In a sloppy, rain-drenched game, the Turlock Bulldogs (7-1, 2-1 CCC) were able to overcome five turnovers to defeat the Golden Valley Cougars (5-3, 1-2 CCC) 42-27 at their homecoming game Friday night.
The Bulldogs led from start to finish in the victory, up 14-7 at the half. Both teams exploded as the rain slowed for a 42 point third quarter, but the Bulldogs remained on top.
Bulldogs senior quarterback Kevin Kramer finished with 212 yards rushing on 14 attempts, including touchdown runs from 39 yards, 54 yards, and 75 yards out. Senior running back Ricky Fuentes put in another outstanding performance as well, racking up 216 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. In total, the Bulldogs posted more than 500 yards of offense.
The Bulldogs overcame five turnovers in the game, including four interceptions from Kramer and one Kramer fumble in the damp conditions. Golden Valley, however, gave up six turnovers of their own, including interceptions recovered by Bulldogs junior linebacker Tyler Cook, sophomore defensive back DaShawn Holcombe, senior linebacker Tyler McCormick, and senior linebacker Connor Pearson. Holcombe also recovered a GV fumble, as did senior lineman Kaze Villarial.
The Bulldogs will continue CCC play against the winless Atwater Falcons (0-8, 0-3 CCC) in a road game on Friday night.
Pitman wins tough game in Atwater
The Pitman Pride (6-2, 2-1 CCC) won a hard-fought, hard-hitting game against the Atwater Falcons (0-8, 0-3 CCC) Friday night by a final score of 21-14.
The Pride were first on the board thanks to a touchdown pass from junior quarterback AJ Derr to senior halfback Dominick Walker. Derr finished 3/5 passing for 41 yards and a touchdown on a rainy Friday night, marked by good defensive play from both teams.
The Falcons came back and tied the game at 7 all, but back to back rushing touchdowns from sophomore halfback Andy Mendes and Walker put Pitman on top for good. Mendes finished with 118 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 attempts, while Walker had 55 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Pitman continues CCC play in an important matchup against the tough Merced Bears (3-5, 1-2 CCC) next Friday night at Joe Debely Stadium.
Eagles blanked by Le Grand
The Turlock Christian Eagles (2-6, 1-4 SL) lost a lopsided matchup 42-0 against the Le Grand Bulldogs (6-2, 5-0 SL) Friday night.
The Bulldogs scored all 42 of their points in the first quarter, after which Le Grand coaches put in second-string players. Turlock Christian found solace in being able to stop Le Grand from scoring again, once the move had been made.
Despite the loss, the Eagles also showed some good play to start the game. Turlock Christian drove the ball downfield after receiving the opening kickoff, and forced a fumble on Le Grand’s first possession.
But the numbers quickly caught up with the Eagles, who dressed just 15 players for the game. By the end of the contest, after three minor injuries, only 12 remained able to play.
TC Coach Rusty Lyon said he was proud of his team’s performance, with a large number of younger players stepping up to get some experience and playing time. With their small numbers, Eagles players found themselves in positions they’d never played before – with Eagles playing on the line who weren’t linemen, and running backs that hadn’t carried the ball before – but played hard through the final seconds of the game.
Turlock Christian will look to rebound as they take on nearby Southern League rivals Denair (4-3, 3-1 SL prior to Friday’s game) in a home game Friday night.
Results from the Denair vs. Gustine matchup were not available by the Journal’s deadline.
To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.