Amador County – The cross-county rivals Amador and Argonaut high schools meet this Friday, Nov. 4, in the 2011 Big Game in Jackson.

Amador is statistically eliminated from post-season play, but a win would be good for bragging rights, while an Argonaut win would give the team a better ceding in post-season play, and clinch sole-possession of the Mother Lode League championship. The Mustangs are 4-0 in the MLL.

Max Preps picks the 8-1 Mustangs to win, 48-6. Argonaut has scored 382 points this season, and allowed 175, while Amador has been outscored 258-194, and is 2-7 on the season, 0-4 in the MLL.

Amador, under coach Bill Baker, has had several close losses this year, including a 23-14 loss to Calaveras last week in Sutter Creek.

Amador quarterback Jacob Griffin has passed for 674 yards on 30 completions in 88 attempts. He has thrown 10 touchdowns, with 17 interceptions. Griffin also has 14 rushes for 273 yards.

Justin Nichols leads Amador rushing with 690 yards and 8 touchdowns. Quentin Johnson has 343 yards and 3 TDs, and Spencer Patterson has 273 yards rushing and 2 scores. Cameron Crocker leads Buffalo receiving with 8 TDs on 389 yards receiving this season, and averages 27 yards per catch.

At linebacker, Nichols leads the Amador defense with 74 tackles, including 32 solo; Cody Bennett has 63 tackles (27 solo); and Billy Hartwick has 62 with 27 solo. The defense has 13 sacks, including 3 each by Zack Wilsey, Hartwick, and Bryce Masten-Stewart. The defense also has 5 interceptions, led by Keith Thomas with 2.

Argonaut, under coach Rick Davis, is averaging 357 yards rushing, 86 yards passing and 42 points a game. Since their only loss, in week 4 to Ripon, Argonaut has a 6-game winning streak.

The Mustang ground game has created 3,200 yards and 47 touchdowns, led by Austin Cramer’s 1,132 (125 per game average), with 13 touchdowns. Colton Merriman has 945 yards and 14 scores, and Ryan King has 499 yards rushing and 8 TDs.

Austin Hoyt leads Argonaut receivers with 325 yards on 10 receptions, with 4 TDs. Quarterback Kyle Calais has completed 38 of 61 passes for 779 yards and 8 scores, versus 3 interceptions, for a QB rating of 125.

Mustang linebacker Broc Hayes leads the defense with 74 tackles, 50 solo. Ryan King has 64, (41 solo); and Michael Miguel and Garrett Gray both have 63 tackles. The defense has 13 sacks, led by John Pent’s 5; and 8 interceptions, led by King’s 5.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.