Pitman (8-0) @ Downey (5-3), 7 p.m.
Last week: Pitman defeated Modesto High, 21-10
Preview: This is the game to watch as the Pride are chasing history. Pitman has their sights set on being named the first ever Central California Athletic League champions and they are well on their way to pulling it off. Before they can think of anything else, however, the Pride have to take on a very good Downey High team that defeated Gregori, 20-14, just a week ago. Downey is averaging 39.25 points per game while the Pride are putting up 38.25 per game heading into this matchup — which can make things interesting. The Pride defense is allowing just 14 points per game to their opponents after eight contests. In four straight games they have allowed just 10 points or fewer, including just 22 points total over their first three league games.
Turlock (5-3) v. Gregori (4-4), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock defeated Enochs, 40-13
Preview: This is the “Blitz” game of the week and it certainly is a significant one for the Bulldogs if they hope to keep their winning streak alive in their penultimate game. A win could make the crosstown clash at the Harvest Bowl for the first ever Central California Athletic League title. Implications for this game and for Pitman could not be any higher as we reach the end stretch of the regular season. Look for head coach James Peterson to keep his team focused and prepared to play like a team ready to compete and win. Lucas Curtis of Turlock has been on a tear the last two games, notching eight total touchdowns--four in each game. While the offense has been rolling, the defense has been able to fend off their league foes just enough. Turlock has scored 30 or more points in three straight while allowing 24,13 and 13 points in their three league wins.
Hilmar (6-2) @ Riverbank (2-7), 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Hilmar lost to Modesto Christian, 24-21
Preview: Hilmar High is looking to rebound with a vengeance after a close loss to the team that they defeated in last year’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division-VI championship game. The MC Crusaders are a determined squad and on the verge of winning the Trans Valley League title. Hilmar is currently sitting at 2-2 in league, tied with Escalon and Hughson in third place. A playoff berth is now the goal and the Yellowjackets know that all they need to do is get in and from there anything is possible. They proved it last year, but nevertheless Hilmar will be taking on an 0-5 Riverbank squad that is winless in the TVL. Riverbank has only scored 80 points in nine games played while they have allowed 380 points for the year.
Denair (7-1) @ Mariposa (2-6), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Denair defeated Delhi 36-6
Preview: The Coyotes are off to their best start and on the verge of tying their most wins since 2006 when they went 8-4. That year Denair went a perfect 5-0 in league and reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-VI championship game, falling to Lindhurst, 30-7, in the final. While this team is chasing a banner, the task is a difficult one to achieve. So far, the offense has put up 312 (39) points after eight games played while the defense has allowed less than half that at 150 (18.75). Mariposa is 1-4 in league play and are coming off 49-7 loss to Ripon Christian last week. The offense for Mariposa has scored just 97 after eight games while they have allowed 212. Hunter Musgrave of Denair High rushed for 146 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns against Delhi last week while quarterback Elvis Silva threw a pair of touchdowns.
Delhi (0-8) v. Orestimba (5-3), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Delhi lost to Denair, 36-6
Preview: Delhi is still winless and they have a tough opponent ahead when they face Orestimba High. Orestimba is coming off a 42-21 win over Waterford last week, snapping their two-game losing streak in league and they don’t seem to be slowing down. Delhi has still been unable to score more than once in a game this year. They have put up just 26 points in eight games played and the defense has allowed 282. Orestimba, despite losing in two games prior to last week, have been able to score 17 or more in all games, including six where they scored 28 or more.
BYE WEEK: Turlock Christian
