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Local football teams prepare for week 4
Football

Turlock, Pitman and Hilmar each will be looking to shake off losses this week, while Denair attempts to make it two in a row.

The Bulldogs and Pride will play on Friday night, as Turlock travels to take on Manteca, while Pitman hosts Golden Valley at Joe Debely.

Manteca is ranked No. 2 in the Sac-Joaquin Section, according to MaxPreps.com, behind only perennial state powerhouse Folsom. 

The Buffaloes are averaging 51 points per game after wins against Vista del Lago (44-6), Patterson (43-10) and Cosumnes Oaks (67-28). 

After struggling to put points on the board the first two weeks of the season — THS beat Rocklin 14-7 in the opener, then was blanked by Clovis West a week later — the Bulldogs’ offense came alive last week in a 54-41 loss to Central.

Manteca, however, will be the toughest opponent yet for the Bulldogs. The Buffaloes are ranked No. 44 in MaxPreps’ statewide poll, higher than any foe Turlock has faced.

Pitman, coming off a 48-21 loss to Patterson, faces an undefeated Golden Valley team that is ranked 39th overall in the Sac-Joaquin Section. Pitman, meanwhile, comes in a No. 78.

The Cougars have beaten Del Campo (28-20) and Madera South (35-7). Pitman marks their final game before they start league play against Buhach Colony.

Turlock and Pitman open Central California Athletic League play on Sept. 30, when they face off against each other in the annual Harvest Bowl.

Hilmar and Denair, meanwhile, each have rare Saturday contests.

The Yellowjackets, who lost 28-20 in Sonora last week, travel to Salinas to take on perennial Central Coast Section stalwart Palma (1-1). The Chieftains lost 29-7 to Archbishop Mitty (San Jose), then won 21-8 over Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep (San Francisco) last week.

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

Further up Highway 101, Denair, fresh off a 45-0 shutout of Riverbank, will be in San Francisco to take on Washington (1-1).  The Eagles’ lone win came in their season opener, 49-14 over Ygnacio Valley (Concord)

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.