Prep preview: Placer hosts Vista del Lago; Colfax, Bear River, Foresthill are away

There was finally some sense of normalcy around high school football last week as smoke finally clear, allowing games to be played. COVID still caused issues that forced teams to scramble to find new opponents at the last minute, as was the case with Placer-Antelope. The Hillmen found themselves on the wrong end of another shootout, falling to Antelope 41-33. Colfax found its way into the win column by thumping Galt 35-6. Foresthill suffered its first loss at the hands of Portola 27-20. Bear River was once again idle after its game against Pioneer was called off. Here is a preview of this week's games: Vista del Lago (1-1) at Placer (0-2): The Hillmen may be one of the best 0-2 teams in the section. Their schedule has done them no favors, and that is no exception this week. Placer welcomes another top-five Division III opponent to Auburn on Friday night in Vista del Lago. The Eagles are 1-1 with a win over Casa Roble and a loss to Granite Bay. Placer will need another big night from Lavelle Davis, who has run for an even 400 yards and eight touchdowns. Vista brings another high-powered offense up the hill, which will challenge the Hillmen defense. If Placer's defense can clean up some mistakes, they can get themselves into the win column. Prediction: Vista del Lago 42, Placer 38. Colfax (1-1) at Nevada Union (1-1): This will be one of the more interesting games this weekend, as the Falcons face a tough opponent in Nevada Union. Both squads enter the game at 1-1, with two very different results. The Miners will need a big night from quarterback and linebacker Gabe Baker, who stands at a towering 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds. Colfax, on the other hand, will need another standout performance from its defense, which has been solid through two games. The Falcons will need their offense to have another strong showing in this one with big performances from Noah Souza, Luke Green and Malaki Thompson. Prediction: Colfax 21, Nevada Union 17. Bear River (0-0) at Liberty Ranch (0-1): It has taken four weeks, and the Bruins are still hoping to open the season. Bear River will travel to Galt for a matchup with Liberty Ranch. The Hawks lost their opener to Linden. The Bruin defensive front will need to stop Liberty Ranch's run-heavy offense. After three weeks of smoke and COVID cancellations, Bear River will be excited to get things going. There will be first-game mistakes that haunt every team, but the Bruins' hunger to get onto the field should drive them to a victory. Prediction: Bear River 27, Liberty Ranch 20. Foresthill (2-1) at Delta Charter (0-1): The Wildfires suffered their first setback last week, as they were extinguished by Portola. They will hit the road again Saturday for a matchup with Delta Charter in Tracy. The Dragons are 0-1 following a tough 57-8 loss to Woodland Christian. Foresthill has seen strong offensive showings from its running back duo of Kiernan Hammer and Matt Nance, and Ben Mercado has proven to be a reliable arm under center. Behind the big Foresthill line, those three should have no problem this weekend. Prediction: Foresthill 42, Delta Charter 6.