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FresYes!

5 questions

The River Center

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Mark Sasser
Outdoor Writer at FresYes.com
Having been born and raised in the Valley and spending his complete adult life exploring the outdoors gives Mark a unique look at what we all see each day. From cycling to backpacking, solo or with friends, Fresno proper to the mountains above can at any time be where Mark is found living his life outdoors.
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Sitting quietly at the end of the Lewis Eaton Trail is the prize of the San Joaquin River Trust and Conservancy in the form of the River Center. The people of FresYes drive up and down Friant road day after day with many not even knowing that with just a glance out the window they would find one of the most important outdoor destinations in the valley. No matter if you walk the trail or drive you will find waiting for you a living history lesson of the valley and the mighty San Joaquin brought to you by one or several of the volunteers. The more you walk around the more you are gently pulled into a place of peace and best yet its free to visit.

The River Center

 

The River Center hosts events most weekends so this past Saturday I surprised my wife with a morning trip for a guided hike to Owl Hollow and a little pre walk pancake breakfast. Considering how yummy it was lets talk the food first. I had seen posted on Facebook that before the walk there was a $5 pancake breakfast and being a man who loves a good pancake I planed to have us out there a little early. Standing in line smelling the sausage and cakes being grilled outdoors on a fire made me wish I had left earlier to put it plainly. I would have gladly if we had the time paid the $5 2 or 3 times more to keep the pancakes going but as it was we only had time for one serving and a cup of coffee before we had to sign in for the walk. Pro tip for the pancake feed = show up as soon as it opens for mass carbo feeding.

20150411_120622

 

 

Bellies full we walked to the meeting point to find our guide had already located a Bald Eagle to share with us and we hadn’t even started the trip yet. This was looking good. As a less than beginner bird watcher it was fun to have someone who was an expert so excitedly teach us the ins and outs of our flying friends on this hike.

My wife as usual made a quick friend in the form of a retired teacher who in his spare time does presentations as John Muir and conversations about the high mountains, Yosemite and the river took over as we casually walked through the easement on the Vulcan property to Owl Hollow.

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Owl Hollow itself is a river oasis only accessed via the water or during a guided event from the river center due to its being land locked by private property and because of that its the perfect resting spot. It was fun to just stand in the sun talking to our new friend about days gone by while secretly watching the other members of our hike explore this river hideaway. Families played, children looked for clues to what animals may be living close by and everyone enjoyed the cool breeze.

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During the walk back to the River Center I stopped and pointed out some trees to my wife up on the bluff.

“You see those 4 trees” I said “that’s where we live”

We both grinned at the idea of having this amazing outdoor resource within walking distance of our home, one that many families share but only a few explore.

We finished our time at the River Center with a tour of the home, a little shopping in the gift shop and picking though all the pamphlets of upcoming events before leaving the peace and quiet and heading to Clovis for Big Hat Days and a completely different experience.

While most people don’t realize it FresYes is in fact a river city and The River Center is open and ready to teach you all about it.

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.
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*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)

 

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.