Madera is 0-10 against Sanger since October of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Coyotes will look to defend their home field against the Apaches at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Madera's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Madera is likely headed into the matchup with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against San Joaquin Memorial on Friday. The Coyotes fell 50-46 to the Panthers. Despite running the score up even higher than they did in their prior game last Friday (33), the Coyotes still had to take the loss.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Elias Mena, who threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns while completing 71.4% of his passes, and also rushed for 107 yards on only 11 carries. His longest rush was for an impressive 60 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Lawrence Flores was Mena's top target, picking up 151 receiving yards and one score, while also punching in one TD on the ground.
Meanwhile, Sanger had already won two in a row and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They came out on top against the Tigers by a score of 36-27. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Apaches' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 161st, while the Tigers are ranked 355th).
Madera better keep an eye on Kendale McGrew. He was instrumental in Sanger's win, rushing for 157 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With that strong performance, McGrew is now averaging an impressive 101.2 rushing yards per game.
Sanger was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 291 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 266 rushing yards in three consecutive games.
Sanger didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Bryan Valle, Leo Quiroz, and Ace Escalara picked up one apiece. Valle got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Madera's loss dropped their record down to 5-3. As for Sanger, their win bumped their record up to an identical 5-3.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Madera has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 233.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Sanger struggles in that department as they've been averaging 234.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Madera came up short against Sanger when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 35-28. Thankfully for the Coyotes, Bryson Baker (who rushed for 108 yards and three TDs, and also picked up 73 receiving yards) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
