The Division 5 Turlock Christian Eagles (1-2) matched up against the much larger Division 1 Chavez High Titans (1-2) on Friday and lost their final preseason game, 47-0.

“Even though it was a big loss we learned a lot of things,” said TC coach Rusty Lyon.

Turlock Christian sophomore quarterback Chase Gonzalez played well in the loss, finishing 15 for 30 for 127 yards passing. Senior tight end Micah Larsson had another solid performance, with five catches for 44 yards. Junior runningback Casey Franco also had a successful night with several “nice” runs, though stats for his performance were unavailable.

TC took advantage of a bye week for their junior varsity squad to call up some players to bolster the varsity lineup, and all performed well, according to Lyon. Their presence was needed as the Eagles were hamstrung by injuries in the first half – though none were season-ending.

The Eagles will open Southern League play against the Waterford High School Wildcats (3-0) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Waterford.

Hilmar falls to Buhach Colony

A week after losing starting junior quarterback Andrew Olson to a season-ending wrist fracture, the Hilmar High Yellowjackets (2-2) lost their final preseason game to the Buhach Colony Thunder (3-0) by a score of 45-14.

Olson’s replacement, senior Isaac Diaz, played well in the loss, scoring a touchdown on a 1-yard pass to senior running back Nate Azevedo. Junior runningback Jeremy Nickelsen ran in from one yard out for the Yellowjacket’s other score. Junior kicker Kurtis Bettencourt succeeded on both PATs.

Despite the rough loss to the D1 Thunder, who play in the Central California League, Hilmar coach Frank Marques said his team is ready for league play to start next week. The Yellowjackets will kick off their Trans-Valley League season against the Ripon High Indians (2-1, prior to this week) at 5:30 p.m. Friday, in Ripon.

Coyotes lose to Bears in preseason game

The Denair High Coyotes (1-2) lost to the Summerville Bears (2-1), 32-7, on Friday.

Denair’s lone touchdown came in the first half on a 67-yard pass from junior quarterback Jim Atkinson to senior wide receiver Trevor Werner. Atkinson finished 11 for 27 for 165 yards passing, with Werner reeling in the lion’s share of those passes with seven catches for 152 yards. Atkinson was also the Coyotes’ top rusher, with 23 yards.

While Denair was still in the game at the close of the first quarter, down just 12-7, they would not score again while the Bears tallied up 20 more points before the half. Neither team scored after halftime.

Defensively, junior defensive lineman Jacob Gauthier recovered a Summerville fumble for Denair’s only turnover.

Denair will play at home to open their Southern League season against the Delhi Hawks (1-1, prior to this week) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.