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Hilmar comes back from 20-point deficit for victory
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In an incredible comeback – and quite possibly the game of the week – the Hilmar Yellowjackets (2-0) came back from a 20 point deficit to win 21-20 over the Ceres Bulldogs (1-1).

The Yellowjackets entered the locker room at halftime down 13-0, a deficit which quickly increased to 20-0 when Ceres opened the second half with a kickoff return.  Hilmar coach Frank Marques credited the defense with keeping his team in the game, despite the first half troubles.

Hilmar’s pass-heavy spread offense had been stymied by Ceres in the first half, so in a major adjustment the Yellowjackets switched to a Power I running game in the second. With the change, Hilmar began driving down the field rapidly.

Hilmar senior runningback Isaac Dias led the charge, tallying two touchdowns and a crucial interception. The other Hilmar score came on a pass from junior quarterback Andrew Olson to senior tight end Trent Goiburn. Junior kicker Kurtis Bettencourt sealed the game for the Yellowjackets, making all three of his extra point attempts.

 

Pitman earns on-the-road win

After a rough first half, which saw the Pitman Pride (1-1) trailing the Antioch Panthers (0-1) 13-3, the Pride took control of the game to win 23-13.

“We had six starters out tonight, and the kids just stepped up,” Pitman coach Brandon Harris said.

The Pitman offense was sparked by senior fullback Jaime Lemus, whose unstoppable runs catapulted the Pride ahead. His success was, in large part, due to the outstanding blocking performed by Pitman’s other backs, according to Harris.

The defense also turned up the heat in the second half, denying the Panthers any points. The Panthers’ only scores came on a kickoff return and a deep pass play, both early in the game.

 

Eagles open season on sour note

The Turlock Christian Eagles (0-1) were the first to score in their season opener, but the Big Valley Christian Lions (2-0) won the game by a score of 35-13.

The highlight of the game for the Eagles was an outstanding performance by sophomore quarterback Chase Gonzales. Gonzales went 12-22 for 136 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to junior running back Ethan McSweeney in the second quarter.

The other Eagles score came on a 40-yard touchdown run by senior wide receiver Stetsen Tucker. Junior tight end Micah Larsson also had an outstanding game for the Eagles.

Turlock Christian entered the second half down 21-13, still within reach, of victory. The Eagles continued to move the ball well in the second half, but did not score due to many penalties, four fumbles, and one interception. With the missteps hampering Turlock Christian, Big Valley’s running game took over to win the game.

 

Denair dominates Bruins

The Denair Coyotes (1-0) started their season with a bang, drubbing the Riverbank Bruins (0-2) 50-6.

Denair’s win came on the back of three star running backs; senior Dylan Souza, senior Jose Galvan, and junior Brad Tobin all finished with more than 100 yards rushing.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.