Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech Preview

CV Athletes is proud to announce the beginning of podcasting on our website. Below is the first of many podcast to be included on our site along with more videos and articles. Brandon Leslie will definitely be watching this game closely as he is taking his skills to Georgia Tech next year. All comments are greatly appreciated please let us know what you would like to see, hear or read about.

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Hoover High sends athlete to PAC-10

Mychal Kendricks (OLB) of Hoover High has committed to CAL. Fresno State loses another great valley athlete to the prestigious PAC-10 conference. Hendricks becomes the second valley player to commit to CAL (Beau Sweeney QB-Clovis West). Many recruiting experts are saying Fresno State is having a great recruiting class thus far, but they still can't seem to keep the best valley athletes home. Hendricks is the first linebacker to commit to the Golden Bears. | MORE

Bakersfield High outkicks Clovis West

The game came down to the wire. With one of the best kickers in the history of the section Clovis West was confident Mr. Rolph would nail the game tying field goal. Unfortunately for the Golden Eagles it sailed wide on the senior. This was one of the best games I have ever witnessed at any level. Forget about the fact that it was high school. Forget about the fact that Bakersfield High's extraordinaire is only 5'7'' (MVP Peter Mitchell who was the QB and kicked the game winning FG for BHS). Forget about the tussle that occurred after the game (we got highlights below of the fight). This was nothing but a great FOOTBALL game. CW quarterback is heading to CAL but the best QB on the field on this night was the guy without the scholarship. Once again Kyle Negrete proved why he should be the MVP of the Clovis West football team. He not only played great offensively and defensively, but the best play was his punt of over 60 yards to pin Bakersfield deep in their territory (not that it mattered in the end). CW Running Back Matt Jelmini is a class act and conducted himself like a perfect gentleman during our interview. By the way rumor is he's up for valedictorian, I can see that. Check out the highlights below and if you weren't at this game, boy did you miss yourself an instant classic.

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Another Edison player closes in on scholarship

Jerry Davis was definitely one of the top quarterbacks in the central section this past season. The leader of the Edison High School offense seems poised to take his game to a different state. Davis has a visit planned to the University of Utah, where he hopes a scholarship offer will follow. It’s interesting to me how Davis is still without an offer despite his talent and the great season he had this year. Clovis West QB, Beau Sweeney, is heading to CAL, but I believe Davis is a better quarterback today. Washington Union’s QB Ebahn Feathers is taking his 4.38 speed to Fresno State.

Teammate Robert Golden has decommitted from the University of Arizona. Golden who has the honor of playing in the U.S. All-American Army Bowl has a lot of colleges asking for his lock-down services. The defensive back has not made any indications as to which school is at the top of his list. Maybe USC, after all teammate Tim McDonald Jr. has committed there which would make the two teammates in 2009. But everyone in the central valley is hoping Golden wants to stay close to home and becomes a Bulldog. Come on Clifton Smith let's see your best recruiting skills. | MORE

Like Father like Son

Tim McDonald Jr. has committed to play college football at the same university his father did. T.J. is heading to USC, where his father, Tim McDonald (owner of World Sports Café) was an All-American. The junior strong safety from Edison High School had plenty of options, but choosing the Trojans was a no-brainer. McDonald said he has been a Trojan his whole life. McDonald can now concentrate on his senior season and not worry about any distractions from recruiters.

In other Edison High School news; McDonald's classmates Cliff Harris (DB) and Rolando Jefferson (WR) also have offers from USC but have not committed. They both must qualify academically still, something that should not be an issue with an entire year of high school left for both. | MORE

Another Monetary loss for Fresno State

Stacy Johnson-Klein the former Fresno State women’s basketball coach has won her lawsuit against her former employer. Johnson-Klein was awarded $19.1 million in her lawsuit of gender discrimination, sexual discrimination and wrongful termination. This is bad news for Fresno State, who earlier in the year lost a lawsuit by former Volleyball coach Linda Vivas ($4.52 million) and settled with former associate athletic director Diane Milutinovich ($3.5 million).

For more on this story check out: http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/photo/story/250793.html | MORE

Championship Week has arrived

It's a been a turbulant year in football for those of us in the central valley. Once again are gone the hopes of having a team represent us in the state championship game down at the Carson Center. Although some believe the winner between Tulare Union and El Diamante has an outside chance. I think there is no way it's happening. Edison High had the best chance.... and Clovis West derailed the mighty Tigers last week. It's going to be a cold night in the valley, but the players have worked all year long for this day and for many this will mark the last game of their football careers.

Div. I: Clovis West @ Bakersfield High: The Drillers have the most wins and section championships all-time in the state of California. The Golden Eagles are searching for their 8th section championship since 1985. Both of these defenses are tremendously gifted with athletes. If running back Matt Jelmini can control the clock for Clovis West, then they have a chance otherwise the Drillers will continue to roll.

Div II: Tulare Union @ El Diamante: The showdown of the year. Tulare has been upset about their #2 seed despite being undefeated now they get to face an El Diamante team that had the highest point difference than any other team in the section. Earl Rhodes vs Jontell Reedom it should be a great game.

Div III: Foothill @ El Tehachappi: The Warriors are hosting this one and they have been on fire. Foothill is coming off a great win against a very athletic Washington Union team, but the Warriors may just be too much.

Div IV: Corcoran @ Taft: Forget about the fact that Corcoran is the #3 seed. They were undefeated for much of the season and have a very good chance tonight against the #1 seed. Taft is big and athletic, but must remained focus and finish the job they started.

All in all should be a great night for football. It definately will be a cold one. | MORE

NFL Superstar goes unrecognized in Fresno

Here is a little tidbit to loosen everyone up before the big games tonight. A lady yesterday (she’ll remain nameless to spare her more comments) at World Sports Café in Riverpark asked former NFL superstar Tim McDonald to please check on her burger. This lady had no idea she was speaking to the owner of the restaurant as well as a former Pro-Bowler. The current Edison High coach was a good sport about it and didn’t say anything. The poor lady was teased by her co-workers for not knowing who McDonald was. Moral of the story not everyone recognizes a NFL superstar.

TRIVIA: What college did Tim McDonald attend? What NFL team drafted McDonald out of college? | MORE

Predictions for round 2 of the playoffs….

(Click MORE to see the rest of the predictions)

So I didn’t do to bad my first week of the playoffs. I missed 6 games, but come on unless you are from Reedley you were not expecting a win. Obviously my North Sequoia League expertise was displayed as I picked the #14 seed Yosemite High to defeat the #3 seed Sunnyside. Now it’s on to round two.

Div I.

Let’s get right to it. If you are going to be in Fresno Friday night you must make a stop at Edison High and watch this game.

#8 Liberty-Bakersfield (8-3) at #1 Edison (9-0-1): If you attend you will get to see two premier quarterbacks going at it. Jerry Davis is doing his best Tom Brady impersonation while Byron Campbell... is the focal point of the Patriots offense. Not a bad choice there. Say what you want about the Tigers past playoff woes, but I’m taking Edison here. No it’s not because if you take the “I” of Edison you have my name. That’s just a plus. The reason is simple; Rolando Jefferson, Jerry Davis, Cliff Harris, Brandon Leslie, Tim McDonald Jr., Robert Golden, Marquise Cooper and Mr. Tate will all be playing at a premier Div I college. Yes ladies they are that talented.

#5 Clovis West (7-3-1) at #4 Bullard (8-2): This is an easy pick. I’ve been raving about Clifton Rogers the entire year. He then made me look foolish by being a bad teammate and getting suspended along with quarterback Phillip Brandt. The Knights had a nice run, but this one ends here. The Golden Eagles will be advancing.

#6 Clovis East (8-3) at #3 Bakersfield (10-1): Clovis East is wants to control the clock with their famous double wing offense. But it’s not going to happen and the Drillers will throw the ball around and come out victorious. Coach Murphy’s defense has trouble with the pass.

#7 Buchanan (7-4) at #2 Centennial (9-1): Here’s a dandy for all you football fanatics. What’s better than watching future University of Arizona LB Zander Fabbri go head to head with Buchanan’s QB Jake Henderson. My money here is on the Bears, who are hot and are battle tested. Hey there has to be upsets right….

Div II

#14 Yosemite (7-4) at #11 Reedley (6-5): Well neither of these teams were suppose to be here. But they definitely earned it. Now I’m saying Mr. Jesse Lownsbury is too much for the Pirates to overcome. I’m taking the NSL team in this one.

#12 Hoover (4-7) at #4 Lemoore (8-3): I still want to know how Hoover got a higher seed than Yosemite. Anyways back to the game. Eric Aviles is going to be enough for the Tigers to move on to the next round. Sorry Hoover, but the buck stops here.

#7 Hanford (6-5) at #2 Tulare (11-0): As much as I like the name Cougar Williams, I just can’t see them winning this game. Tulare has been playing at an exceptionally high level all year. They want El Diamante and RB Jontell Reedom is carrying this team to the promise land.

#8 Fresno (6-5) at #1 El Diamante (9-1): The Miners are looking to get back to championship game and if all goes right this game will be over by halftime. The defense of El Diamante might be one of the best in the valley allowing a meager 5.6 points per game.

Div III

#12 Golden Valley (4-7) at #4 Garces (6-5): They play in the same league and GV finished seventh while Garces finished fifth. The Bulldogs ended Selma’s dream season last week and now the Rams will be end Golden Valley’s.

#8 Highland (5-6) at Tehachapi (9-1): Let’s move on the next game. Tehachapi will walk through this one.

#7 Dinuba (8-2) at #2 Foothill (7-3): Say what you want but I’m going out on a limb. I’m taking the mighty Emperors. RB Bladimir Cervantes is fun to watch and I just think they want it more.

#6 Delano (7-4) at #3 Washington Union (8-3): This is a tricky game. Their common opponent is Kerman. Delano put a hurting on the Lions last week and Washington Union also dominated them a couple weeks back. When in doubt just pick Washington Union’s QB Ebahn Feathers. I’m riding Feathers all the way to the finals, why not he’s what people call a PTP’er.

Div IV

#8 Dos Palos (5-6) at #1 Taft (9-1): The Broncos had a rough year, but in their last two games they have played like the Broncos everyone is accustomed to. Coach Sprague and Sparks have been battling it out for years. This one will come down to the wire and I think Sparks has the upper hand and the Broncos move on.

#5 Central Valley Christian (5-5) at #4 Chowchilla (7-3): This is a tough one, but I think CVC will come out on top. They have been playing real well and their tough preseason schedule has prepared them for this. Chowchilla had another weak preseason schedule and then struggled in league.

#6 Coalinga (6-5) at #3 Corcoran (9-1): Corcoran has already beaten the Toads and I think they do it again. Boger gives Coalinga a chance but he’s not going to be enough.

#7 Exeter (6-5) at #2 Kingsburg (9-1): Exeter’s Cameron Loeffler will be the offense for the Monarchs and Kingsburg must find a way to contain him because there is no stopping him. Sophomore sensation Tyler Bray is going to have be cool at the QB position for Kingsburg. Bray must find ways to get the ball in the hands of playmaker AJ Castillo. I’m taking Kingsburg to beat Exeter once more.

Div V

#5 Caruthers (8-3) at #1 Fowler (11-0): If you are planning on attending this game, show up early. The highlight for Caruthers will be their Hawaii like pre-game ritual. Josh Poytress, who officially signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Fresno State next year earlier in the week, leads an explosive offense. Fowler moves on.

#3 Strathmore (10-1) at Bakersfield Christian (9-2): Bakersfield’s Jake Peterson is really good, but so is Strathmore’s Jake Duffin. With that being said I’m taking Bakersfield Christian in this one. | MORE

CVA TOP 15 Rankings - Week 11

CVA's Top 15 TEAMS IN THE CENTRAL SECTION AFTER WEEK 11 RESULTS.
(*note: 6-15 after the jump.)

1. Edison (Fresno): (9-0-1) The Tigers earned a first round bye and now must remain focused. Liberty-Bakersfield is a good team that could give the Tigers some trouble, but if Coach McDonald has his athletes focused it will be too much for Liberty.

2. Tulare: (11-0) I said it earlier and I’ll say it again, North-Bakersfield received no favors from the playoff committee. Tulare has to be upset they didn’t receive the #1 seed and rightfully so. The date with El Diamante is one week closer.

3. Centennial (Bakersfield): (9-1) Centennial had a bye. They must face a very hot Buchanan team this week that could provide them with some trouble. The south valley is in for some great games this Friday night.

4. Bakersfield: (10-1) Another team with a bye. The Drillers have no easy task this week as they get to play the defending section champions Clovis East. The Drillers’ should benefit from having two weeks to prepare for the wing-T offense.

5. El Diamante (Visalia): (9-1) The number #1 seed in Div II received a bye. Only game on their minds at this point is Tulare. I can’t blame them, because no one else has a chance. Fresno High will try to prove us all wrong, but I don’t think their team speed will be enough to overcome this great defense.

6. Clovis West (Clovis):(7-3-1) Stockdale was outmatched from the coin toss until the end of the game. The Golden Eagles want nothing more than to avenge their earlier loss to Bullard this week and with a depleted Knights’ roster it should happen.

7. Tehachapi: (9-1) They had a bye and now they get to play Highland. Well kind of play, they get to go out and run their offense and make some tackles. It will not be much of a game.


8. Clovis East (Clovis): (8-3) Redwood gave up over 600 yards rushing to the Timberwolves. All you can say to that is WOW. This week should be a tougher test, with Bakersfield High hosting Tim Murphy’s squad. If the wing-T continues to be this effective the Drillers are in trouble, heck the whole valley is in trouble for that matter.

9. Bullard: (8-2) The Knight enjoyed their bye week, because they have so many young players they must get ready to play this Friday. The Golden Eagles are not going to hold back and Bullard must play a perfect game to make it interesting. Rogers and Brandt did not do their teammates any justice.

10. Liberty (Bakersfield):(8-3) They shutout a very good rushing team in Central (Fresno), but now are facing a plethora of Div I athletes. This game against Edison is set to be one of the best in Fresno this week.

11. Lemoore:(8-3) Talk about squeezing one out, that is exactly what Lemoore did against San Joaquin Memorial. The Tigers are set to play Hoover this week a game they should win, but it’s the playoffs so no guarantees.

12. Kingsburg: (9-1) The Vikings had a bye in round one. Now they are preparing to face Cameron Loeffler and his Exeter teammates. AJ Castillo and Tyler Bray are going to have to put up big numbers, because Exeter can score.

13. Washington Union (Fresno): (8-3) Poor Madera South, they were just overmatched. Quarterback Ebahn Feathers continues to put up huge numbers with his 8 carries for over 200 yards rushing. He just may be in the lead for the CV Athletes Heisman award at the end of the year.

14. Buchanan (Clovis): (7-4) The Bears are on fire. They walked through a tough Sanger team. Welcome to the big stage Jake Henderson, you are officially one of the better QB’s in the valley. The Bears have the ability to pull off the upset in Centennial we shall see.

15. Taft: (9-1) They are the number one seed in Div IV and had a bye. Coach Sprague was in Dos Palos watching the Broncos put on a display against Wasco. If Taft makes mistakes the Broncos will upset them, it will be a close game. | MORE

Central Valley Highlights.....

More videos to come soon....We currently have a few highlight videos take a look at some of the best plays from around the valley thus far this year.



To see more videos click more







All videos edited by Philip Torres | MORE

Da Bears get revenge

So much for my expertise...this game was not even close. Buchanan High defeated the Sanger Apaches by a score of 29-7. It would of been close but Mario Navarrete was injured after tying the score at seven in the first quarter. With Sanger's best best two players (Justin Webber and Mario Navarrete) on the sidelines, Jake Henderson took over. Man this kid has talent. He did a great job running the offense and the Bears continue to play good fundamental football. Next on the list is Centennial, which is going to be a huge test for the Bears but they are flowing with confidence right now. That alone can get you far in high school football.

TRIVIA: When was the last time the Buchanan Bears won the section championship? And who from that team owns a Super Bowl ring? | MORE

It's playoffs time...

The predictions for the first round are finally here. All the way from Div I to Div V check them out and leave your comments.

SECTION CHAMPIONS PREDICTIONS:
Div I: Edison High
Div II: El Diamante
Div III: Washington Union
Div IV: Dos Palos Broncos
Div V: Bakersfield Christian

Predictions for Div I:

Thursday:
#10 Sanger will defeat #7 Buchanan…Sanger has a lot of heart and looking to rebound after a tough loss to Reedley last week. It’s just hard to go against the Apaches they just figure out ways to win. The Bears may be too banged up from playing in the tough TRAC.

Friday:
#8 Liberty-Bakersfield will defeat #9 Central…The enigma that are the Grizzlies will just not be able to handle the… QB play of Liberty-Bakersfield. If Rakim Dawkins can get out in the open this could go the other way. For now I’m sticking with the Bakersfield school.

#5 Clovis West over #12 Stockdale….The Golden Eagles were the preseason favorite and they may be peaking at the right time. Matt Jelmini and Beau Sweeney will have to carry this team against Edison in two weeks, because we expect them to win here and then defeat the Clifton Rogers-less Bullard team.

#6 Clovis East over #11 Redwood….Rumors are Tim Murphy is on the hot seat. Rumors are also circulating regarding supplements at T’Wolves country. Why anger the defending section champions? The coach will have his team ready and the running game will be too much for Redwood to handle, who had a tough time handling Mt. Whitney’s Benjamin Bowen last week.

Bye: #1 Edison #2 Centennial (Bakersfield) #3 Bakersfield High #4 Bullard


Predictions for Div II:

#8 Fresno over #9 Tulare Western…I’m saying Chad White has a big game and Harless Dailey will be contained by the speedy Fresno High team.

#5 Monache over #12 Hoover….Don’t expect a lot of points in this battle. Both these teams have great defenses but I think Monache’s is a little better and a turnover late in the game will be the key in this one.

#4 Lemoore over #13 San Joaquin Memorial…The Panthers have Anthony Soto, but Lemoore’s Eric Aviles I think will make the key plays to help Lemoore advance.

#14 Yosemite over #3 Sunnyside….I’m taking the Badgers in this one. The reason is because Jesse Lownsbury is that good and I think Sunnyside will struggle against the passing attack of Yosemite. Should be a good one though.

#6 West over #11 Reedley…This is a tough one because Reedley has momentum after their huge win over Sanger last week. I just think West-Bakersfield will be too much for the Pirates.

#7 Hanford over #10 East (Bakersfield)…This is a toss up again, but I’m taking Tyson Perez and Cougar Williams to outscore superstar running back Andre Smith of the Blades.

#2 Tulare Union over #15 North (Bakersfield)….Too bad North High has to face an angry Tulare team. They are out to prove they deserved a bye and the number one seed in this division.

Bye: #1 El Diamante (Visalia)

Predictions for Div III:

#8 Highland over #9 Cesar Chavez…Two 4-6 teams battling it out here. I’m going with Highland because, well, no reason really. I just think they are going to win.

#5 Selma over #12 Golden Valley…The reason for taking a team to win a playoff game that hasn’t sniffed the playoffs in the last couple of years is Adrian Pacheco. The Bears’ running back has been a one man show and I expect him to continue excelling right into the second round.

#4 Garces over #13 Frontier High…This is going to get ugly. Garces will dominate early and get ready for their second round game during halftime.

#3 Washington Union over #14 Madera South…This is a mismatch. Then again anyone that tries to stop Ebahn Feathers is just dreaming. The Panthers finished the season strong and have figured out to just sit back and watch Feathers run and throw.

#11 Kerman over #6 Delano…I keep going back and forth on this one. Delano is bigger and probably faster. But I’m going with the Lions because I know Adrian Ruiz and Kevin Richards want coach Guizar’s career to end on the right way. Look for Richards to throw it 30+ times and Ruiz to get 10-15 touches.

#7 Dinuba over #11 Roosevelt…The Emperors have shown flashes of a good team this season. They defeated Kingsburg 33-0, but have also looked flat. I think they have enough to defeat Roosevelt.

Bye: #1 Tehachapi, #2 Foothill

Predictions for Div IV:

#8 Dos Palos over #9 Wasco…History alone gets DP into the second round. Not to mention the return of three starters. This has Coach Sparks’ team believing in each other. Look for the Broncos’ to run the ball effectively and throw it to Hector Gomez. Quarterback Sean Lemos is playing with a lot of confidence especially after his performance against Chowchilla last week.

#6 Coalinga over #11 Immanuel…The Toads already defeated Immanuel back in week 7 and I look for them to do it again.

#7 Exeter over #10 Parlier…Cameron Loeffler is just going to be too much for Parlier to handle. I look for them to advance to the second round where Kingsburg is waiting patiently.

Bye: #1 Taft, #2 Kingsburg, #3 Corcoran, #4 Chowchilla, #5 Central Valley Christian

Predictions for Div V:

#1 Fowler over #8 Orange Cove….Josh Poytress is a good quarterback and wants to win. The Redcats are the favorites all through this division.

#4 Liberty-Madera Ranchos over #5 Caruthers…Look for Liberty to knock off the defending champions. Last year as a #1 seed Liberty folded so expect them to be mentally prepared this time around.

#3 Strathmore over #6 Firebaugh…Strathmore has only lost to Fowler so I expect them to beat up on Firebaugh. But Firebaugh has been here before and will be ready to play. I still give the edge to Strathmore.

#2 Bakersfield Christian over #7 Coast Union….Two weeks ago Bakersfield Christian was undefeated and looking for a perfect season but Taft and Tehachapi knocked them back to earth. Jake Peterson, quarterback for Bakersfield Christian, is the leader and playmaker of the team.

Check back as we give you the results of these games. Also I will be providing more insight and predictions for the rest of the playoffs. | MORE

CVA TOP 15 Rankings - Week Ten

CVA's Top 15 TEAMS IN THE CENTRAL SECTION AFTER WEEK TEN RESULTS.
(*note: 6-15 after the jump.)

1. Edison (Fresno): (9-0-1) Jerry Davis threw three touchdown passes in his regular season finale. The Tigers must remain focused and if the stars align right they could be headed to the Carson Center.

2. Tulare: (10-0) Finish a perfect season, but I feel they got snubbed and ended with the #2 seed in Div. II. How does an undefeated team get penalized? This should give the Redskins more motivation to prove they are the best team in Div. II.

3. Centennial (Bakersfield): (9-1) Only win by two against Bakersfield-West but still got the #2 seed in Div. I due to their victory over Bakersfield earlier in the year.


4. Bakersfield: (10-1) Well so much for the hope that Liberty-Bakersfield was ready to compete with the big boys. A 28-10 win over a quality opponent has the Drillers primed for playoff action.


5. El Diamante (Visalia): (9-1) Another shutout for the best defense in the valley. We will hear over the next few weeks if they really deserved the one seed over an undefeated Tulare team. The answer will determine the section champion.

6. Clovis West (Clovis): (6-3-1) Walked through an overmatched Clovis High team that finished winless. The Golden Eagles have the confidence and want a rematch against Bullard. That game will happen if they can defeat Stockdale-Bakersfield in the first round.

7. Tehachapi: (9-1) Move up a spot after Liberty (Bakersfield) was no match for the Drillers. A 41-7 victory against a team that was unbeaten a couple weeks ago is a pretty good statement. The top seed in Div. III can flat out play ball and deserve this ranking.

8. Clovis East (Clovis): (7-3) The T’Wolves win a share of the TRAC…there’s a shocker. They have bounced back and are ready to roll. You know coach Murphy will have his team fired up against Redwood and then Bakersfield High.

9. Bullard: (8-2) With Sanger, Corcoran and Liberty losing and Bullard winning they get this spot by default. The Knights struggled in a 3-0 win over rival Hoover. The key was the absence of superstar Clifton Rogers, who is suspended along with other players for an incident at Hoover High School. Stay tuned for more on that subject….

10. Liberty (Bakersfield): (7-3) They lost so they dropped three spots. Obviously they are not to the level of the Drillers just yet. They play Central and if they win they earn a date against the all mighty Edison High.


11. Lemoore: (7-3) They have the #4 seed in Div. II and a favorable matchup against San Joaquin Memorial this Friday. The play of Eric Aviles is going to be key for Lemoore to make a run deep in the playoffs.

12. Kingsburg: (9-1) I keep hearing about Taft but I like the Vikings more. With the head-to-head against Washington Union they get the #12 spot. AJ Castillo has to carry this team in Div. IV and I expect him to. Tyler Bray (sophomore) has grown up a lot throughout the year, let’s see how he handles the playoffs.

13. Washington Union (Fresno): (7-3) No movement for the Panthers just because there was no where to go. Their loss to Kingsburg keeps them under the Swedish pride, but I look for Ebahn Feathers to carry his team deep in the Div. III playoffs, because he is a mismatch for anyone at any division.

14. Buchanan (Clovis): (6-4) League champs in one of the toughest in the state. Of course they have to be in the rankings, plus they beat the team I had ranked #14 last week. Should be a great one against the Apaches this Friday.

15. Sanger: (7-3) This team is never out of the rankings. Dropped a tough one to Reedley but still have good wins against Lemoore and Bullard this season. You know the Apaches will be ready to play come Friday night against Buchanan.

Others: Taft (9-1): The #1 seed in Div. IV but just not completely sold on them yet. I may be making a mistake but I don’t think they can run the table in that division. Central (6-4): Tough loss to Buchanan but it will be interesting if they can bounce back. So much talent on this roster yet so many inconsistencies. Monache (7-4): At one point the toughest defense in the valley, then they faced Tulare. Let’s see if they can step it up for the playoffs. | MORE

*Update: Franklin High

Franklin High does not have a football team. The team knowingly used three ineligible players and coach Verner knew it and didn’t care. Sac-Joaquin Section Commissioner Pete Saco held a press conference today and held Stockton Unified School District responsible for this. No more football until at least 2010 for the high school in Stockton. To make matters worse the entire winter and spring athletics program will not be allowed to participate in the playoffs for the 2007-2008 season.

More on this story via CalHi Sports

This situation is a disgrace and this coach needs to be fired immediately and never be allowed to coach. No one wants to take responsibility for this atrocious act. The people that are going to suffer most from this are the kids. Fair? Let us know what you think in the Comments. | MORE

CVA TOP 15 Rankings - Week Nine

CVA's Top 15 TEAMS IN THE CENTRAL SECTION AFTER WEEK NINE RESULTS.
(*note: 6-15 after the jump.)

1. Edison (Fresno): (8-0-1) The rest of the regular season is just a formality. There is no one in their league that has a chance and/or in the Valley in my opinion the way the Tigers are playing.


2. Tulare: (9-0) So much for Monache having the best defense in the valley. Is Tulare for reals? Monache had given up 43 points all year coming into Friday and Tulare won 49-28 behind CV Athlete of the Week Jontell Reedom. You tell me if they are for reals.

3. Centennial (Bakersfield): (8-1) No where to go for Centennial, because the top two teams are playing THAT good. The playoffs are the only thing Centennial is worried about.


4. Bakersfield: (9-1) Here we go BHS-Liberty for the league championship…Let’s see which team wants it more. Poor Highland just stood in the way this week (26-0).


5. El Diamante (Visalia): (8-1) The playoffs are the only competition left for this team. Hanford got flat out dominated for four quarters 30-7. I thought about bumping El Diamante higher, but just no where to go.

6. Clovis West (Clovis): (5-3-1) The Fresno Bee had the Madera Coyotes ranked #15 in the section. Well the final was 51-8. I think they were wrong. If the Golden Eagles can stay focused I would not want to play them in the playoffs.

7. Liberty (Bakersfield): (7-2) Did not make the mistake of overlooking Garces and won by 20. Liberty wants to prove that they can compete with the big dogs in the area. Most exciting game of the week goes down in the south valley this Friday.

8. Tehachapi: (8-1) Wasco thank you for stopping by now who’s next.



9. Sanger: (7-2) Sanger is sending thank you notes to Edison, because Bullard was obviously still suffering from a hangover. The Apaches are the upset kings, this team plays with a lot of heart.


10. Clovis East (Clovis): (6-3) The Timberwolves refuse to lose to the Buchanan Bears. The rushing attack was in full force and Buchanan just couldn’t stop the wing-T.


11. Corcoran: (9-0) They just continue to make it look easy. This week against CVC should test the Panthers a little more.


12: Bullard: (7-2) Two losses in a row for the Knights. What hurts more is the indefinite suspension of superstar Clifton Rogers. Without him Bullard is just an average Div. I team.


13. Washington Union (Fresno): (6-3) They crack the rankings because their playbook is simple. Ebahn Feathers run left, run right, run middle, pass right and pass left. No one in Div III can stop the Fresno State bound quarterback Feathers.

14. Central (Fresno): (6-3) This team has been a mystery all year. But I believe they will beat Buchanan in the season finale and deserve a top 15 ranking.


15. Lemoore: (6-3) They are back in the rankings after missing a few weeks. The Tigers should defeat Hanford and head into the playoffs with some momentum.


Others: Taft (8-1), Buchanan (5-4), Monache (6-3), West (Bakersfield) (6-3), Fowler (9-0) | MORE

CV ATHLETE PROFILE - Adrian Ruiz

CV Athletes is introducing a new Athlete Profile Feature to our site. Week 8 CV Athlete of the Week, Adrian Ruiz, from Kerman High School is first up. Enjoy and be on the lookout for more profiles in the very near future.

WHO: Adrian Ruiz | Senior
WHERE: Kerman High School
POSITION(S): Possession Receiver/Lockdown Safety
IN A FEW WORDS: Devin Hester-like return man

He put up 42 points in a basketball game against Yosemite High School as a junior. He was running at the high school a couple of weeks ago when a lady stopped him and told him, “You are Adrian Ruiz, my son wants to meet you.” Before this football season he wanted to be in the spotlight by having the ball in his hands. He’s definitely Kerman’s youngest celebrity. He has... plenty of confidence and swagger.

I am talking about do-it-all Kerman High standout Adrian Ruiz. No he hasn’t been offered by USC, Michigan, CAL or even Fresno State for that matter. Don’t forget neither was the man he patterns his game after; receiver for the Carolina Panthers Steve Smith.

If you see him standing at the snack bar you would just mistake him for another high school student. Once you step on the field it’s a whole different story. Ruiz is the go-to receiver, best safety and elusive return man for Kerman and oh by the way he has yet to reach his full potential according to head coach Efrain Guizar. Even Ruiz himself admits he’s still learning the game.

“As a junior I didn’t start on defense…I couldn’t understand my reads,” Ruiz calmly says in phone conversation. “I’ve come a long way and gotten better. All the team meetings really help. I’m just humble and happy we are winning.”

Forget the fact that it will take you hours to try and name another player in the valley that has two career wins against the Dos Palos Broncos. Forget the thought of your team having the best receiver in the valley.

“I believe I can lockdown any receiver in the valley,” he said with great confidence.

There is nothing better than a stud athlete with great confidence. He’s ready for any challenge. I asked him about college. His answer was simple:

“I haven’t got any offers. I wish I was a little taller but I’m not,” said Ruiz. “I’m not going to let it stop me though, I just have to work that much harder and get better.”

He’s the same height as Steve Smith. That Smith guy he’s a pretty good NFL receiver.

Coming into this season Ruiz wanted to be like Keyshawn Johnson, by that I mean he wanted the damn ball. Eight weeks into the season, he describes the highlight of his career as becoming the team leader. He’s accepted that if he gets double-teamed someone else is open.

“It’s all about wins,” said Ruiz.

Now that’s a mature high school senior. He doesn’t care about stats, just wins. You can thank coach Guizar for installing that mentally in the entire Kerman team.

“I love coach Guizar, I love that guy,” Ruiz acknowledges. “He yells at us, but not to be mean just to get us prepared and motivate us. He’s one of the best coaches I have ever had.”

Forget about getting in Ruiz’s head. He doesn’t play mind games. Before every game he gets taped up and thinks about his assignments while blasting some rock songs or rap to get pumped up. The kid doesn’t need any disruptions as he mentally prepares. Preparation is key.

The interception he returned for a touchdown against Dos Palos was due to that. Ruiz said the coaches worked on that play Dos Palos ran all week.

“I just made my read, saw the tight end coming out, stepped in front and did my thing, I took to the house,” said Ruiz.

He’s humble. He also knows he’s good. Confidence can take you a long way in life. He doesn’t want to go a long way however, suiting up for Fresno City or Merced College will suffice for him. Ruiz wants to remain close to his hometown—Kerman.

He’ll have to go far if he is to achieve his ultimate goal.

“I want to make it to the NFL. If not that I want to be like coach Guizar and teach and stuff like that.”

It’s good to see there are still role models in sports these days. | MORE

CVA TOP 15 Rankings - Week Eight

CVA's Top 15 TEAMS IN THE CENTRAL SECTION AFTER WEEK EIGHT RESULTS.
(*note: 6-15 after the jump.)

1. Edison (Fresno): (7-0-1) Forget about the question of who is the number one team in the central valley. Edison is stacked at every position and just dominated (35-0) a Bullard team that was undefeated. Jerry Davis has a Tom Brady like touchdown-to-interception ratio 22-1. Someone quickly remind Pat Hill they play football at Edison High and to start recruiting some of this amazing talent.

2. Tulare: (8-0) Say what you want about the lack of competition level for the Redskins. The fact is simple they have defeated everyone they have played. They have earned the number 2 ranking.


3. Centennial (Bakersfield): (7-1) Move up a spot after the top team gets steam rolled. Centennial is peaking at the right time expect them to roll through 1-7 Ridgeview this week.


4. Bakersfield: (7-1) Only loss this season to #3 Centennial. Blasted East Bakersfield 60-7, so much for the highly anticipated return of stud RB Andre Smith for the Blades.


5. El Diamante (Visalia): (7-1) All these one loss teams make the rankings really difficult. Ask the BCS. In the last two games the Miners have outscored opponents 112-0 and during six game winning streak 295-19. A win against Hanford will make me think about bumping them higher.

6. Bullard: (7-1) Got worked by the most talented team in the valley. The Knights must rebound this week against Sanger High who is a very scrappy team. Clifton Rogers must tell the team to hop on his back and he must take them to the promise land.

7. Clovis West (Clovis): (4-3-1) The best three loss team in the state. Good win against Clovis East bumps them up a few notches. Battling a lot of adversity within the team, but they must put it aside in order to accomplish one of their goals this season. Let Beau Sweeney do the play-calling…

8. Buchanan (Clovis): (5-3) Drop a notch because defeating Clovis is not nearly as impressive as CW beating up on Clovis East. Now Buchanan can clinch at least a share of the TRAC title with a win against Clovis East.

9. Liberty (Bakersfield): (6-2) Better not be looking forward to the Bakersfield match-up in a week. Garces has the ability to pull the upset if the Patriots overlook them.


10. Tehachapi: (7-1) Move up two spots after defeating Arvin easily 55-14. Should remain undefeated against showdown with Bakersfield Christian in a week. Tehachapi definitely looks like the cream of the crop in DIV-III.

11. West (Bakersfield): (6-2) With a 48-13 victory over South (Bakersfield) the alma mater of Fresno State stud freshman Ryan Matthews takes a five-game winning streak to North (Bakersfield) this week.

12. Sanger: (6-2) They somehow just keep winning games; this time 21-17 against Hoover. Unfortunately that might end against Bullard this week, the Apaches will be hoping Bullard still has a strong Edison hangover.

13. Monache (Porterville): (6-2) Lost by one to Lemoore but Monache High might have the best defense in the valley. Have allowed a meager 43 points all year long and their two losses have been by a combined two points.

14. Corcoran: (8-0) So what if they are Division IV, they are undefeated so they earn their spot in the top 15.


15. Clovis East (Clovis): (5-3) Lost to Clovis West 20-10 and looked very uninspired after racking up so many yards the week before against Central High. Stay in my top 15 because they are the defending D-I champions. A loss to Buchanan surely knocks them out of the top 15.

Others: Bakersfield Christian (8-0), Lemoore (5-3), Kingsburg (7-1), Washington Union (5-3), Kerman (5-3) | MORE