Defense leads Merced to Yogurt Mill glory

Merced High fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and had to overcome a 20-6 halftime deficit before defeating Casa Roble 38-26 on the road to reach the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV semifinals.

It was the second consecutive week that Merced’s ball-hawking defense intercepted five passes, giving them 24 picks for the season.

Alfonso Gary had a pick-six that gave the Bears a two-score lead and Jeremiah Emanuel Robinson had two interceptions. 

Quincey Collins and Nate Mendoza had the other picks for Merced.

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