Turlock (3-3) @ Modesto (4-2), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock defeated Downey, 30-24
Preview: This is the game of the week for the “Blitz” and it is sure to bring fireworks. This rivalry dates back to the early years of the Central California Conference. Both schools have been rivals for mostly every year since 1921 when they first played. When the CCC was formed in 1957, Turlock and Modesto High were two of the original 10 teams. Modesto was moved out of the CCC following the 1981 season. They returned to the CCC for the 1986 season and stayed in the CCC until moving out for good to start the 2004 season and now this marks the first time in 15 seasons that they are in the same league. Turlock’s current record against Modesto is a lifetime posting of 74-39-5. Turlock is 42-17-3 at home against Modesto and has won two of the last meetings, including six of the last seven. Look for this old rivalry to be reborn in a different way. Despite their record, the Bulldogs have a strong chance to pick up a critical fourth win of the year.
Pitman (6-0) v. Gregori (4-2), 7 p.m.
Last week: Pitman beat Enochs, 38-6
Preview: Pitman will host last year’s Modesto Metro Conference champions in Gregori in their first official Central California Athletic League home contest this Friday. Gregori, which has won four of its first six games, is coming off a 47-14 walloping over Modesto High last Friday and are looking for their second straight CCAL win if they can get past the undefeated Pride. The Pride’s 6-0 start is the third time in program history the varsity football team has achieved this in a season, and the second time in the last three seasons when they kicked off the year going 9-0 in 2016. The Pride’s 32-point win over Enochs could be seen as an early statement in the new CCAL, but they must get past Gregori if they wish to earn the first ever league title this season. Pride receiver Denzel Steckwren is coming off a historic performance, finishing Friday’s game against Enochs with the fifth most receiving yards in a single game for the Pride in their history with 138 yards. He also caught a pair of touchdowns. Look for this to be the game of the week and definitely the one to look out for.
Hilmar (5-1) v. Hughson (5-2), 7:30 p.m.
Last week: BYE
Preview: This could be a “trap game” for the Hilmar Yellowjackets, which essentially means they better not take the Huskies lightly when they host them for Homecoming this Friday. Fresh off a bye week, the Yellowjackets got some much-needed rest after playing in a wild and physical overtime battle with Escalon nearly two weeks ago that saw it go into overtime and the ‘Jackets winning 20-17. Hilmar has won five of its first six games, with four of those wins coming by a point difference of two scores or more. Hughson is 5-2 and 2-1 in the Trans Valley League fresh off a 42-0 win over Riverbank last Friday. They have also won four of their last five, dropping only one so far to the undefeated Modesto Christian Crusaders back on Sept. 21. Hilmar should see this as a grand opportunity with just four games left and a 1-1 TVL record so far. A victory in this game, before facing TVL favorites MC next week, could put them in easy reach of a playoff berth, but they must get through the Huskies first if they wish to make that happen.
Denair (5-1) @ Orestimba (4-2), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Denair beat Gustine, 49-14
Preview: Denair struggled to compete with Ripon Christian — the evident Southern League champs — two weeks ago, but they now get the opportunity to make the case for second place when they take on Orestimba on Friday. Orestimba is coming off their first Southern League loss since 2014 when they fell to Ripon Christian last Friday in a close 23-17 game. While the Warriors may be seeking redemption this week, Denair will be hard to beat. The Coyotes are coming off their second league win in three games played so far. Last Friday’s game saw the Denair Coyotes notch 42 second half points after scoring just a touchdown in the first two quarters. It will be interesting to see the gameplan that head coach Anthony Armas brings forth and how his squad executes against an experienced and talented Orestimba Warriors team.
Delhi (0-6) v. Le Grand (1-5), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Delhi lost to Mariposa, 21-0
Preview: Delhi is still looking for its first win of the season. After six games played, Delhi has been outscored by its opponents 207-14. They have also been shutout in four of the last five games played, while notching just seven points total during that span. They will be taking on a Le Grand group that is coming off a 49-7 loss to Waterford last Friday and have won just once in six games played. This could provide the most even matchup for Delhi, but it also depends how ready the group will be when Friday rolls around.
Turlock Christian (1-6) @ Stone Ridge Christian (3-3), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock Christian lost to Millennium, 47-7
Preview: The Turlock Christian Eagles are seeking their second win of the year. Things won’t get any easier for them in the Central California Athletic Alliance when they take on Stone Ridge Christian on Friday, which is currently 3-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. SRC is coming off a 26-10 loss to Big Valley Christian last Friday and they are hoping to get back that win when they take on TC. The TC Eagles have dropped two straight and have scored just one touchdown in the last eight quarters of play.
