Turlock cornerback Adrian Sandoval knew he'd have to up his game in a Central California Athletic League showdown against Downey High on Friday at Chuck Hughes Stadium in Modesto.

Sandoval did precisely that, with four pass break-ups and a key interception late in the game to help the Bulldogs earn a 24-11 win over the two-time defending champion Knights.

The 5-9, 160-pound senior broke up one long pass that almost certainly would’ve gone for touchdown and his interception came on Downey’s last drive of the night, allowing the Bulldogs to run out the clock and all but clinch their first league title since 2019.

“We utilized a formation that we used last year against pass-heavy offenses,” said Sandoval. “It’s a 4-2-5 and we brought in an extra DB and that’s where I came in. All week in practice were just studying and learning everything so that we’d be prepared for them.”

Sandoval got some assistance from teammate Jeremiah Stine, who played at Downey last year and was familiar with the high-powered Knights’ offensive tendencies.

“Jeremiah was able to tell us who their deep threats were and who would run the small routes,” said Sandoval. “So, I was able to key in on those people.”

After going 0-5 in the preseason against one of the toughest non-conference slates in Northern California, Turlock has won three straight in CCAL play with games against Modesto and Enochs remaining.

“I really appreciate Coach Peterson for putting us up against tough competition like that in the preseason,” said Sandoval. “We’ve really stepped it up. We’ve come together and connected and become like a brotherhood. It worked.”

Age: 16

Grade: Senior

Favorite food: Tacos, because of how much you can do with them.

Favorite class: Ceramics or auto mechanics. I’m planning on going into auto mechanics, but I have more fun in ceramics.

Favorite color: Blue and gold.

Favorite athlete: Troy Polamalu.

Favorite artist: YouTuber James A. Janisse

Favorite car: 1991 Honda Prelude.

Hobbies: Scary movies.

Three songs on my playlist: “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” by Tupac; “Apple Tree” by Erykah Badu; any Lighter Shade of Brown song.

Finish the sentence: I can’t live without … sports.

Finish the sentence: In 10 years I will be … hopefully, working in a trade.