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