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PREP FOOTBALL 2019 PREVIEW: WEEK 4
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Hughson (1-2) v. Summerville (1-2), 7 p.m. 

Last week: Hughson defeated Argonaut, 39-35 

Preview: According to a press release sent by Hughson High Athletics, the football team was forced to forfeit their 28-14 win over Stagg High in week one following an ineligible player. Hughson AD Joel Bernard took full responsibility on the handling of the paperwork for the student who had transferred. The CIF policy is for all transfer students to be cleared by their section office before they are allowed to compete. No paperwork had been filed prior to this past weekend, said Bernard. The Huskies will take on Summerville on Friday and it will be the game of the week for the “Blitz.” Hughson looks to be on the rise with a team that is filled with young talent as sophomore and juniors are the majority of the starters. This contest could be an interesting one following a four-point win over Argonaut. Summerville is coming off a 36-13 loss to Ripon Christian which could provide some fuel as well. It is the Huskies’ second home game of the year and the stands should be packed with supporters. A win would propel the Huskies to perhaps the start of a winning streak and great placing when league rolls around since they will need to be as ready as possible for Escalon, Ripon and Hilmar. 

 

Turlock (2-1) v. Sheldon (2-1), 7 p.m. 

Last week: Turlock defeated Tracy, 43-14

Preview: The Turlock High Bulldogs are coming off a victory over the Tracy Bulldogs. Since 2014, and after last Thursday’s 43-14 win, the series is split at 4-4 between the two who squared off for the battle of the bone. Following the win, Turlock moved up the rankings in the section. Now, they seek to pull off a win over another steady playoff team of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-I bracket in Sheldon. Sheldon is coming off a 59-28 win over Kennedy from Sacramento and consecutive victories, while Turlock is 1-1 over the last two games. Look for the ‘Dogs to come out and be ready for a game that many players on the team say they have had this game circled since last year. Sheldon always brings it and plays in one of the toughest leagues in the entire section, the Delta League, so expect their physical play to continue. Turlock dominated and shut down quarterback Logan Fife of Tracy who is bound for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and held Oregon State bound wideout Trevor Pope II to just a catch. If they can continue this sort of dominance on defense against college bound players, then they will shock and surprise many teams, but the offense needs to continue to pick up where they left off against Tracy, rather than how they played against Clayton Valley the prior week. Head coach James Peterson will make sure his guys are ready for what should be the game to look out for this week, no doubt about it. 

 

Hilmar (3-0) @ Sonora (0-3), 7 p.m. 

Last week: Hilmar defeated Gustine, 42-0 

Preview: Sonora could very well be one of the better 0-3 teams in the Stanislaus District and there is no doubt that Hilmar head coach Frank Marques and his Yellowjacket squad will be ready for anything that comes their way. Through their first three games, Hilmar has won two shutouts and outscored its first three opponents, 146-19. Hilmar is currently ranked No. 101 in California and the climb up all the rankings doesn’t seem to be slowing down for the ‘Jackets who are also the defending CIF State Champs (D-VI AA). Last year Hilmar defeated Sonora 39-20 enroute to their first state title and second straight Sac-Joaquin Section D-VI banner. This game could be closer than the records say, so be sure to keep an eye out. A win for the Yellowjackets would also solidify a perfect pre-league schedule for the second straight season.

 

Denair (2-0) @ Soquel (2-0), 7:30 p.m. 

Last week: Bye 

Preview: The defending CIF State (D-VII AA) champions are back from their bye week and are looking to keep their undefeated streak alive, but they have arguably one of their toughest challenges this week when they travel to take on Soquel High School, a school located just outside of Santa Cruz. Soquel is undefeated just like Denair and are coming off a 35-7 win over Pajaro Valley. In their first two games Soquel has outscored its opponents, 62-13, while Denair has put up 83 points in their first two games. This win would help either side tremendously as the Coyotes don’t seem to be eager to let go of their early winning streak. Dating back to last season they have won 14 of 15 games. This will be an intriguing matchup.

 

Pitman (0-2) @ Bullard (1-1), 7 p.m. 

Last week: Bye

Preview: Bullard of Fresno is currently ranked No. 97 and is coming off a 19-7 victory over Clovis last Friday. Last year, Pitman toppled Bullard 32-27 and is looking to pick up their first win of the year. It will be their second road contest of the year and head coach Lance Weckerle should have his team ready to go despite some early setbacks. Plagued mainly by limited varsity experience on the roster, Pitman should continue their progress while Bullard looks like a team that may be searching for redemption after last year’s results. For the Pride to come out winners they will need to hold on to the ball and move it at a steady pace while their defense must create turnovers.