Prep football returned to Turlock on Friday night as Pitman High hosted Hilmar High and Atwater High at Joe Debely Stadium for a scrimmage. While the shortened COVID season last spring only allowed parents at games, Friday night’s friendly welcomed back student spectators and other fans who weren’t allowed to watch earlier this year.

The scrimmage saw two teams in the Journal’s coverage area face off along with Atwater, where each team’s first-string offense and defense met at the line of scrimmage for 15 plays apiece. Both Evan Kiely and Drew Walker took snaps under center on Friday for the Pride as next Friday’s season opener looms, while Hilmar’s defense had several interceptions and sacks on the night.

Next Friday, the 2021 season will kick off at 7 p.m. with the Pride hosting Central Valley High at Joe Debely Stadium. Hilmar will travel to Patterson High, while Turlock High will be away at Rocklin High. Denair High will welcome Vacaville Christian at 7:15 p.m. at their home stadium. To read about each team and their upcoming seasons, check out the Prep Football Preview Tab in Wednesday’s edition of the Turlock Journal. For full video coverage of games this season, Season 9 of The Blitz begins Sept. 17.