Intra-county matchups and Grant-Oak Ridge on tap tonight

As nonleague play enters its final stages, two local matchups along with a marquee pairing headline tonight’s gridiron action. Interest should be sky-high for the Union Mine at Ponderosa and El Dorado at Golden Sierra games — a good opportunity to see four of our area programs square off in two locations. Also, perennial state power Grant visits El Dorado Hills to take on Oak Ridge.

Union Mine (0-3) at Ponderosa (2-0)

A matchup of teams headed in opposite directions. The Bruins preseason plan to gain confidence is working while D’back thoughts of being better at this stage hasn’t materialized.

In proper context, Union Mine’s three opponents are a combined 5-2 while Ponderosa’s are winless, begging the question: should records be tossed when it comes to intra-county rivalry games?

Normally, but the D’backs have yet to get going. They’ve scored just eight points in three games while giving up 126. Flip that for the Bruins who have tallied 108 offensively and surrendered just eight.

The math is against Union Mine in many ways tonight. A big game from running back Sean Tow may not be enough as the Jacob Bist/Jeff Camilli-led Ponderosa are on a roll.

Note: The varsity and JV games are dedicated to Ponderosa’s Fallen Warriors. Last year’s newly erected memorial honored Spc. Matthew Taylor. Tonight, Army Pvt. Lavern Oens, Marine Pvt. Gary Worrell and Army Spc. Gary Meyer will have plaques dedicated in their memory. 

El Dorado (1-2) at Golden Sierra (1-2)

The Cougars took this one last year. Both come in trying to establish good rhythm after similar-type losses a week ago in which mistakes proved costly.

The winner of this one will have momentum going into league play (though the Grizzlies have a bye) and even their record at .500. Each wants to sustain long drives, eliminate turnovers and win the second half.

Expect to see two fired-up teams. The Griz have the home field but this want looks to be close.

Grant (1-2) at Oak Ridge (3-0)

Shocking that a Pacer squad has two losses after just three games … unheard of too. Grant owns a 30-point setback to Nevada Union and a nine-point loss to Burbank, a team the Trojans defeated last year in the playoffs.

Oak Ridge should expect to see a big, well-coached, quick team in the Pacers who’ll see the same across the line of scrimmage.

“We’ve always matched up with them and played them tough,” Trojan coach Eric Cavaliere said. “We’re excited to have them come to our place this year.”

This one will be good. Give the edge to Oak Ridge.

Jerry Heinzer

Jerry Heinzer is going on 12 years as an employee of the Mountain Democrat and is currently the Sports Editor. Contact Jerry at 530-344-5074 or jheinzer@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @ JHeinzerMtDemo on Twitter.

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