Football Game Preview: Salinas Cowboys vs. Carmel Padres + How To Watch

The Salinas Cowboys will face off against the Carmel Padres at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Salinas knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 31 points or more in their past four matchups -- so hopefully Carmel likes a good challenge.

Salinas took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They enjoyed a cozy 49-35 victory over Aptos. The Cowboys' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Salinas found their leader in sophomore Michael Andrade, who threw for 201 yards and four touchdowns while completing 73.3% of his passes, and also punched in one score on the ground. Isaak Hernandez was another key player, rushing for 137 yards and one TD while picking up 8.6 yards per carry.

Meanwhile, Carmel entered their tilt with Monterey on Friday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They came within a single point of losing the streak, but they secured a 28-27 W against the Dores. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Padres have posted since December 6, 2024.

Carmel's victory bumped their record up to 5-3. As for Salinas, their win bumped their record up to an identical 5-3.

Everything went Salinas' way against Carmel when the teams last played back in October of 2019, as Salinas made off with a 55-31 victory. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Padres' Dakota Mornhinweg, who rushed for 92 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 30 receiving yards. Now that he won't be playing on Thursday, will it be easier for the Cowboys to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.