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