GUSTINE — The Gustine Reds will return to home turf Friday night for a Southern League football matchup against the Waterford Wildcats. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. at Gustine High School.

Both teams enter the contest looking to shake off slow starts in league play. Gustine holds a 2-4 overall record and is 0-2 in league, while Waterford sits at 3-3 overall and also winless in league at 0-2.

Despite recent setbacks, Gustine has shown flashes of individual talent. Running back Crue Correa (#7) leads the Reds with 63.8 rushing yards per game. Eric Navarro (#1) has contributed 13.3 passing yards per game, while Daniel Navarro (#2) leads the receiving corps with 44.0 yards per game.

On defense, Luke Avila (#37) has been a standout with 9.3 tackles per game, and Justin Lopes (#50) has chipped in with 0.3 sacks per game. Joao Palomino (#21) is also a key all-around contributor, averaging 69.8 total yards per game, according to MaxPreps.

Waterford counters with a balanced attack led by Alex Wolfe (#6), who averages 79.8 rushing yards per game, and Damien Tellez (#13), who throws for an average of 105.4 yards per game and racks up 126.6 total yards per game on average. Receiver Tyree Duncan (#1) adds 38.8 receiving yards per game on average, and leads the team in scoring with 4.0 points per game, according to MaxPreps.

The teams last met in 2023, when Gustine edged out Waterford in a 44-41 shootout. While this year’s matchup doesn’t carry playoff implications, it offers both squads a chance to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

After Friday’s game, Gustine will face Stone Ridge Christian, Delhi, Denair, and Mariposa County. Waterford shares a similar schedule, making this week’s contest a valuable opportunity to regroup and refine execution.