The Pitman Pride (5-1, 1-0 CCC) put up over 400 yards of offense and displayed a stout defense to win their Central California Conference opener 34-3 over the Golden Valley Cougars (4-2, 0-1 CCC) on Friday.
Despite the final score, Pitman coach Brandon Harris said the game was a hard-fought win.
The Cougars opened the game with a long run before the Pride defense tightened up to hold Golden Valley to a field goal. The Cougars would not score again, thanks to the hard play of the Pitman defense.
Offensively, the Pride both ran and threw the ball well Friday night, driving downfield to earn six touchdowns and two field goals from senior kicker Quinton Breshears. Sophomore halfback Andres Mendes, senior fullback Alex Rodriguez, senior halfback Dominick Walker, and junior quarterback AJ Derr all ran for touchdowns, and Derr added a touchdown on a pass to Walker.
On Friday Pitman will continue CCC play against the undefeated Buhach Colony Thunder (5-0, 1-0 CCC) at Atwater High School, fresh off the Thunder’s final-second victory over the Turlock Bulldogs on Friday.
Coyotes prevail over RC Knights
In a fast-paced, high-scoring Southern League contest, the Denair Coyotes defeated the Ripon Christian Knights 64-33 on Friday night.
The Coyotes rushed out to an early 17-0 lead by the end of the first quarter, and would lead 33-13 by the half. Denair didn’t let up in the second half – despite a 20-point third quarter for the Knights – scoring 31 more points before the clock ticked to zero.
Senior runningback Dylan Souza led the Coyotes in scoring with four touchdowns. Junior runningback Brad Tobin, junior quarterback Jim Atkinson, and senior tightend Colin Sosa added a touchdown each, while senior kicker Paul Oei was perfect on the night with four field goals attempted and made.
Atkinson tacked on two interceptions for the night, and Sosa reeled one in as well in what was an outstanding effort both offensively and defensively for the Coyotes.
Denair faces a tough test next week as the Coyotes look to put together their first back-to-back wins of the season against Mariposa (4-2, 3-0 SL) in Mariposa on Friday.
Eagles shut out
The Mariposa Grizzlies (4-2, 3-0 SL) stayed perfect in Southern League play by shutting out the Turlock Christian Eagles (2-4, 1-2 SL) 46-0 on Friday night.
The Eagles trailed from the first play of the game, when their opening kickoff was returned 88 yards for a Grizzlies touchdown. The Grizzlies went on to block the punt at the close of the Eagles ensuing drive, returning the ball for a second Mariposa touchdown.
Turlock Christian coach Rusty Lyon credited his team for playing physical, fighting hard, and doing a lot of things right despite the final score. He said the game was a good learning experience for his squad.
The Eagles have lost their past two games. Turlock Christian will look to right the ship against Ripon Christian (0-5, 0-3 SL) at Le Grand High School on Friday.
Yellowjackets fall to MC Crusaders
The Hilmar Yellowjackets(4-3, 2-1 TVL) lost their first Trans-Valley League game Friday night, as they were defeated by the Modesto Christian Crusaders (2-5, 2-1 TVL) 23-13.
The Yellowjackets will look to get back on track in the TVL against the woeful Riverbank Bruins (0-7, 0-3 TVL) in Riverbank on Friday.
