Five games to watch Friday

Here are five games to watch Friday

Pitman (3-2) at Buhach Colony (2-3)

Buhach Colony faces a must-win game to start Central California Conference play. The Thunder couldn’t get anything going in a 38-3 loss to St. Mary’s (Stockton) last week.

The Thunder has to go 4-1 in the CCC to secure six wins to earn a playoff spot. Linebacker/tight end Jace Alcazar and two-way lineman Hunter Stefani both left with ankle injuries last week against the Rams and are questionable for Friday.

Golden Valley (3-2) at Turlock (3-1)

Running back Isaiah Montanez returns for Golden Valley after missing the last three weeks with a dislocated finger. Rudy Aramburu did well in his place with 478 yards and five touchdowns.

The Cougars’ toughest challenge Friday will be dealing with Turlock’s size up front on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs’ only loss came against undefeated Oakdale. Golden Valley will have to stop running back Danny Velasquez and tight end Bear Padilla.

Ripon (2-3) at Hilmar (3-2)

The Yellowjackets are healthy and bring a balanced attack into this big Trans-Valley League opener. Quarterback Daniel Texeira has thrown for 725 yards and eight touchdowns, and his favorite target is wide receiver Alex Chavez, who has 497 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. Hilmar is also averaging 293 rushing yards per game.

Ripon was the preseason favorite, but has struggled against a tough nonconference schedule. Indians receiver Aaron Paschini has caught 39 passes for 560 yards and two touchdowns.

Los Banos (4-1, 1-0 WAC) at El Capitan (2-4, 1-1)

The Gauchos lost a 47-39 shootout last week to Pacheco. El Capitan became one dimensional on offense when running back Joshua Stewart left the game early in the first quarter with a sprained ankle. Stewart is listed somewhere between probable and questionable for Friday’s game.

The Tigers come in rested off a bye. Los Banos is averaging 40 points per game with quarterback Adam Herrera leading an explosive offense.

Orestimba (5-0, 2-0 SL) at Mariposa (3-1, 2-0)

The first team to 50 points may win this game. Two high-scoring offenses square off at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Orestimba is led by the duo of quarterback Joseph Sheldon, who has thrown for 713 yards and 12 touchdowns and also run for 678 yards and eight touchdowns, and running back Austin Martins, who has racked up 714 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

The Grizzlies counter with receiver Zack Smith, who has hauled in 26 catches for 410 yards and four touchdowns, and running back Josh Land, who has rushed for 655 yards and eight touchdowns.

– Shawn Jansen

This story was originally published October 8, 2015 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Five games to watch Friday."