Five high school football games to watch Friday
Here’s a quick look at five of the top matchups tonight:
Edison (1-1) at Merced (0-2)
The Tigers have dominated the Bears in recent years, winning seven consecutive matchups against Merced. With the return of quarterback Jake Foss, who missed last week’s 24-7 loss to Monterey Trail with a head injury, Merced will be close to full strength.
Edison opened the season with a disappointing 16-14 loss to Buchanan but rebounded with a surprising 14-7 win over Bakersfield. The Tigers are led by running back Deandra Lockhart, who has rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown.
Buhach Colony (1-1) at Clovis North (0-2)
The Thunder’s Brandon Muse rushed for 116 yards as Buhach Colony racked up 350 yards on the ground in a 43-19 win over Enochs last week. Buhach Colony is looking for payback against the Broncos after a 36-35 loss last year and a 40-38 loss in 2013.
Don’t let Clovis North’s 0-2 record fool you. The two losses came to strong Sacramento-area programs in Franklin and Folsom.
Le Grand (1-1) at Livingston (0-2)
Bulldogs sophomore quarterback Beto Marquez is off to a great start, completing 23 of 38 passes for 419 yards and five touchdowns. He was one of the few bright spots in Le Grand’s 73-26 loss to Chowchilla last week.
The rivalry between these two programs has created some great games that have come down to the wire. Livingston is led by running back Eddie Avila, who has rushed for 229 yards and two touchdowns.
Los Banos (1-1) at Grace Davis (1-1)
The Tigers are looking to avenge a 27-26 upset loss to the Spartans last season. Los Banos quarterback Adam Herrera is off to a fast start on the ground with 326 yards. He’s also passed for 363 yards and five touchdowns. The return of running back Daniel Fernandez also helps defenses focus on Herrera.
The Tigers defense will be focused on Spartans receiver Talolo Limu-Jones, who was all over the field in Davis’ 21-18 win over Franklin of Stockton last week.
Immanuel (2-0) at Chowchilla (2-0)
The Eagles might be on high alert for an onside kick this week. The Redskins have recovered four onside kicks in the first two weeks. The extra possessions have helped Chowchilla score 124 points in wins over Madera South and Le Grand.
The Redskins are averaging 309 rushing yards per game behind the three-headed monster of Anthony Stewart, Danny Chavez and Alex Gutierrez. The trio has combined for nine touchdowns.
Immanuel has been effective through the air with quarterback Caleb Paulson throwing for 449 yards and four touchdowns in the Eagles’ two wins.
Shawn Jansen
This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 9:18 PM with the headline "Five high school football games to watch Friday."