Inside the Game: Madera South 39, Pacheco Panthers 28

Player of the game: The Madera South coaching staff found something that the Bullard defense was giving them and exploited it for the rest of the game — the quick slant. Quarterback Jonah Johnson found Jaylan Neal 11 times for a school record 171 yards. Neal was targeted 16 times and came down with a school-record number of receptions, including a long of 32 yards to help set up all three second half touchdowns. He averaged 15 yards per catch and nine of his catches went for first downs.

Unsung hero of the game: Brandon Mora is one of the emotional leaders of the Madera South football team. Throughout the game, he was urging his team not to give up and to keep battling until the end. He contributed on both sides of the ball, carrying the ball seven times for 16 yards. He also had two tackles on defense, but his biggest contribution is his passion and the Stallions will need that for their final two games of the regular season.

Play of the game: In the fourth quarter, the Stallions, who have been driving all game long on the Bullard defense, took the ball down the field. After hitting Neal with slant passes, they went deep. Johnson sent a ball down the field and Neal ran under the ball to make a diving reception at the six-yard line. Johnson completed the drive two plays later with his third touchdown run of the game.

Drive of the game: The Stallions racked up more than 200 yards of total offense against Bullard in the first half and came away with no points. With the first possession of the second half, it was imperative for the Stallions to come away with some points to gain some much needed confidence. The Stallions did just that, driving 80-yards on 15-plays for their first score of the game, highlighted by the running of Johnson and receiving of Neal. Johnson hit Neal for 11 yards on third-and-eight and Neal again for 15 yards. Another pass completion on third down to Neal moved the ball to the 40-yard line. After two Maurice McClain runs, Johnson hit, who else, Neal for a 14-yard gain and a first down to the 19-yard line. Johnson carried for 13 yard to the eight. Three plays later, Johnson carried the ball in from a yard out for the Stallions’ first score.