Pitman (4-0) v. Summerville (2-1), 7 p.m.
Last week: Pitman defeated Bullard, 32-27
Preview: This is the game of the week for the “Blitz,” and the Pride are expected to keep rolling. Coming off a dramatic Week 4 victory that secured their fourth straight win of the year, the Pitman Pride are on their way to a perfect record to start out play in the new Central California Athletic League. Pitman already saw Summerville — along with Hilmar — in their scrimmage that included all three squads. Summerville is 1-2 so far this year and are coming off a 12-9 loss to Hughson. Pitman’s latest five-point win came was close, but they managed to come out victorious and continue their unbeaten streak to kick off pre-league play. The Pride are on the cusp of another perfect preseason schedule, making it two in the past three seasons if they were to top out Summerville. The Pride will be tough to stop and their defense has provided crucial turnovers and big sacks when needed.
Turlock (2-2) @ Central (4-0), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock fell to Sheldon on the road, 41-28
Preview: Turlock’s final non-conference game will be against one of the toughest competitors in the state — Central High of Fresno. Currently ranked No. 21 in California and 135th in the country, Central is coming off a 62-0 shutout over Paso Robles High. So far, they have outscored opponents 200-29 in four games as they host the Turlock Bulldogs who are No. 106 in California. Heading into Week 5, Turlock’s four opponents hold a combined record of 10-5. In their latest loss to No. 93 Sheldon, Turlock gave all they could, scoring all 28 of their points in the second half. The Bulldogs have still managed to put up 28 or more points in each of their first four games and don’t expect the offense to stop anytime soon. Lucas Curtis, Jonah Kosakiewicz, Cam Sherwood, Anthony Frias and Holden Baldwin have provided the Bulldogs with some fire power. Turlock has outrushed (826-500) and out passed (855-644) their first four opponents. They have outgained them 1681-1144. Expect this game to be one of the more competitive ones in the entire region and the game to watch for this week.
Hilmar (4-0) @ Ripon (4-0), 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Hilmar defeated Sonora High, 39-20
Preview: Hilmar’s varsity football team might have won by 19 points in last week’s contest, but they earned it after a hard-fought game that saw the Wildcats put up the biggest fight so far for the Yellowjackets. Hilmar has outscored its first four opponents 177-36, but failed to score 41 or more points for the first time dating back to last season. Hilmar also lost to Ripon 34-28 last season, and there is no doubt that they will remember that heading into this first Trans Valley League matchup. Ripon topped Calaveras in a close final that ended 24-21 last week. Look for this meeting to possibly decide one of the front runners for the TVL title. Anything is possible and anyone can win a game like this.
Denair (3-0) @ Le Grand (1-2), 7 :30 p.m.
Last week: Denair defeated Stone Ridge Christian, 56-28
Preview: The Denair High Coyotes won their first three games of the season and head into league play with a perfect start. Their recent win against Stone Ridge Christian saw them put up 56 points in back-to-back games. Coach Anthony Armas is excited about the team’s progress each week. Denair will be traveling to Le Grand for the first Southern League matchup of the season. Le Grand is coming off consecutive losses, most recently a 27-20 loss to Linden last Friday. The Coyotes have already surpassed last year’s total of two wins and the goal is to keep the train rolling, eventually capturing a league title, but it starts on Friday. The Coyotes must come out with a victory if they wish to compete in a league where the winner could be unknown due to several competitive teams in the mix after a tough preseason schedule.
Delhi (0-3) @ Gustine (2-1), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: BYE
Preview: Delhi High is coming off a much-needed bye week heading into league play on Friday. To start off Southern League play, the Delhi Hawks will square off with a road contest at Gustine High this Friday, a team they are 2-2 against over the past four seasons. This could very well be a great way for the Hawks to turn things around and kick off league play in the right direction. But the Gustine Reds are a team that won’t back down. They are also coming off a 29-0 shutout over Morro Bay. Both teams have one thing in common and that is they both faced and lost to Hilmar. This game could be a competitive matchup with either side perhaps pulling away late in the game, but expect it to be a barn burner if Delhi can get their offense rolling.
Turlock Christian (0-4) v. Delta Charter (0-4), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock Christian lost to Valley Christian, 41-22
Preview: It’s week one of league play and Turlock Christian High is eager to kick things off in the Central California Athletic Alliance. Head coach Rich Goodwin knows what it takes to capture some wins in the CCAA, but his team is young and inexperienced. Fortunately, they are coming off a competitive pre-league schedule, including a recent 19-point loss to Valley Christian of Roseville. They will be squaring off against another 0-4 squad in Delta Charter. DC is coming off a 49-0 loss to Golden Sierra from Garden Valley last Friday. DC has also failed to score a single point in all four games while TC has managed to put up 52.
BYE week: None
