Five football games to watch this week

Thursday

Merced (1-2) vs. Clovis North (1-2) at Buchanan High

The teams are coming off wins over Edison of Fresno. The Bears defeated the Tigers 18-6 on Sept. 11 and have had two weeks to prepare for the Broncos after a bye week.

Running back Ulonzo Gilliam was the workhorse for Merced in the win, rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries.

Clovis North defeated Edison 17-10 last week after opening with tough losses to Franklin-Elk Grove and Folsom.

Friday

Chavez (1-2) at Golden Valley (2-2)

Break up the Cougars after back-to-back wins. Rudy Aramburu has done well since taking over for the injured Isaiah Montanez (dislocated finger) at running back. Aramburu has 297 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries. The Cougars expect Montanez back after this week, according to coach Dennis Stubbs.

Golden Valley faces a high-powered Titans offense that has scored 88 points in their last two games. Chavez receiver Tomiwa Ologundudu has caught 18 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns.

El Capitan (1-3) at Livingston (1-3)

This is a Western Athletic Conference opener.

Joshua Stewart has been a force on both sides of the ball for the Gauchos. The running back has 562 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 66 carries. He’s also leading El Capitan in tackles (32) and sacks (two) from his defensive end position.

The Wolves’ offense was held to nine points and shut out in the second half against Mariposa last week. Sophomore quarterback Eduardo Mendoza has thrown for 460 yards.

Chowchilla (3-1) at Dos Palos (1-2)

The Redskins rebounded from their first loss with an impressive 27-6 win over Central Valley Christian last week. Linebackers Danny Chavez and Damon Perry were all over the field for the Chowchilla defense. Anthony Stewart rushed for two touchdowns in the win and leads the team with 374 yards and four touchdowns.

The Broncos are averaging 191 rushing yards per game and are led by quarterback Ozzie Suarez, who has 310 yards and one touchdown.

Le Grand (0-3) at Gustine (3-0)

No easing into Southern League play for these teams. Le Grand is vying for its seventh consecutive SL crown but has lost two games in a row after a season-opening win was forfeited. Sophomore quarterback Beto Marquez has performed well, throwing for 532 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.

The Redskins have rolled through their first three opponents, outscoring the trio 111-36. Quarterback Sebastian Figueroa has been a dual threat for Gustine, passing for 342 yards and seven touchdowns and rushing for 247 yards and two scores.

– Shawn Jansen

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 8:07 PM with the headline "Five football games to watch this week."