Before returning to Friday night lights in the 2015 preseason, Turlock, Hilmar and Los Banos varsity football teams met on Saturday for a final three-team scrimmage.

 “I thought we played well and the things we tried doing went well. I was happy with the outcome on both sides,” said Hilmar head coach Frank Marques

“We came out with a chance to see a good team since Hilmar has a polished team for a small school and program,” said Turlock head coach James Peterson. “These are guys we don't get to see too often and we are able to assess and sharpen our skills.”

It was also the first time each team was full contact with an opponent.

Turlock's defense, led by Mustafa Noel-Johnson and the front-seven, was nothing short of impressive, consistently providing a steady pass rush against the opposition and clogging the holes for the run game.

“We got to see where we are with our competition and our ability and now we are in game mode and looking at our opponents ahead,” said Peterson.

Hilmar's front seven provided some consistent run stuffing capabilities, even against the bigger Los Banos line, and unfortunately with the hard effort two players came away with injuries for the 'Jackets in Noah Baptista and Matt Gober.

Baptista broke his collarbone and it's unknown when he will be able to return to play. Gober is out for three to four weeks with a broken hand, limiting the linemen available for Hilmar at seven currently.

“The guys are looking forward to getting things going,” Marques said. “I think everybody, coaching staff and the community are excited."

Hilmar will kick off their season at home against Livingston at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Turlock Bulldogs' first game will be at home against Enochs at 7 p.m. Friday.

“We need to have a good game against them in order to have a good head start,” Peterson added about Enochs. “I want to see our guys flying around and having some fun; play good assignment football and have fun doing it."