Prep football: Five games to watch Friday
Merced (3-3, 1-0 CCC) at Pitman (4-2, 1-0)
The game of the week in the Central California Conference features two of the three 1-0 teams. The Bears are coming off a 39-14 win over Atwater in the 46th Santa Fe Bowl. Jake Foss completed 17 of 29 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. He’s hooked up with receiver A.J. Stewart for five touchdowns in the last three games.
Pitman scored touchdowns on five of its six second-half possessions last week to run away from Buhach Colony 49-34. Devan Bass led the way with 151 of his 159 rushing yards in the second half to go along with three touchdowns.
Gustine (6-0, 3-0 SL) at Ripon Christian (5-1, 2-1)
The Redskins face their toughest opponent this season tonight as they continue toward their goal of a Southern League title. Sebastian Figueroa threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 44-0 win over Denair. Brandon Labry rushed for 151 yards and two scores to bring his season total to 1,054 yards and 11 touchdowns.
While both offenses have flourished for these teams, the advantage for the Redskins may be on the defensive side. Gustine has surrendered just 43 points in six games and has recorded three shutouts.
Escalon (3-3, 0-1 TVL) at Hilmar (3-3, 0-1)
These two teams are facing a must-win to remain in the Trans-Valley League title race after opening with losses last week. After a slow start, the Yellowjackets scored 29 points in the second half against Ripon in a 52-35 loss.
Hilmar quarterback Daniel Texeira completed 23 of 43 passes for 335 yards and five touchdowns against the Indians. Receiver Alex Chavez has become a big-time threat for the Yellowjackets. He caught 13 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns against Ripon.
Atwater (1-5, 0-1 CCC) at Golden Valley (3-3, 0-1)
The Cougars need to win three of their final four games to clinch a playoff spot. Golden Valley will have to break a five-game losing streak against the Falcons tonight to take a step in the right direction. The Cougars had little go right in last week’s 36-6 loss to Turlock after Isaiah Montanez returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown.
The Falcons played Merced tough until late in the second quarter, when the Bears scored 10 points right before half to open up a 19-7 lead. Atwater receiver Josh Wilson continues to make big plays, scoring on a 74-yard touchdown catch against the Bears.
Turlock (4-1, 1-0 CCC) at Buhach Colony (2-4, 0-1)
The Thunder has its back against the wall after losing to Pitman in its CCC opener. Buhach Colony will get linebacker/tight end Jace Alcazar back tonight after he sat out last week with a sprained ankle. Two-way lineman Hunter Stefani may also suit up for Buhach Colony. Stefani (foot), who also missed last week’s game, is probable, according to Thunder coach Kevin Navarra.
Shawn Jansen
This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 5:47 PM with the headline "Prep football: Five games to watch Friday."