Hilmar lost against Sonora back in September of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Hilmar Yellowjackets took a 45-28 bruising from the Sonora Wildcats. While losing is never fun, the Yellowjackets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 378th, while the Wildcats are ranked 105th).
When it comes to explaining why Hilmar lost, don't look at Caden Bailey. Despite the final result, he rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns on only 15 carries. Bailey is becoming a predictor of Hilmar's success: when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Merek Ellerd, who threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
Even though they lost, Hilmar was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 204 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 204 rushing yards in three consecutive matchups.
Sonora's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Eli Ingalls led the charge by rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing for 40 yards and a touchdown. Those 123 rushing yards gave Ingalls a new career-high. Cash Byington also helped out as he racked up 112 rushing yards.
Hilmar's record is now 3-3. As for Sonora, the win for them keeps them at an undefeated 6-0.
Hilmar will look to defend their home field on Friday against Orestimba at 7:00 p.m. Orestimba is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 36.7 points per game this season. As for Sonora, they will head out on the road to square off against Hughson at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Hughson is on a three-game streak of home wins, Sonora a six-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season)-- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the field.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
