Athlete of week: Stefon Gold

STEFON GOLDBuhach Colony back

• What he did: With the Thunder facing a crucial CCC opener vs. unbeaten Pitman, and two of BC's backs nursing injuries, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior was the man on the spot. He rushed for a career-high 179 yards, tying career highs of 18 carries and three TDs in a 28-7 victory. He's averaging 6.8 yards a carry, helping Buhach pile up an average of 327 rushing yards each week.

• What it means: Buhach is one of only a few teams in the Stanislaus District that can lose a back or two for a night without taking a big hit. That depth could be invaluable in the playoffs.

• What's next: It doesn't get any easier for the No. 2-ranked Thunder (4-2, 1-0 CCC), which travels to No. 5 Merced (4-2, 1-0) on Friday.

— RICHARD T. ESTRADA