Prep Football: Plenty of big games to pick from in Week 1

If you're a high school football fanatic, or merely a fan, here are six games that will provide plenty of bang for your buck.

GAME OF THE WEEK

• CERES AT DAVIS (Johansen): Len Johnston returns to the Davis sideline, after leading it to six playoff berths in the 1990s. His talented group can score from anywhere and it will challenge a defense led by junior LB Hadon Lopez. With the Sac-Joaquin Section seeding playoff teams based on number of wins, what used to be a routine opener has become a crucial game for both.

ELSEWHERE

• TURLOCK AT OAKDALE: A traditional first-week rivalry, both have inexperienced players in key roles. QB Tanner Combs hopes to emerge from the shadow of his brother Devin, who led Oakdale to a Division III state title in 2007, while Turlock could be starting eight juniors on defense.

• GOLDEN VALLEY (1-0) AT DOWNEY: Sophomore QB Tyler Arnsberg (297 yards total offense, 4 TDs) led GV to a 44-37 win over North Monterey County, so scoring is no problem. Downey scouted GV and coach Jeremy Plaa has had a week to devise a scheme that will contain Arnsberg. Don't leave early — a year ago Downey rallied, then had to hold on for a 40-32 victory.

• MODESTO AT STAGG: The Panthers need a confidence boost early in the year, after starting 0-7 in 2008. Despite all their skill and size, success will be determined by discipline — are they able to avoid penalties and turnovers. It will help with junior QB Klayton Miller as the full-time starter.

• HUGHSON AT WATERFORD: The Huskies have a new coach in Don Tetrick and hope a win here will serve as a springboard to the playoffs. Waterford's first priority is to contain RB Carlos Rivera, or the Huskies will dominate time of possession. Waterford has many new faces on offense, so the Wildcats will need to learn fast in their opener.

• JOHANSEN AT SONORA: The 'Cats won at Johansen last year, part of their 3-0 start vs. Modesto Metro teams. Sonora's Dan Link ran for 116 yards, in a 27-20 win, so the Vikings can expect to see the power runner attacking the line.