Hartnell-Merced football

Saturday's game
Hartnell (4-0) at Merced (2-2), 7:30 p.m.
 While we're still waiting for the Panthers ground game to materialize, Justyn Gutierrez has been off the charts with 1,093 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in four games.
 Of course, it helps having one of the nations top receivers in Ronnie Turner. Complimenting him on the other side has been Eppy Henrigue and Skye Keller.
 Hartnell,who has had a tailback rush for over 1,000 yards in five straight season, doesn't have a back with over 100 yards on the season.
 That could change as Marcus Washington continues his comeback after being hit by a car just before the start of the season.
 Washington showed flashes last week with 57 yards on 13 carries. He also caught five passes out of the backfield.
 Not that Hartnell needs a reminder, but Merced sent the reigning four-time conference champions to their only regular season loss last year.
 After opening the season with two impressive wins, Merced has dropped its last two games by three and five points.
 Merced has used two different quarterbacks this year while tailback Josh Stevens is averaging over 100 yards rushing a game.
 Defensively, the Panthers strength has been the front four with Hildelv Manzuar and Justing Pleasont creating havoc along with linebacker Reggie McGee.
 Merced's defense has forced 11 turnovers this year. But the offense has coughed it up eight times.