What’s old is new again as ancient rivals Hilmar and Hughson square off this Friday night in a game that could determine the Trans-Valley League title – just as it happened so often in the old days. 

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Hughson High School. 

Hughson, 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference, is searching for its first TVL title since 1998. After Friday, the Huskies have a bye and just one league game remaining – against Ripon. Hilmar, meanwhile, is 4-3 overall and 3-0 in the TVL. Since Hughson’s last title, the Yellowjackets have won eight conference crowns, four Sac-Joaquin Section titles, a Northern California title, and a state championship. Hilmar has two games remaining after Friday – against cellar-dwellers Modesto Christian and Riverbank. 

Backup quarterback Caden Bailey will start in place of the injured Hudson Azevedo, who’s been out since Sept. 2. Bailey was dinged up and left the Sept. 30 contest against Escalon, but he’ll be ready Friday, according to head coach Frank Marques.

Gregori (3-4, 2-0) at Pitman (1-6, 0-2), 7 p.m. – The Jaguars will be looking to remain unbeaten in the Central California Athletic League, as they have games remaining against Downey and Turlock. Pitman is looking to avoid its first one-win season in school history. 

Turlock (3-4, 1-1) at Modesto (2-5, 0-2), 7 p.m. – Probably not the best week to be Modesto High. The Bulldogs are an angry football team after losing to Downey 24-22 on a field goal on the last play of the game last week … on homecoming, no less. After dismantling Pitman the week before, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-0 lead against the Knights, but were outscored 24-8 the rest of the way. 

Denair (1-6, 0-4) at Delhi (3-4, 0-4), 7:15 p.m. – The loser of this game likely is staring at a winless Southern League campaign. Delhi closes the season against Le Grand and Ripon Christian, while Denair has games remaining against league-leader Orestimba and defending champ Waterford.