Modesto Central Catholic High School brought the Hilmar Yellowjackets back to earth, ending Hilmar's 6 game winning streak 23-7, in a somewhat sloppy and penalty filled victory at Hilmar's McSweeney Field.
This was Hilmar's biggest game since the Yellowjackets joined the Western Athletic Conference three years ago. The frustration of big offensive plays nullified by some questionable penalties raised the intensity level for both teams.
Hilmar's tough run defense forced Central to rely on it's passing game and junior QB Dylan Swartz responded by completing 16 of 23 for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The hard hitting affair was in doubt until T. J. Belton returned an interception for a touchdown for the Raiders on the games final play.
Hilmar commited 6 turnovers and failed to reach the red zone in the second half.Central opened the scoring with a Swartz to James Orth 8 yard T.D. pass in the first quarter. Hilmar responded with a Christian Azevedo to Carl Jameson 45 yard T.D. pass tying things up at 7-7.
Sebastion Hernandez booted a 34 yard field goal late in the second quarter giving Central a 10-7 lead at halftime.
After holding Hilmar on it's opening 3rd quarter possession, Central drove 75 yards with Swartz hitting David Biscevic with an 8 yard T.D. pass ,extending the Raider's lead to 17-7.
Although moving the ball sporadically, Hilmars' turnovers proved to be their undoing. Centrals' hard hitting defense also contributed to Hilmars' turnovers. Central db/wr Phil Martinez played a fine game on defense and killed a Hilmar drive when he made a perfectly timed jump on an interception late in the 3rd quarter.
The game stayed tight untill Belton's final play interception sealed the victory for the Raiders.
Hilmar physicslly matched up well againest Central Catholic and a rematch come playoff time would be a great game.Central's next big test will be in Patterson in 2 weeks. Central's record is 6-1 overall and 2-0 in WAC conference play while Hilmar fell to 6-1 and 1-1 in the conference.
