High school football: Five games to watch Friday night

Fresno (3-1) at Atwater (1-3)

The Falcons have played the toughest schedule in the area. The combined record of Atwater’s five nonconference opponents is 19-3, including undefeated teams like Central Catholic (4-0), Clovis (5-0) and Patterson (4-0). The Warriors are off to one of their best starts in recent years and are averaging close to 42 points per game.

The Falcons are coming off a much needed bye after running through the three-week gauntlet of Central Catholic, Clovis and Patterson. Receiver Josh Wilson is emerging as a big-time weapon for Atwater with seven receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns.

Merced (1-3) at Lincoln (2-2)

The last time these two teams met, Lincoln running back Justin Davis ran for 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Trojans eliminated the Bears from the playoffs with a 52-7 win in 2012. Davis is now playing for USC.

The Bears hope the momentum from their second half against Clovis North will carry over into this week. After giving up 31 points in the first half, Merced held the Broncos to just seven points in the second half. Jake Foss found A.J. Stewart for touchdown receptions and Stewart finished with 153 yards on six catches.

Buhach Colony (2-2) at St. Mary’s (2-2)

It’s one final tuneup for the Thunder before opening up Central California Conference play next week against Pitman. Buhach Colony’s secondary will be challenged against the Rams’ spread attack and quarterback Jake Dunniway, who has thrown for 577 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Thunder will try to play keep away with their ground attack, featuring Kory Woods and Brandon Muse. St. Mary’s defeated Buhach Colony last season 45-30.

El Capitan (2-3, 1-0 WAC) at Pacheco (1-4, 0-1)

The Gauchos have three receivers with more than 200 yards in Marco Dinkins, Elijah Reid and Da’vonya Shepherd. All three are a threat to score anytime a pass is headed their way.

The Pacheco defense has struggled, giving up more than 42 points per game. The Panthers offense is going to have to win a shootout to keep up with the Gauchos offense.

Mariposa (2-1, 1-0 SL) at Denair (2-2, 1-0)

The Grizzlies offense has been putting up big numbers, averaging 35 points per game. Running back Josh Land is averaging more than 11 yards per carry while racking up 535 yards and seven touchdowns on 47 carries.

Mariposa isn’t afraid to dig deep into the playbook, scoring on trick plays in the last two weeks with a double pass for a touchdown against Livingston and receiver Zack Smith throwing a touchdown after a reverse to quarterback Jake Mayberry last week against Waterford.

Shawn Jansen

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 8:17 PM with the headline "High school football: Five games to watch Friday night."