Roundup: Turlock tops Sacramento power Rocklin, Central Catholic runs away from Merced
Turlock went into the season with something to prove. After an underwhelming season last year, the Bulldogs were eager to show the section they were better than that.
In a matchup with a top five team in the Sac-Joaquin Section, the Bulldogs wasted no time securing what could end up being the Stanislaus District’s biggest win of the season. Cole Gilbert ran for the game’s first touchdown then connected with receiver Logan Bankson for the second, putting Turlock ahead 14-0 at the half.
The defense was stellar throughout the Bulldogs’ 14-7 upset win over the Thunder, which sat at No. 2 in the section behind Sacramento-area powerhouse Folsom. Turlock’s defensive line made things uncomfortable for the Rocklin offense all night, forcing a first-half interception that led to the Bankson score.
The Bulldogs’ gauntlet preseason continues next week on the road against Clovis West in Fresno.
Buhach Colony 19, Gregori 0: The Jaguars had their home opener on the new turf field spoiled by the Thunder Friday night. Buhach Colony led 12-0 going into halftime. On the night, the Thunder forced four interceptions and scored one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Central Valley Christian (Visalia) 42, Ripon Christian 14: The Knights’ tough preseason schedule started with a home loss to the defending Division 4-AA state runner up. Ripon Christian travels to Cloverdale as they look to bounce back next week.
Downey 42, Lincoln (Stockton) 35: The Trojans started the game with a bang, returning the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, but the Knights settled in during the first half. Conner Stoddard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one more as the Downey went into halftime trailing 27-24. The Knights outscored the Trojans 18-11 in the second half to secure the victory.
Weston Ranch 28, Davis 25: The Spartans seemed to be in control after leading the Cougars 17-14 at halftime, but a scoreless third quarter proved to be the difference in the game. Weston Ranch’s 14-point second half powered it to victory, handing Davis its first regular season loss since the shortened spring season.
Stone Ridge Christian 51, Waterford 27: The Wildcats trailed 22-13 at the half, but couldn’t mount a comeback. Stone Ridge Christian pulled away in the second half to secure the big Week 1 win. Waterford will host Big Valley Christian next week.
Modesto Christian 47, Foresthill 20: The Crusaders were dominant in their home opener against the Wildfires. They jumped out to a 33-6 lead in the second quarter and led by 19 at the half. Quarterback Raymond Corral Jr. threw for two scores in the second half, including a 55-yard connection with Donovan Jones.
Central Catholic 43, Merced 20: Receiver Trace Hernandez had two touchdown receptions of 58 and 62 yards in the third quarter as the Raiders scored on four straight possessions. Quarterback Tyler Wentworth threw for three touchdowns in the frame, two to Hernandez and a 17-yard pass to Tiago Armstrong. After going into halftime tied at 14, the Raiders opened up a 42-20 lead in the third.
Pitman 26, Central Valley 7: The Hawks took a 7-6 lead into halftime after Elijah Jackson powered into the end zone on a goal line possession. Pitman took back all of the momentum on the second half kickoff, returning it for a touchdown. A two-point conversion put the Pride ahead 14-7. They scored twice in the final quarter to put the game away.
Hughson 55, Sierra 15: The Huskies wasted no time establishing themselves on the road against the Timberwolves. Hughson scored 21 unanswered points before Sierra scored its first touchdown with about four minutes left in the first half and led 34-8 at halftime. The Huskies host Orestimba in Week 2 in their first home game of the season.
Oakdale 27, Sonora 21: Oakdale started its year with what could be the comeback of the season. After falling behind 21-3 at the half, the Mustangs stormed back into the game, scoring 24 unanswered second-half points to secure the win. An 11-point fourth quarter capped by a touchdown pass and two-point conversion tied the game at 21. Another passing touchdown in overtime secured the victory with under a minute left.
East Union 28, Ripon 14: Ripon scored once in the third and fourth quarters, tying the game at 14, but its defense couldn’t close out the game in the fourth. The Lancers scored 14 points in the final frame to hand the Indians the loss. Ripon hosts a talented, physical Sonora team next week at 7:30 p.m.
Orestimba 55, Rio Vista 0: The Warriors started the season with a bang, scoring a 77-yard rushing touchdown on its first drive. The Warriors travel to Hughson, which is coming off of a big win of its own, next week.
Patterson 20, Hilmar 14: The Tigers forced three Hudson Azevedo interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in the fourth quarter. In his first game since his sophomore season, Azevedo completed 16 passes for 339 yards and one touchdown. Hilmar receiver Derek Taylor had a huge game, catching six passes for 234 yards and one 93-yard touchdown reception.
Millennium 13, Riverbank 0: The Bruins were shut out at home in their non-league game against the Falcons. Millennium scored all 13 of its points in the second quarter. Riverbank will be tested next week as it travels to Delhi.
Escalon 43, Damonte Ranch (Reno) 29: Escalon introduced itself to the Nevada crowd in a big way, exploding for 22 points in the first quarter. Damonte Ranch had trouble catching up as the Cougars scored a touchdown in the second, third and fourth quarters to secure the big victory. Ryker Peters and Logan Anderson had big games with 227 yards and five touchdowns, and 97 yards and one score, respectively.
Ceres 54, West-Tracy 21: The Bulldogs jumped out to a 26-14 lead after the first 24 minutes of their opener on the road. Ceres outscored West 103-21 in the teams’ two meetings.
This story was originally published August 20, 2022 at 10:43 AM.
