Prep football preseason games open in Week 1

Union Mine High opens its season tonight, while three other local teams ready for battle in their second week of action.

The Diamondbacks begin on the road at El Camino, Ponderosa takes Highway 49 to Grass Valley for a game against Nevada Union, and two teams play at home. Oak Ridge hosts Rocklin and Golden Sierra welcomes Hiram Johnson. El Dorado has a bye.

The Trojan-Thunder game is a marquee matchup between two solid programs but the nod for game of the week goes to the Golden Sierra-Hiram Johnson contest after Golden Sierra's impressive win over favored Capital Christian last Friday.

The Grizzlies and Union Mine kick off at 7:30 p.m. while the Trojans and the Bruins get underway at 7:15.

Hiram Johnson 

at Golden Sierra (1-0)

The Grizzlies will feel as if they're staring into a mirror — both teams field just 20 players. The difference will be recent team history — the Warriors were 1-9 last year and 0-10 the year before, while Golden Sierra came within a win of competing for a section title last season.

Another factor is the points for/against ratio. Johnson has scored just 170 points in its last 20 games and surrendered 853.

The Griz did a lot of things well on both sides of the ball in last week's season-opening win over Capital Christian and have momentum taking the field tonight. Pick them to win.

 Rocklin (1-0)

at Oak Ridge (1-0)

The Trojans' second-week road victory last year over the Thunder was a pleasant surprise considering Rocklin was a state runner-up the season before.

Both come into this game after winning their season openers. Oak Ridge quarterback Jason Samuels had a good outing last Friday in his varsity debut against Vista del Lago but Rocklin will be more of a test.

Troy has home field advantage and that could carry the day.

Union Mine  

at El Camino (0-1)

The Eagles gave up 61 points to Colfax last week — 277 yards through the air — which will likely be a factor in how the Diamondbacks approach tonight's opener. Then again, El Camino's balanced offense put up 30.

With a year of varsity experience, Union Mine's savvy quarterback, Graham Bennett, will have success against the Eagle secondary if his receivers step up and make the plays. Running back Sean Tow is capable of big numbers when his name is called and is also one of Bennett's targets.

The D'backs needed to fill some holes on both sides of the ball due to graduation but if they've done that, they're good for the win tonight.

Ponderosa (0-1)

at Nevada Union (1-0)

Last week the Miners came on strong in a victory over McQueen from Reno while the Bruins faded early in their loss to Elk Grove. Nevada Union doesn't have the punishing ground attack the Thundering Herd displayed but compensates with the passing game.

Not only was Ponderosa's loss to Elk Grove disappointing, not scoring a single point was unexpected. Nevada Union will be favored tonight, but if the Bruins find something positive in the game to build on, it could help the team turn the season around.