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.
