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FresYes!

5 questions

Immanuel and Fresno High unstoppable; Central making a late run.

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)

*1-25-15 to 1-31-15

Fresno HS Basketball

 

The big matchup took place this week between Fresno and Roosevelt high school (1-30-15). Roosevelt got past Sunnyside earlier in the week (1-28-15), but couldn’t carry the momentum into the game with -Fresno High as they lost to the Warriors 67-56. The Fresno Warriors will have another matchup against Sunnyside this week (2-6-15) at Sunnyside high school; tip-off is at 6:30 pm.

Fresno HS Basketball

 

After a loss to the hands of fowler on (1-23-15), the Caruthers Blue Raiders got back into the winning side with a victory over Fresno Christian (1-27-15). Their game against Parlier was postponed due to fog, and is rescheduled for later this month. Caruthers is the sole Division 5 representative on the FresYes Top Ten. They have a big rematch against Fowler on 2-10-15 at Fowler High School; tip-off is at 7:30 pm.

Fresno HS Basketball

 

For the first time ever, The Firebaugh Eagles will make an appearance in the FresYes Top Ten. They have a respectable 19-4 record. They currently have a five game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 12 contests. If they manage to win the rest of their games, they will have an impressive 24-4 record.

Fresno HS Basketball

 

The Selma bears enter the FresYes Top Ten with a 15-5 record. They were defeated by Immanuel High School (1-23-15), but came back nicely to beat Dinuba and Central Valley Christian this past week. They will have another chance to beat Immanuel on 2-11-15 at Immanuel High School; tip-off is at 7:30 pm.

Fresno HS Basketball

 

Central High School completed their first half of league play with a sweep against all five Clovis schools. This week they defeated Clovis North on (1-28-15), then Clovis East on (1-30-15). Earlier in January, the mighty Grizzlies defeated Buchanan, Clovis West, and Clovis. Central has a big game at Clovis West on (2-6-15); tip-off is at 7:30 pm.

Fresno HS Basketball

 

FresYes! Top Ten

  1. Immanuel Eagles 19-2
  2. Fresno Warriors 19-2
  3. Roosevelt Rough Riders 17-4
  4. Edison Tigers 15-6
  5. Central Grizzlies 15-8
  6. Clovis West Golden Eagles 13-6
  7. Selma Bears 15-5
  8. Fowler Redcats 15-3
  9. Firebaugh Eagles 19-4
  10. Caruthers Blue Raiders 11-7

(Scores, and stats courtesy of Maxpreps.com)

 

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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)

*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.

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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.

DSC03660
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

Roosevelt and Fresno stay dominant; Clovis West and Central prepare to face off.

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)

*1-11-15 to 1-17-15

Selma is 12-4

Selma is 12-4

The Immanuel Eagles have recovered well after losing two games in a row a couple weeks ago. Last week, they beat a good Centennial team who has beat some of Fresno’s best teams, and this week they beat Liberty-Bakersfield who is also accustomed to winning. The Eagles will have another tough test this week when they play Edison on Monday the 19th. The special MLK showcase will take place at The College of the Sequoia’s at 7:30 p.m.

Selma defeated Washington Union to win 5 of their last 6 games.

Selma defeated Washington Union to win 5 of their last 6 games.

You don’t really hear much about division 5 teams, but the Sierra Chieftains are making some noise. The Chieftains have a good 7-4 record and will have to prove something in their upcoming games. They have three games on their schedule that will define their greatness against Kerman, Liberty-Madera, and Washington Union. Either Sierra High School will experience defeat for the first time in about a month, or they will pull off huge upsets against “bigger” schools.

Sunnyside also beat Madera South.

After only losing one game in December and nearly owning the number 1 spot in the FresYes! rankings, The Madera South Stallions have experienced a meltdown. They have lost 4 games in a row, and 5 of their last 7. The Stallions need to turn it around while they still have the chance. The team plays well, and have great potential. They just need more focus.

The Warriors beat Buchanan.

The Warriors beat Buchanan.

Fresno and Roosevelt have been playing lights out. Both teams are 13-2, and will have a show down on 1-30-15. But before that showdown happens, both teams need to maintain dominance for the next week. Both teams will have to get through The Sunnyside Wildcats first. Fresno plays Sunnyside on 1-21-15 at Fresno High at 6:30 pm. Then Roosevelt will play Sunnyside on 1-28-15 at Roosevelt at 6:30 pm.

Central defeated West-Bakersfield

Central defeated West-Bakersfield

Clovis West continues to play good basketball. They have yet to lose to a Fresno/Clovis team. They played Clovis North to the wire and won a buzzer beater. This week they will play Central who has enough talent to beat them. The game will take place Tuesday at Central High School at 7:30 pm.

Sunnyside defeated Clovis East

Sunnyside defeated Clovis East

FresYes! Top Ten as of 1-17-15
1. Fresno Warriors 13-2
2. Roosevelt Rough Riders 13-2
3. Immanuel Eagles 13-2
4. Clovis West Golden Eagles 12-4
5. Selma Bears 12-4
6. Sunnyside Wildcats 14-7
7. Edison Tigers 10-5
8. Clovis East Timberwolves 9-6
9. Madera South Stallions 11-6
10. Sierra Chieftains 7-5

Clovis West is on fire; The Warriors stay strong.

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)
Ben Avera drives the ball to the hole. But Clovis North lost to Liberty-Bakersfield by 2 points.

Ben Avera drives the ball to the hole. But Clovis North lost to Liberty-Bakersfield by 2 points.

The Fresno Warriors were busy last week as they played four games in four days. They managed to win three out of those four games, only losing to Centennial High School in The Selma Jesse Lujan Memorial Tournament. The Warriors have a strong 12-2 record going into a matchup against Buchanan on the 13th at Fresno High School. The game starts at 7:30 pm. *1-4-15 to 1-10-15

Edison's Will Lee dishing a pass against Central.

Edison’s Will Lee dishing a pass against Central.

Central and Edison had a dual at Fresno City College on Monday (1/5/15). The game was close the entire time, with both teams exchanging leads back and forth. Edison’s Braxton Hicks hit the shots when they counted the most and Edison won a close one. Things ended up balancing out when Central defeated East Bakersfield and Edison lost to Clovis East later in the week.

Stallion's Josh Johnson steals the ball in mid air

Stallion’s Josh Johnson steals the ball in mid air

Madera South had an up and down week. They beat Golden Valley on Tuesday (1/6/15), and then lost to Fresno High the next day. They beat Chowchilla the day after that, and then the day after that, they lost to Dinuba. They went two for two on their four day streak of games.

Jeron Bowers attempts a free throw against Sierra Pacific.

Jeron Bowers attempts a free throw against Sierra Pacific.

Hoover won an overtime thriller on Saturday Night against Sierra Pacific. Jeron Bowers nailed 20 points for Hoover. The Patriots of Hoover improve to a steady 7-10 record, and will look to upset Fresno High on 1-16-15 at Hoover High School. The game starts at 6:30 pm.

Clovis West played intense defense in their win against independence.

Clovis West played intense defense in their win against independence.

Clovis West won their 5th and 6th games in a row last week when they beat Bullard and Independence-Bakersfield. The Golden Eagles have a nice 11-3 record, and will look to take down Clovis North on 1-16-15 at Clovis North High School. The game starts at 7:30 pm.

 

Central nearly wins with a buzzer beating three pointer.

Central nearly wins with a buzzer beating three pointer.

FresYes! Top Ten as of 1-10-15

  1. Clovis West Golden Eagles 11-3
  2. Fresno Warriors 12-2
  3. Roosevelt Rough Riders 12-2
  4. Immanuel Eagles 12-2
  5. Edison Tigers 8-5
  6. Clovis East Timberwolves 8-5
  7. Madera South Stallions 11-3
  8. Selma Bears 10-4
  9. Sunnyside Wildcats 11-7
  10. Sierra Chieftains 6-4

Let the madness begin!

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)

As we all recover from the buzz high school football left, it’s time to begin high school basketball. High school basketball isn’t just once a week, it’s pure madness that you can see almost every day.

DSC03215If you enjoy high school football, then you will really enjoy high school basketball. Because most games are played in a gym, the environment is more “up close and personal.” You almost feel like you being there will have an impact on the game. It can get really loud in the gym, because it’s indoors. You can smell the rubber from the bottom of the player’s sneakers. Best of all, when things heat up on the court, the temperature could literally heat up in the gym. You will literally feel in the game.

High school basketball is a good way to learn and appreciate the game of basketball. We know sometimes college and professional basketball could be a little boring to watch on TV. But when you experience the game in person, you will begin to notice the details of the game. Exciting details such as the quickness of these players, the intensity of the coaches, and the fact that some high school players can dunk the ball!

DSC03216You can feel the nerves in everyone tighten during a close game, and buzzer beaters are priceless moments that money can’t buy. Don’t miss out on a high school basketball game; it’s definitely a good bang for your buck. You could possibly miss out on an opportunity to catch a great NBA player in the beginning of his greatness. With players such as: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Robert Swift and DeShawn Stevenson going to the NBA straight from high school, there is no doubt that some of the talent in the valley is “NBA ready”.

The 2014 Clovis Elks Classic has been going on this weekend at Clovis High School, but the big games begin Monday and Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. with the last game starting at 8 p.m. on both days. Tournaments are the true definition of total non-stop action; try to check a game out in you can!

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FresYes! Top Ten as of 12/28/14

  1. Immanuel Eagles (8-0)
  2. Roosevelt Rough Riders (8-1)
  3. Madera South Stallions (9-1)
  4. Fresno Warriors (6-1)
  5. Selma Bears (7-2)
  6. Clovis West Golden Eagles (5-3)
  7. Clovis North Broncos (6-3)
  8. Central Grizzlies (6-3)
  9. Sunnyside Wildcats (8-5)
  10. Liberty Hawks (5-2)

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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)
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 Round 4: Division 1: (2)Liberty Patriots @ (1)Edison Tigers (2014 Valley Championship)

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)
Sunnyside Stadium 12-5-14

Sunnyside Stadium 12-5-14

For the second year in a row, The Liberty Patriots were the second seed in the Central Section Division 1 playoffs. Last year they lost a heart breaker to Clovis in the second round. This year’s team has appeared to be even better, and hungry for the Valley Title.

After a 3-2 start, they have bounced back to win 7 in a row. Two of those wins came against last year’s state champions, The Bakersfield Drillers, who were held to 14 points or less in the two games. The Patriots also held Clovis West to six points, and pitched three shutouts during this winning streak of pure chaos. These Patriots have made it to the championship game on a hot streak, and they don’t plan on slowing down.

Edison is serious on the field but cool on the sidelines

Edison is serious on the field but cool on the sidelines

Edison should be undefeated right now, if it wasn’t for the one point loss to Sanger. The loss has appeared to make The Tigers stronger, and they have a keen eye on the Valley Title. Since the loss, Edison is on a 5 game winning streak, holding their opponents to no more than 14 points.

This Edison team relies on nothing but themselves; they play as a team and give it 110% on each snap. They really know how to adjust to their opponents playing style, and are generally a stronger team in the second half. If the Patriots let up once, Edison will capitalize. This game will be very close, and might come down to one great play, or great disaster. Both of these teams are polished, and are used to winning big games.

Edison and Liberty lined up, ready for action

Edison and Liberty lined up, ready for action

December 5, 2014

It was a perfect California December night at Sunnyside Stadium. The Edison Tigers played host to the Liberty Patriots of Bakersfield in an epic showdown for the 2014 Division 1 Valley Championship. As Kickoff approached, both sides of the stadium filled to capacity, and the fans were already loud and pumped up for this historic game.

This game will permanently change the legacy for one of these schools. Edison hasn’t won the Valley Title since 1969, and Liberty has yet to win a Valley Title in their history. After tonight’s game, that will all change.

Vance Sams III plays serious defense

Vance Sams III plays serious defense

Edison received the ball to start the game, as every fan was on their feet cheering; this had an “NFL” atmosphere! AJ Greeley nearly returned the kickoff for a touchdown, but was stopped by a shoe string tackle. Later in that first drive, Greeley caught a big pass for big yardage. After some unfortunate penalties were called against Liberty, Edison had the ball on the Patriots one yard line. This is when Khai Williams punched it in for a one yard touchdown to give Edison the early lead (7-0).

AJ Greeley played corner, running back, receiver, punter, and quarterback

AJ Greeley played corner, running back, receiver, punter, and quarterback

Liberty would get their chance to answer back with a score of their on in the first quarter. The Patriots managed to drive the ball down to Edison’s 15 yard line. This is when Jordan Love tossed a beauty towards the end zone. The ball would have been a touchdown against any other team, but not Edison. Tigers Defensive Back Tyler Horton uses his leaping ability to cut off the receiver’s route and catch a big time interception to maintain the lead for Edison.

Tyler Horton had a leaping interception

Tyler Horton had a leaping interception

Liberty would find a little redemption in the second quarter when running back Anthony Mariscal caught a catch in traffic for a big gain. Mariscal has great hip movement, and it allows him to squeeze into tight spaces. Mariscal would then finish off his own drive with a gutsy one yard touchdown run on fourth down (7-7).

Anthony Mariscal and Jordan Love

Anthony Mariscal and Jordan Love

During halftime, emotions began to kick in as many players realized this could be their last time ever putting on football pads and playing the sport they love. The fans also began to get loud again as the players came back out. The tied up game meant this was going to possibly be a crazy finish to a close game.

The sold out crowd watched a great game

The sold out crowd watched a great game

Just like last week, Tigers linebacker Chris Allison came up with a clutch fumble recovery. This time he was able to pick the ball up and return it nearly for a touchdown; he was brought down at Liberty’s one yard line. Once again Khai Williams finished off the drive when he punched it in for a one yard touchdown run on the very next play (14-7).

Khai Williams lined up along side Hunter Swearingen

Khai Williams lined up along side Hunter Swearingen

Edison maintained the lead going into the fourth quarter. But Anthony Mariscal reminded the Edison fans that the game wasn’t over. He once again finished off a good Patriots drive by squeezing though those tight spaces. Mariscal got the handoff on a draw play, followed his blocks, and finished in the end zone for a six yard touchdown run (14-14).

Braylin Scott lined up at wide receiver

Braylin Scott lined up at wide receiver

The end of the game would belong to Edison wide receiver Kamron Lewis. Lewis caught a 63 yard touchdown pass from Hunter Swearingen with six minutes left in the contest. The ball was accurately thrown his way and when Kamron caught it he outran his defender to the end zone (21-14).

Kamron Lewis had a big touchdown catch

Kamron Lewis had a big touchdown catch

After some successful defensive stops for Edison, Liberty would have one final chance to tie the game. On fourth down, Jordan Love threw a deep pass to the end zone, but it was safely intercepted by Kamron Lewis to seal the deal. Edison is Central Section’s Division 1 football champions for the first time 45 years!

Edison wins the valley title!

Edison wins the valley title!

Edison capped off a magical season, and they deserve every bit of this championship. Nobody played selfish; it was a pure team effort. They have now added a championship to Edison’s already storied football program.

Edison will most likely be invited to compete in the California State tournament next week. As stated last week, this team can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime. The talent is second to none, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they win the State tournament.

Chris Allison had two consecutive fumble recoveries in two weeks

Chris Allison had two consecutive fumble recoveries in two weeks

Game Notes:

Liberty Patriots

Passing- Jordan Love: 10-28, 108 yds, 2 int’s

Rushing- Anthony Mariscal: 19 car, 67 yds, 2 TD’s

Receiving- Matthew Hubble: 5 rec, 42 yds

Edison Tigers

Passing- Hunter Swearingen: 9-18, 128 yds, 1 TD

Rushing- Khai Williams: 17 car, 38 yds, 2 TD’s

Receiving- Kamron Lewis: 2 rec, 77 yds, 1 TD

 

Edison in offensive huddle

Edison in offensive huddle

Valley Championship Results:

Division 2
(3)Dinuba 14
(1)Ridgeview 16
Ridgeview- S. Croney: 24 car, 160 yds, 1 TD
Division 3
(3)Madera 14
(1)Hanford 35
Hanford- J. McDaniel: 23 car, 139 yds, 2 TD’s
Division 4
(2)CVC 6
(1)Liberty-Madera 24
Liberty- C. Wallace: 6 car, 58 yds, 1 TD
Division 5
(8)Corcoran 44
(3)Immanuel 16
Corcoran- N. Portillo: 12-18, 198 yds, 4 TD’s

 

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

FresYes! Featured Game of Week 8: #8 (4-3) Central Grizzlies @ #5 (4-3) Clovis North Broncos

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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.
Latest posts by Julian A. Lozano (see all)
Veterans memorial stadium

Veterans memorial stadium

Central Section Top 25 (before the start of week 8)
1. Edison Tigers 6-1
2. Bakersfield Drillers 6-1
3. Liberty Patriots 5-2
4. Ridgeview Wolf Pack 6-1
5. Clovis North Broncos 4-3
6. Hanford Bullpups 8-0
7. Lemoore Tigers 8-0
8. Central Grizzlies 4-3
9. Dinuba Emperors 7-1
10. Memorial Panthers 6-1
11. Central Valley Christian Cavaliers 6-1
12. Madera Coyotes 6-1
13. Mission Oak Hawks 6-1
14. Clovis Cougars 4-3
15. Bullard Knights 4-3
16. Liberty Hawks 7-0
17. Clovis West Golden Eagles 3-4
18. Stockdale Mustangs 3-4
19. Centennial Golden Hawks 4-3
20. Sanger Apaches 5-2
21. Redwood Rangers 3-4
22. Tulare Western Mustangs 5-2
23. Tulare Union Redskins 4-3
24. Buchanan Bears 1-6
25. Frontier Titans 3-4
Outside looking in: Immanuel Eagles

Kyran Caples back at safety

Kyran Caples back at safety

Featured Game: Central @ Clovis North – 10/23/2014
The cool temperatures set in at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium; the fifth ranked Clovis North Broncos played host to the eighth ranked Central Grizzlies. Both teams are coming into the contest with a 4-3 record, and the winner of this match up would have sole first place of the TRAC (Tri-River Athletic Conference).

Central in Time Out huddle

Central in Time Out huddle

Clovis North is ranked fifth in the central section, and is finally coming off of some kind of winning streak. They have won two in a row, and have a 4-3 record. As stated last week, Clovis North has the Central Section’s hardest schedule. They are rallying behind UCLA commit, Bolu “fun run” Olorunfunmi. He is a big back with stop and go speed, and great balance. If this team can win the rest of their regular season game, they will finish with a 7-3 record.

Zeandae Johnson is a big physical TE

Zeandae Johnson is a big physical TE

Central is ranked eighth in the Central Section, and also have a 4-3 record. They are hot right now, winning four in a row. Tamar Johnson is having a great season playing both, wide receiver and running back. Junior quarterback Nick Szpor is growing into his position, and improving each week. If Central can win this game they will definitely move up in the Central Section Top 25. They will have won five in a row, and take sole possession of first place in the TRAC.

Tamar Johnson has versatility

Tamar Johnson has versatility

Central started the game receiving the ball and they made good use of their opportunity. Just before fans could get settled in their seats, Nick Szpor connected with Tamar Johnson in the corner of the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown. This capped off a quick but efficient drive for the Grizzlies (6-0). Then, we saw something from Clovis North that we didn’t see from them all last week: a punt. Clovis North was able to score on every drive last week and didn’t need to punt. So when Central was able to bring out the Broncos punt team, it opened some eyes.

Nick Szpor in shotgun formation

Nick Szpor in shotgun formation

The second quarter started out in Central’s favor as well. Bronco quarterback Austin Autry’s pass stayed in the air slightly too long and was intercepted by San Jose State commit Dehlon Preston. Preston showed how dangerous he was when he followed his blocks and ran that ball in for a touchdown (12-0).Central had the chance to score again, but were denied when they were 10 yards away from the end zone. The backwards pass attempt was dropped and subsequently called a fumble which was then recovered by Clovis East. Clovis East finally came to life just before the start of halftime. Austin Autry rebounded from his interception to drive the Broncos to a touchdown. He connected twice with wide receiver Bransin Johnson during the drive. One was a 50 yard bomb, and the other was a 27 yard slant route touchdown pass. Central had the slim 12-7 lead at halftime.

Malik White at wideout

Malik White at wideout

The third quarter was a different story; Clovis East’s Bolu Olorunfunmi began his stampede. The first two scores of the third quarter belonged to Bolu. First was a 59 yard touchdown (14-12), the next was 65 yard touchdown (21-12). Clovis North gained a lot of “Horse Power” in the third quarter from those two big runs, but Central kept the game close. A 38 yard field goal by Central kicker Tiago Paim made the score (21-15).

pic 8 Dehlon Preston had a "pick 6"

pic 8 Dehlon Preston had a “pick 6”

Central would let up in the fourth quarter. Another fun run for Bolu Olorunfunmi turned into an 86 yard touchdown (27-15). Then they shut Bolu down for another day, and put in his backup Jason Lee. Lee took advantage and scored two touchdowns to cap the game off. One was a long 65 yard touchdown where his second effort at the pylon got him in the end zone (34-15). Then he burned the defense and got in for a fancy 21 yard touchdown (41-15). That would be the final score of the game. Clovis North improved to 5-3, and Central fell to 4-4.

Tyler Morris back to return the punt

Tyler Morris back to return the punt

Clovis North in offensive huddle

Clovis North in offensive huddle

Clovis North earned the win because they changed their game plan during halftime, and came out as a different team. They are getting a lot of penalties called on them, and fortunately has not cost them a game yet. But they have to clean up the penalties come playoff time. Bolu Olorunfunmi is having an amazing season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a household name in 6 years. Austin Autry had to leave the game with concussion symptoms, but his supporting cast was able to not skip a beat. Clovis North should win the TRAC championship, and contend strongly in the Central Section division 1 tournament.

Austin Autry leading his team in a scoring drive

Austin Autry leading his team in a scoring drive

Central can win any given game, they just let up a in this contest. Their protection breaks down to quickly, which doesn’t give them enough time to develop a quality play. Nick Szpor has good scrambling ability, and can keep the play alive. Tamar Johnson can only do so much; using him too much makes the team one dimensional. If Central can manage to improve their blocking, they will be able to score more points from their other offensive weapons, and take more shots down the field. Central also needs to improve their run defense. Jason Lee scored two touchdowns for Clovis North that blew this game away. Central has two games left, and a chance to finish the regular season 6-4.

Bransin Johnson lined up at corner

Bransin Johnson lined up at corner

Top 25 week 8 results

(1)Edison 52
Madera South 7
EHS: AJ Greeley- 9 car, 211 yds, 3 TD’s

(2)Bakersfield 26
(19)Centennial 7
BHS: only giving up 11 points per game

(3)Liberty-Bakersfield 55
Garces 0
LHS: Plays (2)Bakersfield on 11/07

(4)Ridgeview 49
East Bakersfield 13
RHS: Score 44 points per game

(5)Clovis North 41
(8)Central 15
CN: B. Olorunfunmi – 18 car, 269 yds, 3 TD’s

(6)Hanford 61
Mt. Whitney 21
HHS:QB R. Johnson- 257 tot yards, 5 tot TD’s

(9)Dinuba 31
Selma 7
DHS: E. Herod- 7 rec, 120 yds

(10)Memorial 7
(15)Bullard 35
BHS: C. Williams- 18 car, 211 yds, 2 TD’s

(11)C.V.C. 40
Kingsburg 34
CVC: Come from behind win

(12)Madera 0
(20)Sanger 38
SHS: S. Pittman- 5 car, 90 yds

(13)Mission Oak 18
(22)Tulare Western 25
TW: K. Portillo- 21-39, 235 yds, 2 TD’s, 2 ints

(14)Clovis 35
(24)Buchanan 3
CHS: C. Alexander- 4 rec, 48 yds, 2 TD’s

(16)Liberty-Madera 48
Washington Union 7
LHS: W. Wallace- 12 car, 129 yds, 3 TD’s

(17)Clovis West 42
Clovis East 26
CW: J. Mendoza- 26 car, 143 yds

(18)Stockdale 17
(25)Frontier 28
FHS: I. Sharp- 32 car, 200 yds, 4 TD’s

(21)Redwood 14
El Diamante 27
ED: Snaps four game losing streak

(23)Tulare Union 55
Porterville 34
TU: R. Harris- 41 car, 402 yds, 5 TD’s

Bye:
(7)Lemoore

Autry warming up before start of 2nd half

Autry warming up before start of 2nd half

Immanuel 42
Farmersville 45
FHS: S. Metcalf- 32-53, 496 yds, 4 TD’s

Sierra 28
Kerman 24
SHS: T. Rehorn- 12 car, 159 yds, 1 TD

Minarets 8
Fowler 56
FHS: 340 yds rushing team total

Roosevelt 16
McLane 7
RHS: W. Fairman- 97 tot yards, 2 tot TD’s (1 def)

Fresno 32
Reedley 7
FHS: N. Hinton- 11 car, 102 yds, 3 TD’s

Sunnyside 35
Hoover 6
SHS: 3 game winning streak

Bolu "Fun Run" Olorunfunmi is dominant

Bolu “Fun Run” Olorunfunmi is dominant

Featured game for Week 9: Kerman @ Liberty-Madera
(Scores, stats, and rankings courtesy of Maxpreps.com, and The Fresno Bee)

Nick Szpor has scrambling ability

Nick Szpor has scrambling ability