MPC-Merced football

Saturday's game
MPC (4-1) at Merced (2-3), 1 p.m.
 Whether it was a wake-up call or the Lobos just ran into a hot Yuba program, they are no longer undefeated this fall.
 The good news is it was a non-conference loss, meaning MPC is still among four teams undefeated in the American Golden Coast Conference.
 Among them is Merced, who has won two straight after an 0-3 start. If the scenario sounds familiar, it's because last week MPC faced a Yuba team that had won three straight after an 0-2 start.
 It their last two games the Bobcats have been MPC like, averaging 44 points a game - which is what the Lobos season average is.
 Two weeks ago quarterback Darrion Cole threw for 208 yards and a touchdown for Merced while running back Leka Lotulelei rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
 MPC, who was leading the state in scoring before last week's 34-20 setback to Yuba, fell to seventh overall.
 Christopher Lubinsky has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns this season for the Lobos while Hunter Nye has rushed for 618 yards and eight touchdowns.
 Nye, who prepped at San Benito, is also MPC's second leading receiver with 17 catches while Isaiah Kearney has caught a team high 29 catches for 463 yards and two touchdowns.
 Lubinsky has spread the ball around the field as six different players have found the end zone this fall, including Caleb Countryman, who has turned five of his 14 catches into touchdowns.
 Dylan Lykins has a team leading 44 tackles for the Lobos while Robert Winegate has eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. Denzel Hayes has four picks for 128 return yards, including a pick six.