Two dominant signal callers in Merek Ellerd and Jacob Valenzuela are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Hilmar Yellowjackets will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Orestimba Warriors at 7:00 p.m.
Last Friday, Hilmar ended up a good deal behind Sonora and lost 45-28. 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).
Hilmar might have lost, but man, Caden Bailey was a machine: he rushed for 167 yards and two touchdowns on only 15 carries. Bailey really tore up the turf during one magnificent 80-yard run. The team also got some help courtesy of 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 matches.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Orestimba, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They had just enough and edged Ripon out 10-7. The ten-point effort marked the Warriors' lowest-scoring contest of the season, but in the end it didn't matter.
Hilmar's defeat dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Orestimba, their victory was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 5-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Hilmar has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 166.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Orestimba struggles in that department as they've been averaging 180.3. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
