Escalon will host Calaveras on Friday night, with both teams coming in at 1-0 on the young campaign.

Kickoff will be about 7:30 p.m. and varsity head coach Mark Loureiro said Calaveras is not only a well-coached team but an athletic one that handled the Cougars last season when they traveled to San Andreas. Jason Weatherby returns as head coach for Calaveras.

“They beat El Capitan, 44-21, they return eight starters on offense, six on defense, they’re an excellent football team,” Loureiro said. “We know this will be a real physical test for us.”

Returning are quarterback Kyle Byrd, 6-2, 195; fullback/linebacker Logan Weatherby, 6-0, 195; running back/defensive back Triston Madsen, 5-9, 175; and running back/linebacker Chance Norton, 5-9, 185.

Another top two-way starter for Calaveras is center/defensive tackle John Kelley, 5-11, 240; with the team’s top receiver Trey Ringlein checking in at 5-8, 185. Defensive/offensive lineman Victor Moore, 5-10, 225 and guard William Vernon, 5-10, 195, will also make things tough up front for the Cougars.

“They are one of the top small schools in the area,” Loureiro said of the Calaveras team. “We expect a tight ball game; we hope to keep it close, look for a chance to win.”