Football Roundup: Los Banos defense continues to shine

All the talk coming into the season revolved around the Los Banos football team’s offense.

And for good reason.

The Tigers returned almost all of their pertinent starters, including reigning Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Adam Herrera. The attention the unit draws has allowed an unproven defense to quietly become one of Merced County’s best through the first five weeks of the season.

The LB defense was at it again on Friday night recording four sacks and intercepting Ceres quarterback Chris Lubinsky three times en route to its second shutout in three weeks. The offense took advantage of the short fields and the Tigers began its WAC title defense with an easy 42-0 victory over the Bulldogs.

The Los Banos (4-1, 1-0 WAC) stars shined in the victory.

Herrera (5 of 11 passing for 120 yards) rushed for two touchdowns and passed for two more. David Walker had scores on both sides of the ball, hauling in a 16-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter and returning an interception 56 yards for a score in the second. Daniel Fernandez had a team-high 95 rushing yards and a score.

After surrendering 42 points in a season-opening loss to Madera, the LB defense has only allowed 13 total points in its last four games.

Chowchilla 55, Dos Palos 6 in Chowchilla – The Redskins scored early and often, all but ending this one early with a 48-0 lead at the break.

The duo of Alex Gutierrez (9 carries for 125 yards and 3 TDs) and Anthony Stewart (12-115-1) provided the bulk of the offense, each also catching a Ryan Selby touchdown pass.

Stone Ridge Chr. 37, Big Valley Chr. 0 in Modesto – The Knights’ march towards a second straight Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII title is starting to pick up steam.

Shane Casillas rushed for three touchdowns, Mark Hooker recorded 2 1/2 sacks and the SRC defense recorded its third straight shutout as Stone Ridge opened up CCAA play with a rout of Big Valley Christian.

Mariposa 48, Waterford 6 in Waterford – The Wildcats had no answer for the big-play ability of Mariposa’s Josh Land, who ran for touchdowns of 56, 55, 23 and 50 yards as the Grizzlies (2-1, 1-0 SL) rolled Waterford to open league play.

Denair 20, Delhi 14 in Delhi – The Coyotes (2-2, 1-0 SL) held the high-flying Delhi (3-1, 0-1 SL) offense in check, handing their rivals their first loss of the season.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 12:41 AM with the headline "Football Roundup: Los Banos defense continues to shine."