheidt knows the Bears will have to contain Moreno.

“He’s the straw that stirs the drink,” Scheidt said. “He not only will make a play with his feet but he can make plays with his arm. They’ve been fortunate to have three of the best players at that position going back to (Kevin) Kramer.”

Most big football games come down to the battle at the line of scrimmage. Peterson thinks tonight’s matchup will be no different.

“It’s our size versus their speed,” Peterson said. “That’s what we’ve been looking at on film. Obviously we think that is our advantage. The question is if we get into situations where we have to pass can we protect Bubba. We have to be able to run between the tackles. That’s who were are, but we’ve been working extensively on ways to pick up all their blitzes.”

The Merced defense has given up only 11 points per game in the Bears’ three CCC wins, holding all three opponents to 14 points or less.

“Our defensive line is just an athletic group,” Scheidt said. “It makes it tough when our defensive line is as fast as some skill guys. John Becerra and Robby Huddleston can flat out run. We had a great interior lineman last year (Jamell Bedford) and I think Kenneth Hamel is one of the best defensive lineman we’ve ever coached. There’s been some games he’s led our team in tackles. Christian Aramburu has also gone in and stepped up.”

The X-factor could be the weather.

“The weird thing is these kids haven’t had to play in rainy weather conditions in a long time because of the drought,” Peterson said. “It could be interesting. I’m not worried about the turf, but the ball will get wet and a little heavy. It can change the game.”

This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 9:33 AM with the headline "CCC title on the line Friday night for Merced and Turlock."