Top Valley Players for 2008

Top 10 Central Valley Prospects

The following ten athletes will be part of the 2009 class that looks bright for the central valley. Once again Edison High will continue to feed Division I colleges with athletes, but the Tigers will not be the only school college coaches visit this upcoming year. (No particular order of the athletes listed)

Alfonso Jackson (Bakersfield High) DB/WR- He’s as electrifying of an athlete as there is in the south valley. His versatility is what has college coaches courting him. He finished the season with 12 TDs, nine of those rushing and finished with 1410 all-purpose yards (108 per game).

Bernard Bolden (Merced High) DB/RET- His return skills are rivaled only by... Cliff Harris in the valley. A tremendous lock-down corner that will attract plenty of attention by colleges.

Cliff Harris (Edison High) DB/RET- Edison can forget about Robert Golden when they have a guy like Cliff Harris. He’s a smooth cover-corner with great athletic ability and the height college coaches drool over. Has plenty of options already, one of them none other than USC.

Greg Capella (El Diamante) OL- Capella is a mountain of man (6’5 330lbs) and is light on his feet with a tenacity that leaves you wondering how he’s still in high school. Capella will anchor the offensive line after winning every award possible for a lineman in the valley last year. It’s only a matter of time before colleges come knocking on his door.

Jontell Reedom (Tulare Union) RB- He runs a 4.4/4.5 but his vision and ability to make defenders miss is what separates him from the rest of the running backs in the valley this upcoming year. Reedom put up huge numbers as a junior (354 carries, 2707 yds, 25 TDs), and now looks to improve on those numbers.

Marquise Cooper (Edison High) RB/LB- He will graduate at 17 years old, but he’s perhaps the toughest Tiger this season. Has the ability to play anywhere on the field and being surrounded with so many great athletes will only make him better. He will be a force this season.

Nikko Motta (Sanger) DL – He’s monster on the defensive line (6’3 260lbs) and soon he will take his game to the collegiate level. Motta should definitely be one of the athletes the Bulldogs are paying close attention to. He fits the Bulldog football mold.

Rolando Jefferson (Edison High) WR- He’s got more recruiting letters than Pat Hill can send out in an entire year. Jefferson says the Bulldogs have made contact, but he wants to go further away. USC is eyeing him carefully and he’s by far the best wide receiver in the valley this year.

Tim McDonald Jr. (Edison High) DB- Is there anything really to say about an athlete that has already made a commitment to USC? McDonald has everything including pedigree (Tim McDonald Sr. was a pro-bowler with 49ers) and the grades that will help him be very successful.

Travis Brown (Clovis West) LB- Brown has already been offered by the University of Arizona. He will continue to be courted because he flat out knows how to play football. The Bulldogs are wishing they can land Brown, and may have the inside track with his father being the defensive coordinator. However, the ‘Dogs will have a lot of competition because every coach in the PAC-10 wants Brown on their roster.

Listed below are ten more athletes to be on the lookout for during the 2009 season. They may not be highly touted right now, but after camps this summer, these kids could open some eyes. They are already well known in the valley, but of course their goal is to open up the eyes of those outside the central valley.

Allan Huddleston (Merced High) DB- Speed is hard to teach and Huddleston has plenty of it. Camps are going to be his best friend this summer. The way Ebahn Feathers jumped out at everyone during a summer camp is what Huddleston is looking for.

Brant Botill (Corcoran High) LB- He was junior of the year for CBS 47 High School football award show. Has a great motor and desire, his only problem is he plays at a D-IV school and they tend to go unnoticed. Botill finished fifth in the valley in rushing yards with 1971 and also added 23 TDs. With a good summer he could open some scouts eyes.

Cameron Loeffler (Exeter High) RB- All he did as a junior was finish with 1952 yards and 24 TDs. Loeffler is 5’11 190lbs so he has the size, but like Botill plays in D-IV and gets overshadowed by the bigger schools. This kid is a winner and a playmaker.

Cougar Williams (Hanford High) WR/DB- He’s good. He’s versatile. He’s a great athlete. Offense or defense, he’s going to cause havoc for all his opponents. Most importantly, is getting himself noticed during this summer or deciding if football is what he wants in college. He’s a great point guard as well.

Damon Bragner (Los Banos High) OL- Bragner is a kid with plenty of size, but college coaches don’t like to make the trip out to the high school on Highway 152. At 6’3 285lbs, Bragner will have to make a statement at camps and with his athletic ability I believe a college will come knocking on his door by the end of his senior year.

Nate Ware (El Diamante) DB- This kid can play anywhere. He doesn’t miss tackles and has a knack for the football. He needs to focus on one position during camps this summer to impress coaches, but he’ll definitely be playing on Saturdays.

Stefphon Jefferson (El Diamante) RB- He was the backup his junior year, but was the more explosive of the two backs. Jefferson is primed to take over duties full-time in the backfield. It won’t be long before the debate/comparisons begin including him and Mr. Reedom.

Stephon Mathis (Merced High) RB- His brother was a good running back at Fresno State (Wendell Mathis), and now the younger Mathis wants his skills to be recognized. Was injured for most of his junior year, but he’s explosive, elusive and understands the game of football. Colleges will want his services before too long.

Teddy Furnish (Kerman High) LB- In case you are wondering how tough Teddy Furnish is; ask his opponents on the wrestling mat. A highly ranked wrestler in the central valley, Furnish will go into his senior year with a chip on his shoulder. The new coach in Kerman, will definitely have a leader and someone that will make plays all over the field.

Trent Eskew (Liberty High-Bakersfield) TE- This is a tough position, because it seems tight ends always get overlooked. Eskew is a great athlete with soft hands and in the summer time is when he has to display his talent to college coaches. | MORE

State Championships are in grasp!!!

A big congratulations is in order to the Memorial and Edison High boys basketball teams. Both are one win away from playing for a state championship. Memorial in DIV and Edison in DII.

Edison is set to square up against Mater Dei, who by the way has only lost one game. They are good. They have twins, that are 6'10, and both are committed to the University of North Carolina. Yeah, that Carolina, the baby blue school that was home to Michael Jordan. Oh, by the way they are juniors. Have no fear, because the Tigers don't. They bring in Greg Smith, a junior, who's 6'9 and has developed into a primetime player. The nation will soon know about Mr. Smith, yes he's that good. Good luck to the Tigers for a great season thus far.

Memorial High hasn't made it look easy or pretty. The bottom line is the Ws the team has earned. The private school located on McKinley, is ready to take down another So Cal foe. It will be interesting and exciting.

Good luck to both schools!!! | MORE

Bulldogs get new volleyball coach

Let's all welcome Lauren Netherby-Sewell to Fresno State University. Known to some as Scandal U, heck now it may just be Sexual Discrimination U. Netherby-Sewell said she's not worried about any of that, because this is new blood running the program. Yes, the current athletic director had nothing to do with the lawsuits. But one big common denominator remains in place, President John Welty, some love him, but a lot more hate him or at least want his resignation. Netherby-Sewell, the San Clemente lady, gets an opportunity to lead the female 'Dogs to something they, well let's face it, aren't accustomed to...winning. Ruben Nieves came highly touted, with his fancy Stanford pedigree and national acclaim. Yup, he failed miserably. Now it's time a 29-year-old turns the program around, that has been in the news for more negatives than positives in the last three years. Here's some good news for the new coach, she has two great players stepping foot on campus this August. Here's the best part, for me at least, they are from the central valley. And more impressive is that the two girls come from a program where winning is like breathing (Buchanan High). Brianna Clarke and Baylee Platt are going to be a big part of Fresno State's future success. They both will be thrown right into the fire, because Netherby-Sewell has to build for the future. And the future involves these two highly touted athletes, oh by the way they know how to win. Winning is something that most Bulldogs have forgot about in the last three years with Nieves. Oh, how those days are over, at least we hope, and now it's time to hope this female coach leaves us with good memories not another lawsuit. | MORE

From West to East coast!

Jerry Davis, the quarterback of Edison High, has orally committed to the University of Buffalo after his visit to the east coast this weekend. The quarterback says he will officially sign his letter of intent tomorrow. Edison High just continues to produce Division I athletes as Davis is yet another athlete heading to college with a scholarship. Congratulations are in order to Jerry Davis for his patience and finally getting the offer he's been waiting for. Anyone that followed valley football somewhat, knows this kid has the ability to be very successful at the next level. It will be a busy day tomorrow at Edison High as Robert Golden, Brandon Leslie, Jerry Davis among others will be signing their letters of intent. Congrats to all those athletes at Edison High. | MORE

Edison QB heading East??

Edison High's super stud quarterback is heading to Buffalo, NY tomorrow for his official visit with the University of Buffalo. The three-year varsity starter who had a great senior season has been patiently waiting for his offer. I have no idea why Davis is still available, but he's a great quarterback with a rocket arm. Whatever school decides to offer him is going to get a great young man and an outstanding quarterback. I will have more details after the weekend when I speak with Davis again. | MORE

Martin to Kerman High???

There are rumors swirling out of the westside community that recently dismissed Clovis West coach, Marty Martin, will interview for the vacant head coaching position Wednesday. If this hire does happen it will only confirm my reports on the relevance of Kerman football. This program is definately heading in the right direction and bringing in a guy like Martin will elevate the program a little more. | MORE

Ouch!! Bad News in Bulldog land...

Jim McElwain, the man credited for turning around a bismal Fresno State offense, has accepted the same job title at the University of Alabama. This leaves Fresno State without an offensive coordinator, and most importantly without the man who managed to turn Tom Brandstater into a Division I quarterback. For Bulldog fans' sake let's just hope this doesn't produce a trickle down affect on the recruits that have given verbal commitments to the Bulldogs. With signing day a week away the loss of McElwain could impact some athletes that envisioned themselves in McElwain's dynamic offense. The 'Dogs will desperately hope they do not lose any more recruits (already lost 4-star player Malik Jackson to USC), especially athletes at the skilled positions like Evans and Ebahn Feathers. Another new offensive coordinator in 2008 for the Bulldogs, there's a trend we haven't seen in recent years (See Frank Cignetti, Hagan and now McElwain)

To see a list of the 2008 commits click here: http://fresnostate.rivals.com/commitlist.asp | MORE

Following Efrain Guizar's footsteps

Kerman High School is searching for a head football coach just like a few other schools in the valley. However, the soon to be Division IV school, did not fire their previous head coach. In fact, he was promoted. Coach Guizar will now be the assistant principal for the Lions. The former Fresno State football player has made Kerman Football relevant in the valley. More importantly he has made football relevant... in the "Gateway to the Westside" community.

The kids at the school are believers in what coach Guizar has preached in his years as the Kerman go-to guy. Forget about the wins, like the one that ended a 20 plus-year losing streak to the infamous blue-gold from Dos Palos. What will be remembered is the effort to involve the community. The fundraisers he worked on so diligently. The way he taught his players about life, not just football, and taught them to be grateful. Guizar started the tradition of the players thanking the fans after every game. Yes, the entire team walks towards the stands and as collective unit thank the fans for their continued support. Are you kidding me, I couldn't get a 16-year-old to say thank you without bribing him with a PS3 or XBox 360. And Guizar manages to make them say thanks to parents, strangers, business owners, etc. with respect. Isn't that what coaching is all about? Teaching young adults the proper way to behave, act and most importantly do both of those in either defeat or victory.

I have spoken with coach on several occasions; he's as humble as they come. He praises his assistant coaches constantly. He thanks the community of Kerman over and over. He shows great faith in his players; you know the ones he’s developed. Oh, he can probably name you the starting 22 players on the Pop Warner team. Yes, he was that involved.

"He does so much for the community," said first year assistant coach Mark Gutierrez. Gutierrez is shocked how serious football is in Kerman, he played his ball at Lincoln High in Stockton and coached at Hoover High. The small-town feel leaves him overwhelmed at times. What he doesn't know is that Kerman football was irrelevant in the valley before Guizar.

"Everyone wears red in Kerman on Fridays, Efrain started that," said Gutierrez, who worked the booth during varisty games this past season.

Let's face it, no one is going to come in and do what Efrain Guizar has done for Kerman as a community, school and team. The simple reason this won't happen, is because the next coach at this school will have a great foundation to begin with. The new coach will have the support of the new assistant principal. The new coach will have the community behind him, because football matters in this town now. The new head coach will be getting great athletes and better yet, student/athletes that understand if you don't follow the rules you won't be playing.

“I love that guy," is what senior all-purpose stud Adrian Ruiz told me earlier in the year when talking about coach Guizar. Ruiz also said Guizar is easily the best coach he’s ever had.

I’m sure that sentiment is felt throughout the locker room by other players. Now the team and I stress team, which Guizar has developed will be handed off to a new face. You better believe this is something Guizar didn’t want to let go off. He’s been watching his team develop and grow into something special. Now Kerman must do the right thing and bring in the right man to follow in Guizar’s lead. Good luck with that. | MORE

More coaching moves in the valley...

Bill Spzor has resigned as head coach at Immanuel High. Spzor led Immanuel High to a Division IV section championship in 2005. This year the Eagles finished with a record of 3-8 and Spzor felt it was time for him to move on.

"We didn't get it done this year; I'll take the blame for that," Spzor told the Fresno Bee.

In more coaching news, Jon Hall has resigned as Fresno Christian's head football coach. Hall leaves Fresno Christian with a 31-42 record in seven years. | MORE

Clovis West coaching staff changing

Marty Martin held together the Clovis West football team in a season filled with off the field issues and led them to the section championship game (CW lost 19-16). Martin will be out as head coach of the Golden Eagles football team after just one season. The Golden Eagles I'm sure will have a nation wide search for their next head coach. Martin does have a lawyer, Warren Paboojian (best known for representing Stacy Johnson-Klein), and it has been cited that he may be seeking legal action against the Clovis Unified School District.

Former Clovis West assistant coach Casey Quinn has been named the new head coach at Central High School. The 34-year-old took over play calling duties for the Golden Eagles this past season, after offensive coordinator Greg Sobieck left for personal reasons four games into the season. Quinn replaces Wayne Koligian. | MORE

Many valley kids earn all-state football honors

Congratulations to Nick Rolph (Clovis West) and Ebahn Feathers (Washington Union) for earning prestigious awards from Cal-Hi Sports. Nick Rolph (first team all-state), may be remembered for missing what would of been the game-tying field goal in the section championship game against Bakersfield High this season. However, the young man had a tremendous season and career as the Golden Eagles place kicker. Feathers (Medium Schools State Player of the Year), quarterback, was simply a one-man highlight reel for the Panthers the last three years. Feathers will take his 4.38 speed and rocket arm to Fresno State next year. Also making the first team all-state squad were Robert Galas (OL) and Louis Bland (RB/LB) both from Central Catholic-Modesto.

Other notable central valley players earning awards were Robert Golden (Edison High), second team all-state cornerback heading to University of Arizona and defensive end Matt Akers (Liberty-Bakerfield) who will chase down quarterbacks as a Bulldog.

Others:
Third team all-state
D.J. Bennett (OL, Tulare), Andre Smith (RB, East Bakersfield), Mychal Kendricks (LB, Hoover), Emmanuel Oeriahki (DB, Bakersfield High), Pete Mitchell, (QB/RB/K, Bakersfield High), Kyle Negrete (TE/S/P, Clovis West)

Underclass All-State:

First Team:
David Born (OL, West), Greg Capella (OL, El Diamante), Jontell Reedom (RB, Tulare), Travis Brown (LB, Clovis West), Tim McDonald Jr (CB, Edison)

Second Team:
Rolando Jefferson (WR, Edison), Nikko Motto (OL, Sanger), Cliff Harris (DB/RET, Edison)

Sophomores:

First Team:
Rakeem Yates (DL, Edison), Kenny Corona (DB, Fowler), Alfonso Jackson (DB, Bakersfield)

Second Team:
Tyler Bray (QB, Kingsburg), Caleb Justice (LB, Bullard)

Medium Schools:

Second Team:
Adrian Pacheco (RB, Selma), Isiah Crunk (DB, Washington), Cameron Loeffler (RB/LB, Exeter)

Small Schools:
First Team:
Kyle Reitz (OL, Caruthers), Ben Savali (OL, Taft), Ryan Boschma (OL, Bakersfield Christian), Kenny Corona (DB, Fowler), Dalton Botts (P, Taft), Brant Botill (RB/LB, Corcoran), Ily Lopez (RB/LB, Avenal)

Second Team:
Josh Boger (LB, Coalinga), Darren Jones (DB, Corcoran), Josh Gallington (P, Bakersfield Christian) | MORE

Buchanan visits new territory

Buchanan High varsity men's basketball defeated Clovis West for the first time since the two schools first met in 1993. It was new territory for the Bears, but they weren't surprised. Buchanan's Brandon Sperling calmly nailed the game-winning free-throw with one second left, after missing his first attempt. Not too worry, Sperling, who finished the night with 20 of Buchanan's 52 points was hoisted up on his teammates shoulders. These two Clovis powers have been battling it out in every sport, but basketball has been something the Golden Eagles have dominated since 1993.

No longer will Clovis West overlook their neighbors in the sport that was once overlooked at Buchanan High. | MORE

Fresno State men's basketball

With so much potential the Bulldogs lose another player for issues off the court. Listen up and leave your comments.

| MORE

Vance Walberg leaves Pepperdine

Former Clovis West and Fresno City College basketball coach Vance Walberg has resigned from his head coaching position today. He leaves Pepperdine University with an overall record of 8-23 in the two years. This year Pepperdine is 6-12. Walberg cited family and personal reasons for his resignation. Walberg led Fresno City College to a state championship in 2005 and was 133-11 at that school. As a high school coach Walberg ammassed a record of 481-159.

Let the rumors begin of where Walberg may coach next if anywhere. I am sure many valley schools will inquire for his services. Walberg is a proven winner and great coach. His uptempo offense is definately fun to watch. | MORE

Batman has great senior year

Edison High alumni Clifton Smith finished his career as a Bulldog with a statement. Smith displayed greatness against a very tough Georgia Tech defense. Sit back and enjoy some of "Batman's" highlights as a Bulldog.



Video edited by, Edson Barrantes | MORE

Move over guys; it's the girls turn

Dos Palos High School girls basketball is ranked #3 in the valley (DIV). I'm not sure when was the last time the girls team or guys team (basketball) was ranked but this is a big deal in the small town. It's great to see the huge turnaround by this team. Big time props go out to Coach Hendricks who has engineered this fantastic start by the Broncos (13-3).

The Broncos are led by senior Porsha Rivers and junior Irene Barrantes. It will be interesting to see how this season unfolds for the Broncos. Tonight they square off against a tough Fresno Christian team that is currently #2 in Division V. One thing is for certain the winter time is now becoming relevant for sports in the town of 5,000 residents. It's not only about football and baseball anymore, the lady Broncos are in the house. | MORE

Good Bye Marcus

Marcus Riley is taking his talents to the NFL and will be leaving Fresno State with many memories. Here's a short video of perhaps his biggest moment. Thanks for the memories Mr. Riley and good luck in the future. He will soon join his friend and Sac-Town homie Lance Briggs in the league.




Video edited by, Edson Barrantes | MORE

Holy Bulldogs!!

Well I said if Tom Brandstater can have a good game the Bulldogs should come out on top. Did they ever come out on top. A huge win for the team that had eight players suspended before their bowl game. Forget about it, it didn't matter that the boys from the valley have been dealing with adversity all year long. Clifton Smith lived up to his name of Batman and showed the nation what everyone in the central valley has been seeing since his days dawning the Edison Tigers' uniform. Do you see greatness? Everyone saw a glimpse of it on New Years Eve. I'm not talking only Smith's greatness but an entire team. This year (2008) looks like it's going to be one for the ages if the 'Dogs can stay healthy and remain focused. The offseason will be an entertaining one and with some quality recruits already committed to the 'Dogs the excitement has officially begun.

To see a list of the 2008 commits click here:   http://fresnostate.rivals.com/commitlist.asp | MORE