Hayward and Pinole Valley will clash for the sixth straight year in a non-league contest this Friday night, and both programs expect to see more of the same as in previous years, meaning a hard-fought battle and a game decided by a small margin.
"Each time our teams meet, it is a close game that is decided in the fourth quarter," said Pinole Valley coach Luke Bodwin. "They have size, speed and experience and we will need to be ready because we know who they are."
Hayward prepped for its season opener with last week's scrimmage at Clayton Valley, which also featured San Leandro. Farmers' head coach Justin Redemer singled out Eric Braziel, Nelson Suisala and Lopati Stotler as players who stood out in that scrimmage, but Hayward's keys to this game are familiar for a program which prides itself on playing physical football.
"We need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides, rally to the football and win the turnover battle," Redemer said. "Pinole forces you to be disciplined defensively and forces you to execute offensively by keeping the ball in front of them. They have some big linemen, athletic skill players and they are always a tough matchup."
Last season, Pinole quarterback Demari Davis ran wild in the season opener against the Farmers, racking up 256 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in a 34-27 Spartans' victory. Davis is graduated now, though, with senior Elijah Mercer-Hursh stepping in with a cast of athletes surrounding him. That includes sophomore receiver Devon Gordon plus running backs Omar Van Ness and Nacarre Turner. Jeremiah Phillips and Nathanael Robles anchor both lines.
"We have to be efficient with young offensive newcomers who are short on varsity game reps," Bodwin added. "We need to adjust defensively to Hayward's run game and contain their playmakers outside and in the backfield. For us, they are a familiar opponent who makes no mystery about establishing physical football."
In addition to last year's seven-point win for Pinole Valley, the previous game was a three-point win for the Spartans, while Hayward posted a 16-12 victory in 2016.
