Hilmar (6-1) @ Modesto Christian (8-0), 7:30 p.m.
Last week: Hilmar defeated Hughson, 49-7
Preview: This is the game of the week, and definitely the game to look out for. Hilmar has been tested on multiple occasions this season and so far, only Ripon has been able to defeat the Yellowjackets after seven games played. The Modesto Christian Crusaders are currently off to a perfect 7-0 start and seem to be on the verge of a Trans-Valley League title. This game is without a doubt the toughest for the ‘Jackets. They brought down the Crusaders in last year’s Division-VI Sac-Joaquin Section Championship game and there is no question that MC is coming out ready to do all they can to repay their league foe. Hilmar should expect to see a determined MC squad and the possibility of a league title is still there—if they beat MC. However, Hilmar is on the cusp of a playoff berth, which is without a doubt the goal at the moment, considering how last year’s regular season went at 5-5 for Hilmar. MC is coming off a 46-7 dominant defeat of Livingston last Friday. MC has outscored its opponents 263-36. The most points allowed in a single game this season has been just nine points when Edison achieved that back on Aug. 24 in a 20-9 victory for MC.
Turlock (4-3) v. Enochs (2-5), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock dominated Modesto, 38-13
Preview: Turlock High seems to be rolling as they are now 2-0 in the Central California Athletic League and are coming off a dominant win over Modesto High where the offense racked up 425 yards of total offense. They kept Modesto to just 234 yards. The rushing game alone for Turlock totaled 262 yards. Since dropping back-to-back games, Turlock has won consecutive contests against Downey and recently Modesto and they wish to continue the win streak when they take on an Enochs team that is winless in the CCAL at 0-2 and are coming off a 47-14 loss to Downey last week. The Bulldogs should definitely be the favorites, but anything can happen in any game. If Turlock wishes to stay undefeated in league and perhaps clinch that first ever CCAL title, they have to get past Enochs first, before finishing off league against a tough Gregori squad, then facing Pitman.
Pitman (7-0) @ Modesto (4-3), 7 p.m.
Last week: Pitman defeated Gregori, 24-6
Preview: Pitman High is off to a perfect 7-0 start for the second time in the last three years as they rolled through last year’s Modesto Metro Conference champions in Gregori last week. Despite a slow first quarter, Pitman went on to score 24 points in the final three quarters, while they allowed the final six points in the fourth. Pitman has allowed just 12 points while racking up 62 points, in league play so far. In four of their wins they have allowed seven points or less and they have been steadily improving week in and week out. They will be taking on a Modesto High squad that was beaten up by Turlock High 38-13 last week. While redemption could be on their minds, Modesto knows that Pitman is no slouch and they provide probably the most balanced squad with an ability to do it all on the offensive side of the ball. Running and passing is more than effective for Pitman at the moment, working around quarterback Treyton Fair who is probably the best in the CCAL at the moment. Payton Bass, Joseph Vasquez, Isaias Aguilar, Denzel Steckwren, Marcus Garza and Jakob Partida have proven over and over that they have more than just a couple of weapons while on defense Jaron Azevedo has been the consistent stalwart.
Denair (6-1) v. Delhi (0-7), 7:15 p.m.
Last week: Denair defeated Orestimba, 35-28
Preview: This is the “Blitz” game of the week. The Coyotes of Denair High pulled off probably the biggest upset in the Southern League so far. However, with the successful history that Orestimba has seen over the past three seasons, it is evident that the Denair win is definitely one to brag about and see as the chance to at the very least contend for second place in league. This contest coming up against a winless Delhi is a rivalry game, but it is certainly tough to stop the Coyotes offense that has a consistent and effective running attack while head coach Anthony Armas has done a superb job helping his squad off to the best start in his tenure. After the first seven games played for Denair, the defense has allowed 144 (20.5) points while the offense has put up 276 (39.4) points per game. Delhi has been struggling from the onset and the scoring has been nearly ineffective. In seven games played, Delhi has scored just 20 points total while allowing 246.
Turlock Christian (1-7) @ Sierra Ridge Academy (2-4), 7 p.m.
Last week: Turlock Christian lost to Stone Ridge Christian, 50-0
Preview: Turlock Christian High’s varsity football team will be taking on Sierra Ridge Academy this Friday as the Eagles are searching for their second win of the year. It has been a rough road the last three games. TC is coming off a 50-point loss to Stone Ridge and have been outscored the last three games, 139-7. Sierra Ridge has won just twice in six games so far and are coming off a 36-20 victory over Delta Charter. Depending how the final stretch is, TC could redeem their season and finish off strong in their final two games, but only time will tell.
