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FresYes!

5 questions

Central stuns Clovis West, Roosevelt stumbles but not out.

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Julian A. Lozano

Sports Writer at FresYes.com
Huge un-biased sports fan, aspiring to become a sports broadcaster. Julian likes the Raiders, SF Giants, and LA Lakers. Born and raised in Fresno, Julian enjoys a good game of Texas Hold'em. He also spends most of his time working, going to school, and spending time with his friends and family.

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*1-18-15 to 1-24-15

Clovis West
Roosevelt lost a heartbreaker on Monday when Ridgeview won by two points to get their 12th of the season. This was only the Rough Riders 3rd loss of the season. At this point their record stands at 16-3, but they have two tough matchups coming up. Roosevelt has to host Sunnyside on 1-28-15 at 6:30pm, then travel to Fresno high on 1-30-15 to play the 17-2 Warriors. Roosevelt has a chance to be the number one team on FresYes at the end of this week if they can win both of these games.

DSC03419
The Central Grizzlies are making a comeback into this week’s top ten with a win against Clovis West on Tuesday. The won comes as a surprise to most, but not to people who know Central’s basketball team. These Grizzlies have size, and speed. They play an up tempo offense that wears teams out. So far Central is undefeated in league play (3-0), and has two league matchups this week. They will play at Clovis North on 1-28-15 at 7:30 pm and at Clovis East on 1-30-15 at 7:30 pm.

DSC03477
Washington Union won their third and fourth games in a row last week. They beat Chowchilla on their home court on Tuesday and at Yosemite High School on Friday. The Panthers were 7-9 two weeks ago, and have now put themselves into the mix with an 11-9 record.

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The Immanuel Eagles have proven that they aren’t a fluke as they have come back from their losses to El Cerrito and Modesto Christian to win 7 in a row, including wins against Centennial, Edison, and Selma. They have an attractive 17-2 record with 8 games left in their regular season. This team can beat division one teams at any time and have a serious case for the number one team on FresYes.

FresYes! Top ten as of 1/27/15
1. Fresno Warriors 16-2
2. Immanuel Eagles 17-2
3. Roosevelt Rough Riders 16-3
4. Clovis West Golden Eagles 13-5
5. Edison Tigers 13-6
6. Central Grizzlies 13-8
7. Selma Bears 13-5
8. Bullard Knights 11-8
9. Fowler Redcats 13-3
10. Caruthers Blue Raiders 10-7

Increase your family’s happiness in 2015

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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Traditions and rituals are a part of family life that help contribute to a sense of identity, belonging and happiness. Though some may, traditions don’t have to require much work or expense, and those that are easiest to implement are most likely to be the ones that stick. Our family has established 5 traditions that I feel have been instrumental in increasing our family’s sense of togetherness and happiness that you too may enjoy adopting within your own family.

1. Taking Walks

walking

We live in Northwest Fresno, in the Bullard High neighborhood and have identified a number of places that make great walking destinations nearby. Dutch Bros coffee, Yodiggity Yogurt, Judy’s Donuts, Walgreens/CVS, Casa Corona, the Bullard Pharmacy, Save Mart, Me-  n-Ed’s Pizza, The Market, Homan Park and Oso de Oro Park – all are in walking reach to us, and we try whenever possible to walk there instead of driving. The time together in the fresh air gives us time to move our bodies, converse and take in the scenery and pass by and greet our neighbors. Spending time outside and frequent exercise are proven to both be mood and health boosters – so why not identify somewhere you can walk (or ride bikes, scooters, etc.) to and try to make it a part of your weekly routine. If your neighborhood doesn’t offer great destinations, consider making a short drive to a place that does (The Clovis Trail, Woodward Park) and set a day that is your family walk day – Sunday afternoons perhaps, as a nice recharge before the week ahead.

2. Family Movie Night

Though we don’t do this every week, we often shoot for at least one Friday night a month to be Family Movie Night. We choose a movie we haven’t seen, that we can all enjoy (thank you God we are finally getting into the phase of childhood in which my son wants to watch live action!) and we usually pick out a special movie snack as well (root beer floats, popcorn with M&Ms, sour belts – whatever feels like a treat). You likely watch movies of your own choosing from time to time, but sharing a movie experience gives you all something fun to talk about. You may even find yourself surprised with how much you enjoy a good, family flick (Holes was a great one for us).

3. Dinner Rituals

Dinner Rituals

My son displays his masterpiece from a homemade pizza night. (Like his “chef” hat?)

Once a week or every other week, I typically plan a breakfast-for-dinner night. I love them because they’re pretty easy on me, cooking wise, the ingredient cost is typically low and my son doesn’t complain about what’s for dinner (a nice change). Furthermore, it gives me a chance to try those fantastic looking breakfast recipes I pin on Pinterest, but don’t have much time to make during the week. Another couple I know has a homemade pizza night, where everyone tops their own pie on Fridays. Yet another family in my circle has taco bar night, and that is much appreciated by their brood. Whatever you choose, pick something you can all enjoy and that lowers your stress so you can enjoy the meal together and skip the “how many bites do I have to eat?” negotiation at least 1 night a week.

4. Yes Day

Have you ever had a Yes Day with your kids? A Yes Day is when you decide in advance that you will go along with pretty much anything they want to do that day (within reason) and just be present in the moment. Taking turns having a Yes Day for each family member gives youngsters the power of choice and provides each family member with a chance to compromise and perhaps even discover joy in doing something they wouldn’t ordinarily do.

5. Commit Random Acts of Kindness

Set a weekly or monthly date to either commit as many Random Acts of Kindness as you can that day and chat about them, or even better – do that and add a family Act of Kindness you plan together. My son absolutely loves bringing a treat or small gift to neighbors, ringing the bell and running off. I am more than happy to help him with that kind of doorbell ditch – and we both have a ton of fun doing it. Bonding over doing good for others contributes to family unity, enjoyment and sets a great example for kids.

Freshly baked cookie delivery/doorbell ditch in action. Blurry picture - but you can still see the joy on his face!

Freshly baked cookie delivery/doorbell ditch in action. Blurry picture – but you can still see the joy on his face!

What are your favorite simple family rituals and traditions? I’m always up for adding more to our life! Do you think you’ll adopt any of the 5 I listed with your own family? Leave me a comment – I love hearing from you!

Have a happy week!

The guys you never hear about . . .

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Julian A. Lozano

Sports Writer at FresYes.com
Huge un-biased sports fan, aspiring to become a sports broadcaster. Julian likes the Raiders, SF Giants, and LA Lakers. Born and raised in Fresno, Julian enjoys a good game of Texas Hold'em. He also spends most of his time working, going to school, and spending time with his friends and family.

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Andrew Quintero with the Kerman Offense

Andrew Quintero with the Kerman Offense

Kerman ready to protect their QB

Kerman ready to protect their QB

 

When you’re watching a football game; and a big play happens; we instantly give credit to the person who scored the touchdown. Hardly anyone wonders how the running back made that run look so easy, or why the quarterback had so much time in the pocket.

The big plays may end with giving credit to the star players, but they wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for good blocking. These offensive linemen may be the most important ingredient to offensive success, yet these are the guys you never hear about.

The offensive line can make or break an offense

The offensive line can make or break an offense

Well, it’s time to pay homage to these guys for all that they do towards the game of football. With a good offensive line, the chances of having a good offense dramatically increase. Their job is so critical; a dropped pass can be overlooked, but a missed block is unforgivable.

Offensive linemen have such a small margin for error, it’s pretty scary. They have to remember each play and work together in unison to make a perfect structure for the running back to follow or quarterback to stand behind. They can make or break an outcome of a game, so it’s possibly the most important position in football!

These guys do a lot of the dirty work as well. Every single play, offensive linemen have to get low and absorb the defenses pressure. Every blitz, every big defensive bull rusher has to go into battle with them on every play. They have to practically make a shooting torpedo come to a standstill. All of this just to protect the “star” players, and make a play function the way it’s intended to.

Chances are, the big name players in high school don’t get those college football scholarships without a good offensive line to protect them. Big name NFL players don’t gain fame without a good offensive line. And good NFL teams don’t become legendary NFL teams without a good offensive line.

Group coordination is essential to become a good offensive line

Group coordination is essential to become a good offensive line

Kerman Lion’s offensive lineman Andrew Quintero states, “It feels good being an offensive lineman. Being with my line means a lot to me because I know the guy next to me is going to have my back. In a way, it does suck that we hardly get recognition but when a play works perfectly, and it’s a touchdown, it’s a good feeling. We hold each other accountable for making our blocks on every play, and our quarter back and running backs thank us for it.”

They must perform under a lot of pressure from every direction

They must perform under a lot of pressure from every direction

Offensive linemen deserve a lot of thanks and praise. Their jobs should never be taken for granted. So next time you watch a football game, don’t forget to scope out the talented blocking. These guys deserve just as much thanks and recognition for a great season as the star players. So thank you, from FresYes!

An offensive line has to take all the pressure coming to them. Big or small.

An offensive line has to take all the pressure coming to them. Big or small.

FresYes! Featured Game of Week 6: #17 (5-0) Madera Coyotes @ #8 (3-2) Bullard Knights

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Julian A. Lozano

Sports Writer at FresYes.com
Huge un-biased sports fan, aspiring to become a sports broadcaster. Julian likes the Raiders, SF Giants, and LA Lakers. Born and raised in Fresno, Julian enjoys a good game of Texas Hold'em. He also spends most of his time working, going to school, and spending time with his friends and family.

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Friday Night Lights at McLane Stadium

Friday Night Lights at McLane Stadium

It was a perfect night for football at Bullard’s homecoming game at McLane Stadium. The day was October 10th 2014, and The Bullard Knights played host to the Madera Coyotes.

Bullard in offensive huddle

Bullard in offensive huddle

The Madera Coyotes are ranked number 17 in the valley. Considering they are undefeated and scoring an average of 48 point per game; The Coyotes should be ranked higher than 17. Two weeks ago, Madera faced their first Top 25 team of the season, Tulare Western, and blew them out with a score of 52-28. The second half of Madera’s schedule is much more difficult for the Coyotes. If they can manage to win tonight against Bullard, Madera will earn serious respect and move up even more in the Top 25 rankings. Jesus Jimenez is Madera’s star running back, and he sure knows how to rack up the yards and touchdowns. Madera will face their hardest test of the season tonight against the Bullard Knights.

Jack Taylor leading his offense

Jack Taylor leading his offense

The Bullard Knights are ranked number 8 in the valley. They have a proven track record of winning big games and containing high powered offenses. In order for them to show dominance they cannot lose tonight. A third loss at the halfway point of the season may put their number eight ranking in question. They may even drop out of the top ten with a loss tonight. They will be playing without their star running back Charles Williams, so Bullard will have to rely on the arm of quarterback Jack Taylor, the hands of wide receiver John Brown, and the legs of the two back up running backs Tanner Van Es and Sidney Washington in this one. To top it all off, Bullard will be playing before a homecoming crowd.

Madera in offensive huddle

Madera in offensive huddle

Bullard received the ball to start the game, but didn’t score until their second drive. A bad snap went over the head of Madera’s punter Brandon Johnson. The ball rolled and rolled and was eventually recovered by Johnson. But Bullard was quick to take the punter down, and get the ball back with good starting field position for the offense. Bullard’s running back Sidney Washington then broke a huge run that got the Knights down to Madera’s three yard line. Then, Sidney Washington finished his own drive off when he ran the ball up the middle for a 3 yard touchdown (7-0). Madera quickly answered back on the following drive when quarterback Nathaniel Nelson scrambled out of the pocket then threw the ball down the field to his big physical receiver Kris Bueno. Bueno caught the ball over the defenders head, broke a tackle, and maintained his balance to run it in for a 46 yard touchdown reception (7-7).

Nathaniel Nelson leading his offense

Nathaniel Nelson leading his offense

Madera took the lead in the second quarter when Evan Rios hit a 21 yard field goal. The field goal came after a long Coyote drive was stopped inside the five yard line (10-7). However the lead wouldn’t last long; Bullard answered back with long drive also. The Knights had a lot of successful running plays that got them down to Madera’s eight yard line. Then, they surprised Madera with a play action (fake hand-off) pass to a wide open Cavughn Stewart. It was an eight yard touchdown pass for Jack Taylor (14-10). That wasn’t all Jack Taylor would do in the second quarter as he tossed an accurate deep pass to John Brown. Brown’s sure hands ensured a 40 yard touchdown pass for Jack Taylor, his second of the game (21-10). As time was about to expire in the second half, Madera did the unthinkable when they brought out Evan Rios to attempt a 51 yard field goal. This is a distance that only the pros can make. The snap and hold was good, the kick was up, and it traveled quite a distance. The kick went through the up rights, and the field goal was good! A 51 yard field goal for Evan Rios (21-13)!

Bullard Linebacker Ben Baker

Bullard Linebacker Ben Baker

Madera received the ball to begin the second half, and disaster immediately struck. Before the smoke can clear from the halftime festivities, Bullard scored a touchdown. Nathaniel Nelson’s pass to his running back was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Knights linebacker Ben Baker. Baker then turned up his speed and ran it in for a 35 touchdown (28-13). On the following kickoff, Madera’s running back Jesus Jimenez had a great return that gave the Coyotes great field position. Jesus Jimenez then finished off his own drive when he ran it up the middle for a three yard touchdown run (28-20). Bullard answered back when John Brown had a good kickoff return of his own. Madera kicker Evan Rios saved the return from being a touchdown. The drive was then stalled and Bullard had to settle for three points. Brandon Simonian made a 35 yard field goal to increase the Knights lead to 11 points (31-20). The following drive for Madera proved to be productive when a huge run by Jesus Jimenez set up a Coyotes field goal. Madera’s Evan Rios hit a 32 yard field goal just before the third quarter ended (31-23).

Madera Wide Receiver Kris Bueno

Madera Wide Receiver Kris Bueno

The Coyotes went wild in the fourth quarter, as the defense played more aggressive. Bullard quarterback Jack Taylor’s pass was dramatically intercepted by Madera. This gave Madera hope that they could actually win this contest, and emotion began to fill their sideline. After the interception, the Coyotes drove the ball down the field and scored. After the Knights bit on the fake handoff, Chris Chapa was wide open in the end zone for an easy eight yard touchdown reception. The failed two point conversion reduced Bullard’s lead just down to two points (31-29). Bullard was unable to do anything with the ball on the next drive, and had to punt it back to Madera with three minutes left. Madera put on a clinic, by completing passes successful runs. They were able to get the ball in field goal range. This set up the biggest field goal of the year for Evan Rios. He was called on the field on fourth down to attempt a 37 yard field goal with just over a minute left in the game. The snap and hold was good, the kick was up, and as always Rios delivered with a successful field goal that went right down the middle (32-31). Madera’s sideline went wild and crazy! But they couldn’t celebrate just yet, as Bullard still had one more chance to win this game. Bullard’s quarterback Jack Taylor completed a huge long pass to receiver John Brown. This put the Madera fans on the edge of their seats. Every play built up the intensity. Madera’s Defense was able to put down the clamps and stop Bullard on fourth down. Time expired, and Madera won 32-31, in a game that was exciting for all four quarters. The prideful Madera fans proudly chanted “six and O”, and “Undefeated”. Bullard falls to 3-3, and Madera stays undefeated at 6-0.

Bullard wide receiver John Brown back to return the punt

Bullard wide receiver John Brown back to return the punt

Bullard was without their star running back Charles Williams, and it seemed to hurt the team. The Knights weren’t able to get first downs as easily, therefore, couldn’t control the tempo of the game. Without Charles Williams, Bullard relied more on the passing game. This enabled Madera to blitz the quarterback more often. The pressure was on QB Jack Taylor the entire night despite his two touchdown passes. Next week Bullard plays Madera South and should win that game. But the three games after that will be against tough teams (Memorial, Sanger, and Edison). I don’t see Bullard going 3-7, but it is possible that they could end up with a non-winning record by the end of the season. The team needs Charles Williams back; he is a major difference maker for the Knights, and their best chance at finishing 7-3 this season.

Madera running back Jesus Jimenez

Madera running back Jesus Jimenez

Madera just defeated their biggest challenge of the season thus far. Nobody really believed Madera could beat Bullard. Nobody really believed Madera was a legitimate undefeated team. After all, their competition wasn’t nearly as talented as Bullard. But why not them? Why not Madera? They have a composed quarterback, two or three talented wide receivers, a beast running back, and an aggressive defense. Madera’s next three opponents (Memorial, Sanger, and Edison) are going to reveal a lot about this Coyote team. Can they remain undefeated? If so, where will they rank at the end of all this? No matter how you slice it, Madera is a team to be reckoned with. The next few weeks will answer how good they truly are compared to the rest of the Central Valley talent.

Why not Madera?

Why not Madera?

Game Notes:
Bullard Knights
Passing- Jack Taylor: 5-14, 103 yds, 2 TD’s, 1 int
Rushing- Tanner Van Es: 16 car, 71 yds
Receiving- John Brown: 2 rec, 76 yds, 1 TD
Madera Coyotes
Passing- Nathaniel Nelson: 15-24, 230 yds, 2 TD’s
Rushing- Jesus Jimenez: 18 car, 112 yds, 1 TD
Receiving- Kris Bueno: 7 rec, 138 yds, 1 TD

Madera game planning on the sideline

Madera game planning on the sideline

Top 25 week 6 results:
(1)Edison 44, (11)Memorial 14 – Edison: D. Lockhart: 15 car, 125 yds, 3 TD’s
(2)Bakersfield 51, Garces 0 – Bakersfield: First shut out of the season
(3)Ridgeview 55, Golden Valley 17 – Ridgeview: Undefeated on the road
(4)Liberty-Bakersfield 38, (24)Frontier 0 – Liberty: First shut out of the season
(5)Clovis North 32, (14)Clovis West 0 – Clovis North: First shut out of the season
(6)Hanford 35, (25)Redwood 21 – Hanford: Remains Undefeated
(7)Lemoore 56, Golden West 31 – Lemoore: Remains Undefeated
(12)Dinuba 17, (9)Central Valley Christian 0 – Dinuba: Michael Wright: 21 car, 186 yds, 1 TD
(10)Central 35, (18)Buchanan 14 – Central: Tamar Johnson: 2 receiving touchdowns
(13)Mission Oak 42, Porterville 20 – Mission Oak: Jeffery DeMacabalin: 24 car, 115 yds
(15)Liberty-Madera 83, Yosemite 7 – Liberty: Wade Wallace: 3 TD’s
(16)Clovis 61, Clovis East 35 – Clovis: Samir Allen: 17 car, 179 yds, 1 TD
(23)Stockdale 16, (19)Centennial 14 – Stockdale: Next game vs. Liberty-Bakersfield
Chavez 27, (20)Bakersfield Christian 10 – Chavez: Damin Avila: 22 car, 128 yds, 1 TD
(22)Tulare Western 28, Delano 2 – Tulare Western: Jordan Padilla: 3 total TD’s
Bye: (21) El Diamante

Madera and Bullard are lined up, ready for action

Madera and Bullard are lined up, ready for action

Other Games:
Hoover 23, Fresno 22 – Hoover: D. Gilchrist: 5 rec, 94 yds, 1 TD
Reedley 22, Roosevelt 21 – Reedley: Kevin Valladares: 13 car, 114 yds, 2 TD’s
Sunnyside 60, McLane 6 – Sunnyside: Malcolm Williams: 21 car, 278 yds, 3 TD’s
Caruthers 64, Minarets 20 – Caruthers: Uriel Arredondo: 12 car, 172 yds, 1 TD
Dos Palos 21, Mendota 20 – Dos Palos: Raphael Stewart: 2 rushing TD’s
Chowchilla 28, Kerman 18 – Chowchilla: Undefeated at home
Firebaugh 34, Tranquility 27 – Firebaugh: Chris Lopez: 5 rec, 104 yds, 1 TD
Sierra 33, Washington Union 21 – Sierra: Tristan Rehorn: 18 car, 108 yds, 2 TD’s
Avenal 28, Coalinga 22 – Avenal: First victory against Coalinga in 23 years
Sanger 41, Madera South 0 – Sanger: two straight shutout victories
Fowler 41, Parlier 13 – Fowler: Thomas Valle: 3 rec, 81 yds, 1 TD

Madera kicker Evan Rios getting ready to attempt the game winning field goal

Madera kicker Evan Rios getting ready to attempt the game winning field goal

Featured game of week 7: Clovis North Broncos @ Clovis East Timberwolves
(Scores, stats, and rankings courtesy of Maxpreps.com, and The Fresno Bee)

"Clutch Time"Evan Rios nailing the game winning field goal.

“Clutch Time” Evan Rios nailing the game winning field goal.

FresYes! Featured Game of Week 4: # 6 (2-1) Clovis West Golden Eagles at # 17 (2-2) Bullard Knights

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Julian A. Lozano

Sports Writer at FresYes.com
Huge un-biased sports fan, aspiring to become a sports broadcaster. Julian likes the Raiders, SF Giants, and LA Lakers. Born and raised in Fresno, Julian enjoys a good game of Texas Hold'em. He also spends most of his time working, going to school, and spending time with his friends and family.

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Clovis West in a huddle before start of second half.

Clovis West in a huddle before start of second half.

Bullard in a huddle

Bullard in a huddle

Central Section Top 25 (before Week 4)
1. (–) Edison Tigers (4-0)
2. (–) Bakersfield Drillers (2-1)
3. (+1) Ridgeview Wolf Pack (3-0)
4. (-1) Clovis North Broncos (2-2)
5. (–) Liberty Patriots (3-1)
6. (+1) Clovis West Golden Eagles (2-1)
7. (+6) Hanford Bullpups (4-0)
8. (+10) Dinuba Emperors (3-1)
9. (–) Lemoore Tigers (4-0)
10. (-4) El Diamante Miners (3-1)
11. (+1) Centennial Golden Hawks (3-1)
12. (-2) Liberty Hawks (4-0)
13. (+3) Central Grizzlies (1-3)
14. (-3) Mission Oak Hawks (3-1)
15. (-1) Central Valley Christian Cavaliers (4-0)
16. (+1) Memorial Panthers (4-0)
17. (-9) Bullard Knights (2-2)
18. (-3) Redwood Rangers (3-1)
19. (–) Clovis Cougars (2-2)
20. (–) Tulare Union Redskins (2-2)
21. (+4) Frontier Titans (2-1)
22. (*) Tulare Western Mustangs (3-0)
23. (–) Buchanan Bears (0-4)
24. (*) Madera Coyotes (4-0)
25. (-3) Sunnyside Wildcats (2-1)
Biggest Jump: Dinuba Emperors
Biggest Drop: Bullard Knights
Outside Looking In: Sanger Apaches
First Top 25 Appearance = *

Bullard in Kickoff formation

Bullard in Kickoff formation

Clovis West in Kickoff formation

Clovis West in Kickoff formation

  • Top 25 Week 5 Results
    (2) Bakersfield 49, Salesian 6 – Bakersfield: Next Game – @ (3) Ridgeview
    (3) Ridgeview 35, Stockdale 12 – Ridgeview: Next Game – vs (2) Bakersfield
    Merced 32, (4) Clovis North 25 – Clovis North: Olorunfunmi – 3 rushing TD’s
    Arroyo Grande 24, (5) Liberty-Bakersfield 21 – A.G.: Jordan Harrigan – 19 car, 107 yds, 1 TD
    (7) Hanford 55, Hanford West 34 – Hanford: Next Game – vs (10) El Diamante
    (8) Dinuba 41, Porterville 10 – Dinuba: Michael Wright – 21 car, 118 yds, 1 TD
    (9) Lemoore 28, (18) Redwood 14 – Lemoore: Reggie Davis – 10 rec, 146 yds, 3 TD’s
    Mt. Whitney 28, (10) El Diamante 22 – Mt. Whitney: Hayden McCaw – 32 car, 194 yds
    (19) Clovis 21, (11) Centennial 10 – Clovis: Adam Prentice – 12 car, 104 yds, 1 TD
    (12) Liberty-Madera 43, Corcoran 14 – Liberty: Wade Wallace – 22 car, 169 yds, 1 TD
    (14) Mission Oak 21, Exeter 7 – Mission Oak: Le’Andre Jefferson – 4 rec, 81 yds, 2 TD’s
    (16) Memorial 42, (25) Sunnyside 14 – Memorial: Stevan Johnson – 4 total TD’s
    (21) Frontier 16, West 7 – Frontier: Next Game – @ (13) Central
    (24) Madera 52, (22) Tulare Western 28 – Madera: Next Game – 10/10 @ (17) Bullard
    Bye: (1) Edison, (13) Central, (15) Central Valley Christian, (20) Tulare Union, (23) Buchanan
Breezy night at McLane Stadium

Breezy night at McLane Stadium

Featured Game: Clovis West vs. Bullard September 25, 2014
The sky was full of clouds, and the wind chill picked up for high school football’s first “cold game” of the season at McLane Stadium. The Bullard Knights played host to Central Section’s number six overall team: The Clovis West Golden Eagles. Both teams with habits of winning were about to face off in a game that neither team could afford to lose. Bullard, who dropped nine spots in the Top 25 after a last second loss to central last week, would lose a third game in this young season if they lost tonight. Clovis West, coming off a Bye week, seeks to regain their winning ways after a three point loss to Turlock two weeks ago where they had allowed 24 unanswered points.

Jordan Mendoza ready to receive the hand off

Jordan Mendoza ready to receive the hand off

Charles Williams lined up in the backfield

Charles Williams lined up in the backfield

Bullard began the first quarter with a long drive that was capped off by a six yard touchdown run by Charles Williams (7-0). Clovis West answered back when quarterback Kordel Hoffman put the ball into the hands of USC prospect Darion Owens for a 63 yard touchdown pass (7-7). The rest of the first quarter featured good defense as neither team was able to get off to a hot start.

Darion Owens back to receive the punt.

Darion Owens back to receive the punt.

The second quarter started similar to the first quarter when Bullard regained the lead with another long drive that was once again capped off with a Charles Williams touchdown run. Williams ran it up the middle for four yards (14-7). Clovis West answered back by recovering an onside kick, then recovering two of their own fumbles, then scoring a touchdown all in the same drive. Kordel Hoffman stood strong in the pocket and delivered a slant pass bullet to Caleb Kelly for a 12 yard touchdown pass. Kelly had a defender draped on him, but was able to complete the catch in traffic (14-14). Bullard answers back by completing a third long drive that was capped off with a Charles Williams touchdown. This one was for two yards. The drive got going in the right track for Bullard after Clovis West committed an unnecessary roughness penalty along the Bullard sideline (21-14). Right before halftime Clovis West managed to cut Bullard’s lead down to four when Nicholas Marrone nailed a 48 yard field goal with the wind against him. The kick had a lot of room and could have gone 15 more yards (21-17).

Clovis West received the ball to begin the second half, and took advantage. The Golden Eagles recovered another one of their fumbles, a bobbled snap, and a huge circus catch all in the same drive. Jordan Mendoza showed his hard running ability when he scored an uncontested three yard rushing touchdown. After a successful two point conversion, Clovis West took their first lead of the game (25-21). Bullard didn’t let that lead last very long when their Knight in shining armor, Charles Williams, broke two tackles and kicked it into third gear to score a 65 yard rushing touchdown (28-25).

Both defenses showed up in the fourth quarter as neither team was able to produce a score. Clovis West had one final play chance, when Kordel Hoffman’s pass was slightly overthrown in the end zone. Bullard kneeled the ball, and ran out the clock. When the time expired, Bullard fans rushed the field in excitement. The Bullard Knights just defeated the number six team in the very competitive Central Section. Bullard improved to 3-2; Clovis West falls to 2-2.

Kordel Hoffman during a timeout

Kordel Hoffman during a timeout

Bullard attempts to block the punt

Bullard attempts to block the punt

Clovis West is very talented team. They have a highly physical, smart running back in Jordan Mendoza. They have a talented wide receiver in Darion Owens. They have a talented running quarterback in Kordel Hoffman. If the Golden Eagles can utilize their weapons effectively, they have a good chance of beating the number one ranked Edison Tigers next week. They need slightly better protection from the offensive line to allow Kordel Hoffman time to find a good open receiver, and to help Jordan Mendoza gain more yards on his runs. Overall, The Golden Eagles have the potential to be Central Valley’s number one team.

Bullard has a standout Jr class. Yes, Jack Taylor and Charles Williams are both in their junior year of high school. These two have good composure and are going to only get better. Charles Williams has speed, and when he gets in the open field he is almost impossible to tackle. Bullard’s defense looked better in this game, and they need to keep that intensity up. Bullard has three tough games coming up when they play Madera, Memorial, and Edison.

Bullard fans passionately into the game

Bullard fans passionately into the game

Game Notes
Bullard Knights
Passing: Jack Taylor- 11-18, 133 yds, 1 int
Rushing: C. Williams- 36 car, 277 yds, 4 TD’s
Receiving: John Brown- 4 rec, 46 yds
Clovis West Golden Eagles
Passing: Kordel Hoffman- 22-34, 266 yds, 2 TD’s
Rushing: Jordan Mendoza- 18 car, 93 yds, 1 TD
Receiving: Darion Owens- 6 rec, 75 yds, 1 TD

 

Other Games
Washington Union 17, Hoover 14 – Wash U.: Noah Beukers – 187 total yards, 2 TD’s
Kerman 41, McLane 22 – Kerman: Andrew Flores – 34 car, 236 yds, 2 TD’s
Fowler 34, Lindsay 14 – Fowler: Izaiah Moreno – 3 total TD’s
Fresno 28, Madera South 21 – Fresno: 3 game winning streak
Roosevelt 20, Selma 19 – Roosevelt: Terrik Perry – 20 car, 98 yds
Aptos 70, Clovis East 27 – Aptos: 13 game winning streak

Featured game of Week 5: Buchanan Bears vs. Porterville Panthers

(scores, stats, and rankings courtesy of: Maxpreps.com, and The Fresno Bee)