Chowchilla, Los Banos can win league titles this week. Tribe facing nation’s top rusher
Chowchilla High School head coach Alex Pittz and his coaching staff have been preparing his guys for a game like this for 10 months.
The Tribe have had to overcome the loss of starting quarterback Benson Soares this season. Soares injured his knee in the first game of the season and had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Junior Davian Stephenson stepped in, giving the Tribe a dual threat at quarterback.
On Friday night, Chowchilla will host Caruthers with the Northwest Sequoia League championship on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Henry Massaro Stadium in Chowchilla.
Both teams come in with a record of 6-2 overall and 5-0 in league.
“I told our guys this is why I’ve been pushing them so hard since January,” Pittz said. “It’s to prepare for weeks like this. This is championship football.”
It’s not the only Merced-area game with title implications.
Los Banos (7-1, 5-0 Western Athletic Conference) will host Lathrop (6-2, 5-0) for the WAC championship at Loftin Stadium.
“The kids know what is at stake this week,” said Los Banos coach Dustin Caropreso, whose team is trying to win a second consecutive WAC championship before leaving for the Central California Conference next season.
“There’s a lot at stake,” Caropreso added. “You’ve got the WAC championship. If we win out we could possibly get a first-round bye (in the playoffs). Our kids are ready.”
Chowchilla facing nation’s leading rusher
Chowchilla’s defense will have the tough task of trying to contain Caruthers senior Hunter Babb, who leads the nation in rushing with 2,356 yards to go along with 34 total touchdowns, which are tied for fourth in the country, according to MaxPreps.
“He’s absolutely a stud,” Pittz said. “They’ll run counter to keep you honest, but it’s his show. He’s the guy.”
Babb has done his damage this year from quarterback in the Blue Raiders’ shotgun double wing offense.
Last year, Babb rushed for 312 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-12 win over Chowchilla. He finished his junior year with 2,007 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
“Babb does a good job of letting blocks take place,” Pittz said. “They are really good up front. They’re not overly big but their get-off is incredible. If he finds a crease, he’s gone.”
Chowchilla can counter with its offense that has averaged over 38 points per game. Stephenson has thrown for 763 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 429 yards rushing and six touchdowns.
Running back Dwayne Hemphill is coming off a game in which he finished with over 100 yards rushing and receiving last week against Minarets. The junior has rushed for 606 yards and six touchdowns.
Pittz says his team has earned this opportunity to play for a league championship.
“It’s a testament to the kids’ perseverance and their ability to overcome adversity,” Pittz said. “Our first-string quarterback tore his ACL on the second drive of the season. Davion, who probable took five snaps at quarterback all summer, is now running the show and he’s probably up for our league player of the year.”
Los Banos going for back-to-back titles
The Tigers are trying to close out two consecutive undefeated runs through the WAC before leaving for the CCC next year.
“This year we’ve taken everyone’s best shot,” Caropreso said. “It started with Mountain House, Johansen and Ceres. It’s good for our kids to get this opportunity.”
The Tigers have been clicking on offense, averaging over 32 points per game. Leading the way has been third-year quarterback David Herrera, who has thrown for 1,159 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 990 yards and 10 more scores.
“It’s huge to be able to put the ball in his hands at the end of the game if we need it,” Caropreso said. “I have all the confidence in the world he is going to get it done. The last three games he’s been thriving running and throwing the ball.”
Tigers running back Joel Alvarenga has helped keep teams from keying in on Herrera, rushing for 860 yards and eight touchdowns.
Cole Ramos has helped lead the defense with 68 tackles and five sacks and defensive lineman Jett Lindeman has added 55 tackles and eight sacks.
“This senior class has been the best group to coach in my 12 years as head coach,” Caropreso said. “There is no complaining. They just come out and get done what they need to get done.”
Games with week
Buhach Colony at Merced
Central Valley at Atwater
Golden Valley at Patterson
Lathrop at Los Banos
Pacheco at Beyer (Thursday)
Ripon at Hilmar
Livingston at Modesto Christian
Big Valley Christian at Stone Ridge Christian
Ripon Christian at Gustine
Le Grand at Delhi
Mariposa at Waterford
Caruthers at Chowchilla
Firebaugh at Dos Palos
