It was a big opening week for Southern Athletic League (SAL) football teams, with some big statement games from the top part of the league, while some weaknesses were also exposed.

Summerville 32, Mariposa 12: In the Thursday game, Mariposa encountered one of the top offensive powers in the section, defending Mother Lode League champ Summerville. Zach Roberson and Tyler Gold put up big numbers as the Bears combined air/ground attack overwhelmed the undersized Grizzlies. Mariposa finally got its offense on-track in the second half by spreading the field, but the pre-conference schedule does not get any easier.

Le Grand 56, Tranquility 6: The defending SAL Champs opened with a big statement game against small school power Tranquility. With only four carries, SAL MVP Bob Perez had 157 yards and two TD'. The big Bulldogs dominated on both sides of the ball, holding THS to under 100 yards total offense.

McLane 40, Delhi 0: The Fresno School broke a 30-game losing streak against the Hawks in a convincing fashion last Friday. Once again, the Hawks could not post an effective offensive attack, and their defense was extremely porous.

Waterford 28, Hughson 3: In their second straight impressive win, the Wildcats beat their larger neighbor for the first time in school history. With Wade Hawkins at QB and a pack of ball carriers, the ‘Cats have an effective and balanced offense that has been posting big numbers on both the stat-sheet and scoreboard. The defense has also been stellar, only allowing nine points in two games.

Denair 50, Riverbank 6: Denair's statement? Yep, we're as good as they say. The Coyotes put up some mind-numbing offensive numbers rushing and passing against the hapless Bruins. Denair's defense was never really tested, but only giving up one score is an answer in itself.

Bret Harte 35, Gustine 6: The young Reds actually played quite well in the first half, only allowing a couple of Bullfrog scores on turnovers. But the BH dominance of the line-of-scrimmage began to take effect in the third quarter when it exploded for 21 points. The Reds’ lack of experience and depth was the deciding factor as they were worn down by the larger, deeper Bullfrogs.

Big Valley 35, Turlock Christian 13: Big Valley Christian beat its second SAL team in as many weeks, defeating the Eagles in convincing fashion. TC took the early lead, but BVC responded with 21 in the second quarter to put the game away.

Riverbank @ Delhi: This could be the only chance either of these teams have for a win, so it is important. Riverbank has been thumped the last couple of weeks by SAL teams, while Delhi has yet to score. Calpreps says Riverbank will win 31 to 12. I feel it will be Riverbank by 14.

Denair @ Bret Harte: This should be a good one. The Frogs were down last year in the tough MLL, but had an impressive win over Gustine. With perhaps the league's best offense, Denair will have a defensive test for the first time this season. Denair is projected as a 34 to 28 favorite by Calpreps. I'll say Denair by over 7.

Argonaut @ Gustine: Once again, the Reds face a MLL opponent, but unlike Bret Harte, Argonaut is expected to be in the hunt. The young Reds will once again take their lumps, but need to use these tough matches as a learning experience. Calpreps says 44 to 8, Argonaut. I see it Argonaut by over 30.

Ripon Christian @ Ripon: Two community teams battle in a back yard brawl. Even though they are no longer in the same conference, this is still a key game for both. Calpreps says Ripon 38 to 12. I feel Ripon will win comfortably, by over 21.

Turlock Christian. @ Elliot Christian: Normally, TC would be a favorite in this game, but the Eagles had some serious problems exposed last Friday. TC needs to take this one to build momentum. Calpreps calls any game closer than three points a toss-up. If TC wants to be out of the bottom half, they need to win, so I call it Turlock Christian by 7.

Big Valley @ Waterford: BVC is 2-0 against SAL opponents up to this point. Waterford has played very well in its first two games, with a good, balanced offense and tenacious defense. Calpreps says the Wildcats will win a “pick-em.” I feel Waterford is better than that, by at least 14-points.

Mariposa @ Orestimba: The Warriors have been rolling offensively behind the Pious twins, and the passing game will once again test the small Grizzly secondary. But OHS does not have the size or speed that Mariposa faced last week. The Grizzlies have a brutal non-league schedule, and need this one to avoid entering league play at 0-3. Calpreps favors Mariposa. I also like the Grizzlies by 7.

Livingston @ Le Grand: The marquee match-up of the week sees the Wolves coming off their upset of defending state champion Modesto Christian rolling into Le Grand for the Bulldogs’ home opener. It will be power against speed, an up-tempo offense against a physical defense. Calpreps says the cross-county rivalry will go to Livingston 35 to 14. I don't know. The 'Dogs rolled up some impressive numbers against Tranquility, and they are tough against the rush. I'll say Livingston by 10.