Football Week 1 – 2016

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  • ​week 1 and week 2 are by far the toughest weeks to predict because you really don’t know how good teams are.?
  • I get plenty of emails on why it was called week 0 instead of week 1?
  • Answer; Some years ago the season would start with week 1 and then some teams scheduled games against teams from out of the central section and the only time to play would be a week before the season would start and many called  it week 0. Now 98% of teams play in the 1st week.

Back to Pag Meter notes;

  • Practice and the scrimmage are nice to watch but scrimmages are usually very vanilla with offenses showing very little. Don’t go by the scrimmage on seeing just how good your team is because some teams are trying to work out all the kinks, coaches are looking at players to see who will step up and some teams will not play their best players and some teams play the scrimmage like it’s the superbowl and show everything. There is not a right or wrong way to play the scrimmage.
  • That being said the Pag Meter will take a stab at predicting week 1. Here we go…​
    • In 2015, the Pag Meter finished the year at 83% picking winners. So far this year and I know it’s early but I see plenty of teams that are so even in every division. It could be a great year with a ton of great games! Stay tuned.
    • The Pag Meter is back on 940 ESPN Radio with the Nick & Matt show live from Fashion Furniture Thursday’s at 5pm-7pm starting Sept 1st
    • Nick & matt will be broadcasting the Liberty Patriots vs Clovis West Golden Eagles on 790 ESPN the Deuce
    • Stay Tuned for the 940 ESPN post game show while you are leaving your game with all the scores, highlights and interviews from around the valley. ​

A recap of 2015 Championship night

  • Valley Championship game
    • Liberty 56 Clovis 21 (Liberty Lost to Del Oro 28-24 in the state play in game)
  • Division 2
    • Ridgeview 45 Lemoore 19 ( Ridgeview Lost to Narbonne 35-20 in the state play in game)
  • Division 3
    • Hanford 42 Memorial 28
    • Hanford beat Sonara 42-18 in the regional state play in game
    • Beat Bonita Vista in the state championship 33-21 The Bullpups are the State Champions!
  • Division 4
    • Chowchilla 20 Washington Union 16 (Beat Fairfax 28-16 in the regional state game.
    • Lost to Sierra in the state championship 20-15
  • Division 5
    • Immanuel 35 Mendota 20 (Beat Bradshaw Christian 31-21 in the regional playoff game.
    • Lost to Mater Dei in state championship game 56-21
  • Division 6
    • Kennedy 30 Avenal 14 (Lost to Saddleback Valley Christian 59-45 in the state regional playoff game)

Week 1 Pag Meter Predictions

Thursday Night Football

  • ​Clovis North at Sunnyside
    • Pag Meter Early line Clovis North -10
    • Casey Quinn makes his debut as the new Broncos head coach. Making his 1st start at QB for the Broncos will be senior Brent Bailey who can run it and throw it just as good as anybody. The Broncos will spread it out and throw it all over the yard. RB Jordan Ayerza is the guy that if you give him a crease….he’s gone! The Broncos will be a uptempo offense with Bailey in the shotgun and his big target will be WR Chad Fugman. The Wildcats will counter with their senior QB Nate Hughes who threw for 2,074 yards with 16 TD passes. The Wildcats are a very streaky team with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball but have yet to ever put it all together.
    • The X factor is the Wildcats defense and can they slow down the Broncos spread attack? They did not.  The Broncos are not big on the offensive line or the defensive line and Sunnyside can expose that if they don’t turn the ball over. If the Wildcats don’t win this year against the Broncos, they might never beat the Broncos! This would be one of the biggest wins in school history if the Wildcats can pull it off.
    • Pag Meter Prediction (UPSET SPECIAL) Sunnyside 24 Clovis North 23
    • Final Clovis North 30 Sunnside 6
    • Boy the Pag Meter missed the upset special. This is why you never go by a scrimmage the week before. Casey Quinn’s defense was outstanding with turnovers! The Wildcats were over matched!
    •  110-yard rushing of Jordan Ayerza rushed for 110 yards and scored a 11 yard TD​
  • Sanger vs Fresno High at McLane Stadium
    • Pag Meter Early line Sanger -13
    • The Warriors have a new head coach and that is Joe Marquez who is also the offensive coordinator. He takes over for Ray Reyes who has health issues.  In his 1st game, Joe has to coach against the Sanger Legend Chuck Shidan who is 10 wins away from 200 career wins.The Warriors are big upfront and they have possibly the most dangerous QB in the valley with Khory Day.  Day runs the zone read so well. The Apaches return almost everybody on defense including middle linebacker and CMAC defensive player of the year Miguel Garcia.
    • The X factor is the Apaches offense vs the Warriors defense. The Warriors can score but can they slow down the triple option? The Apaches didn’t get to play in their scrimmage against Central because of the bad ash in the air and that could hurt. It did hurt especially in the 1st half. The O-line is thin.
    • Pag Meter Prediction Sanger 35 Fresno 21
    • Final Sanger 28 Fresno High 21
    • This was a fantasic game. The Apaches turned the ball over 4 times and Fresno High had over 100 yards in penalties. Apaches Miguel Garcia rushed for 145 yards and scored a 2 yard TD. Warriors QB Khory Day threw for 153 yards including a 65 yard TD pass to Lee Major and Day rushed for 98 yards and scored on a 3 yard run.
  • Hanford West vs McLane at Hanford
    • Pag Meter Early line Hanford West -3
    • Making his debut at head coach for the Highlanders is Brian Roberson. Senior QB Julian Kelley returns after throwing for 3,173 yards with 27 TD passes. His favorite WR Ricardo Arias is also back after tremendous sophomore year catching 79 passes for 1,428 yards and scored 17 TD’s.  Kelly will be more under center. Hanford West will rely on senior RB Gerod Magee. The Huskies have some talent especially on defense.
    • The X factor is the Highlanders defense because last year it wasn’t good.
    • Pag Meter Prediction Hanford West 27 McLane 23
    • Final Hanford West 20 McLane 12
    • The Highlanders high powered offense was shut down. Big win for the Huskies!​
  • Golden West vs Monache at Granite Hills
    • Pag Meter Early line Golden West -14
    • Tremendous matchup for Thursday night with 2 teams that should be much better in 2016. Both teams in their respected leagues could be tough.
    • The Trailblazers run the Wing T and will need the offensive line to have a big game to go 1-0. The Marauders have Martin Nava as their new head coach and he will have plenty of returning players. Senior Clayton Dignam will start the year as the QB. Senior Leroy Campbell will be the featured running back.
    • The X factor is the Monache defense and can they match up with the Golden West wing T? It did not
    • Pag Meter Prediction Golden West 34 Monache 19
    • Final Golden West 41 Monache 10
    • The GW Wing T went off

Friday Night Light

  • Liberty vs Clovis West at Lamonica Stadium 7:00pm
    • Broadcasted with Nick & Matt on 790 ESPN Radio the Deuce
    • Pag Meter Early line Clovis West -5
    • This is the biggest game of the week. The defending valley champions vs the much improved Golden Eagles. This game will go along way for playoff seedings.
    • The Patriots have a bunch of new players including some transfers vs the Golden Eagles that are full of juniors.
    • The Patriots new QB will be senior Bryson Faulconer who is the team leader but is not a running QB but instead will pick apart the defense. The Patriots will try to get the ball to the wide receivers, Johnny Balderas and 6-3 WR Kobe Alvarez. At running back will be new transfer from Frontier, Cameron Meek, and keep an eye on sophomore Sammy Stewart who will want to run you over and Zach Griffin who is fast. The Patriots will have a very good defense again and leading the way is the best defensive player in the valley and Pag Meter’s Defensive Player of the Year Kurtis Brown. Kurtis is 280 lbs and impossible to block. The Patriots offensive line will be pretty much all new.
    • The Golden Eagles bring back junior QB Adrian Martinez who is bigger and taller than last year. He plays like Russell Wilson and will be tough to slow down.
    • The X factor is the CW running game with junior Rodney Wright vs one of the best defensive lines in the valley. If CW can run the ball then that opens up Adrian Martinez to do his thing with his wide outs. The interesting matchup will be the new Patriots offense vs the Golden Eagles defense.  The Patriots will have plenty of players playing both ways and CW will try to wear you down. This game could be close and CW could pull away in the 2nd half.
    • Pag Meter prediction Clovis West 24 Liberty19
    • Final Liberty 28 Clovis West 24
    • Liberty made the plays and CW didn’t. The Golden Eagles called a halfback pass on 4th and 4 with the game on the line. It didn’t work. Pates QB Bryson Faulconer threw a game-winning 45-yard touchdown pass to Johnny Balderas. The Patriots defense held CW to a field goal after CW had the ball 1st and goal at the 2 yard line.
  • Central vs Bullard at McLane Stadium
    • Pag Meter Early line Bullard -2
    • It’s the Black and Blue game!
    • New Central’s head coach Kyle Biggs squares off against Donnie Arax who Kyle used to coach with at Bullard.  Last year the Knights had to hang on in the win with a last minute goal line stance 21-17. Making his 1st varsity start for the Grizzlies will be sophomore QB Trent Tompkins vs the Knights 3 year starter Jack Taylor.
    • The key will be the run game for both teams because both defenses are real good. This will be a hard hitting game. Central has DB Jaylon Johnson who is being recruited by USC and Alabama but he might not play this year because of a bad shoulder. The Grizzlies leaders on defense will be (DB) Malik White, (TE/LB) Brandon Ballard, (MLB) Matt Mendoza, (OLB/RB) Aj Lopez, and (DB/WR) Kev’vion Schrubb.
    • The Knights have the two best linebacking combo in the valley with seniors Ben Baker and Cameron Lamanuzzi.
    • The X factor is the Grizzlies sophomore QB Tompkins and can he get over the nerves early without playing in a scrimmage. Central did not play in their scrimmage at Sanger because of too much ash in the air. The scrimmage is always good for young QB’s to get some experience.
    • Pag Meter prediction Bullard 24 Central 21
    • Final Bullard 24 Central 3
    • The Knights forced 4 turnovers
  • Avenal at McFarland
    • Pag Meter Early line Avenal -12
    • The last time they played was in the playoffs and Avenal won 72-6. I’m thinking the Cougars remember that game because that was an old fashion ass-kicking. The Cougars have QB Mathew Oropeza back after throwing for 1,402 yards with 12 TD’s. This is a huge game for the Cougars because of confidence after getting smoked last year.
    • The X factor is that there is no secret that the Buccaneers will want to pound the ball with Jordan Barrera and can the Cougars defense hang?
    • Pag Meter prediction Avenal 22 McFarland 10
    • Final Avenal 16 McFarland 0
  • Bakersfield Christian at Garces
    • Pag Meter Early line Garces -12
    • This is a very interesting matchup of two teams with speed. The Eagles will have QB Austin Gaines and running back Stephen Figures. The wideouts will be fast with seniors Jeremiah Foster, Carson Balfanz, Jordan Smith and junior Devyon Miller. The Rams will counter with  Conor Bruce and Junior Isaiah Martin who both can fly. The Rams are big upfront.
    • The X factor is the Rams might be too big upfront vs the Eagles. The Rams have plenty of new players transferring in including West Bakersfield QB Christopher Coleman but will he be eligible?
    • Pag Meter Prediction Garces 33 Bakersfield Christian 20
    • Final Garces 44 Bakersfield Christian 21
  • Chavez at South
    • Pag Meter Early line Chavez -3
    • Last year the Titans won at home 20-14. The Titans have a new head coach with Jesse Ortega. Senior QB Deion Perkins returns after throwing for 1,493 yards with 16 TD’s. The Rebels return senior QB Aries Harris and he is ready for a big year.
    • The X factor is the Rebels defense
    • Pag Meter prediction Chavez 20 South 17​
    • Final Chavez 14 South 6
  • Coalinga at Wasco
    • Pag Meter Early line Wasco -10
    • The Horned Toads new head coach is Ronnie Redding. Both teams will be much better this year with many returning players. Last year the Tigers pulled it out 28-20
    • The X factor is who wins the turnover game.
    • Pag Meter prediction Wasco 31 Coalinga 21
    • Final Wasco 28 Coalinga 6
  • Delano at East Bakersfield
    • Pag Meter Early line Delano -3
    • The Tigers have  Junior QB Ramon Ortega leading the offense. The Blades have senior Ricardo Mendoza and sophomore Richard Lara at QB. Both teams would love to get off to a 1-0 start and this has the makings of a very good game.
    • The X factor is the front seven on defense and who plays better.
    • Pag Meter prediction Delano 21 East 17
    • Final East 14 Delano 6
    • Raymond Marquez scored early and Joe Robinson sealed the win when he ran back a INT for a TD.
  • Desert at Immanuel
    • Pag Meter Early line Immanuel -5
    • The Scorpions moved into the High Desert league and will be new to the central section so why not open up the new beautiful stadium at Immanuel and take on the defending division 5 section champions! The Scorpions will try to get the ball in the hands of Spud Thompson. The Eagles come in with some new faces including making his 1st start at QB will be junior Adam Simonian. Leading the way for the Eagles are seniors RB Kyle Dunigan and TE/LB Andrue Lackey
    • The X Factor will be can the Scorpions match up with the Eagles offense?
    • Pag Meter prediction Immanuel 29 Desert 24
    • Final Immanuel 35 Desert 34
    • Adrian Jump’s two-point conversion run following Kyle Dunigan’s 2nd TD of the game and the Eagles get a win in their new stadium. Tommy Kawagoe had a 39-yard TD run and Adam Simonian threw a 61-yard scoring strike to Bradley Collin-Dunn
  • Dos Palos vs Sierra Pacific
    • Pag Meter Early line Dos Palos -4
    • The Golden Bears come in ranked No 1 in division 6 and are stepping up the non league schedule playing the Broncos. The Broncos have Senior QB Lane Zuspan who is ready for a big year.
    • The X Factor is the Golden Bears QB/Running back Miguel Wharton who comes back after rushing for 2,001 yards and scored 20 TD’s. Can he run against a very good Broncos defense? The Broncos had a very good summer and could be the sleeper in division 5. This would be the biggest win in school history for the Golden Bears.
    • Pag Meter prediction Dos Palos 28 Sierra Pacific 24
    • Final Dos Palos 34 Sierra Pacific 28
    • Lane Zuspan threw three TD’s, including an 8-yarder to Walker in the 1st quarter. Rodney Miller and Jonathan Hernandez each caught in 2nd-quarter TD’s
  • Tulare Western vs El Diamante
    • Pag Meter Early line Tulare Western -14
    • Wow what a week 1 match up! Two teams that are expected to do good things this year. The Mustangs return QB Andre Aguilar, RB David Alcantar and WR/FS Josh Portillo. The Miners will have running backs with Kymonte Williams and Andrew Valdez.
    • The X Factor is the Miners offense vs the Mustangs defense.
    • Pag Meter prediction Tulare Western 27 El Diamante 13
    • Final Tulare Western 28 El Diamante 7
  • Farmersville at Strathmore
    • Pag Meter Early line Strathmore -21
    • The X Factor is can the Aztecs offense matchup against a very good Spartans defense
    • Pag Meter prediction Strathmore 35 Farmersville 14
    • Final Strathmore 52 Farmersville 27
  • Firebaugh at Liberty
    • Pag Meter Early line Firebaugh -7
    • The battle of birds. The Eagles vs the Hawks. The Eagles have a new head coach and that is Dejon Kelly.
    • The X Factor is the QB play. Eagles junior  QB Noey Garcia who can fly vs senior QB Mark Brandt who will run you over.
    • Pag Meter prediction Firebaugh 34 Liberty 27
    • Final Firebaugh 28 Liberty 26
  • Fowler at Corcoran
    • Pag Meter Early line Fowler -19
    • The Redcats have a new coach with Raul Diaz. Senior Gabe Gomez will take over at QB and he is a tough kid. The Panthers were very young last year and has junior QB Cane Oldenes returning to lead the offense.
    • The X Factor is the defensive side of the ball.
    • Pag Meter prediction Fowler 34 Corcoran 14​
    • Final Fowler 34 Corcoran 7
  • Frazier Mountain at Granite Hills  7:15pm
    • Pag Meter Early line Granite Hills -22
    • Last year the Grizzlies could never put it all together with the offense and defense playing well the entire game at the same time.
    • The X Factor is can the Grizzlies play well for 48 minutes?
    • Pag Meter prediction Granite Hills 30 Frazier Mt 7
    • Forfeit  Frazier Mt could not field a team
  • Golden Valley at Taft 7:30pm
    • Pag Meter Early line Taft -17
    • The Wildcats will have plenty of new players and this team will get better and better. One of the best is speedster Robert Cozine. The Bulldogs will have Senior Running back Tyler Thompson who comes in after rushing for 1,585 yards so look for the Bulldogs to pound it with Thompson.
    • The X Factor is the Wildcats offense
    • Pag Meter prediction Taft 34 Golden Valley 17
    • Final Taft 47 Golden Valley 7
    • It was the Robert Cozine and Setefano Maui show. Cozine rushed for 262 yards including 3 TD runs of 28,35 and 81 yards. Maui rushed 158 yards and scored 3 TD’s with runs of 11, 12, and 49 yards.
  • Hanford at Buchanan
    • Pag Meter Early line Buchanan -11
    • This is one of the most interesting games of the night. The defending State champions have their super star senior QB Ryan Johnson who threw for 3,085 yards/35 TD passes. Around Johnson will be a bunch of new Bullpups. The Bullpups will get better and better each week. For the Bears they have a new coach with Matt Giordano. The Bears will have another outstanding defense with linebackers Logan Fogg and Zach Presno.
    • The Bears offense has struggled the last 3 years so the X Factor in week 0 is the Bears offense. How good will both of these teams be? Stay tuned. Can the Bullpups O-line protect Johnson against a a very good Bears defense? Both defenses are very good.
    • Pag Meter Prediction Buchanan 31 Hanford 20
    • Final Buchanan 33 Hanford 14
    • Bad news for Hanford QB Ryan Johnson, he has a torn ACL in his left knee and that will end his senior year in football and basketball. He suffered it on the 4th play of the game. He has verbally committed to play at San Jose State and San Jose State has said they still want him and that is great news.
  • Highland at Arvin
    • Pag Meter Early line Highland -12
    • Keep an eye on the Scots because they return plenty of starters including junior QB Zeke Arambula who threw for 1,628 with 14 TD passes. Also back are RB Rodney Rhoden who rushed for 836 yards and senior SS Isaac Garcia who made 114 tackles along with junior LB Joseph Yubeta. The Bears will want to use their Senior RB Rafael Velasquez.
    • The X Factor is the Bears defense
    • Pag Meter Prediction Highland 27 Arvin 15
    • Final Highland 41 Arvin 18
  • CVC vs Hoover at Sunnyside
    • Pag Meter Early line Hoover -4
    • The Cavaliers comes in with plenty of players playing both ways. Junior QB JJ Lino will be guy running the offense and Connor Paden at running back. The Patriots have a new head coach and that is former Lemoore Tigers head coach Shannon Pulliam. The Patriots are not a big team but will have speed and play physical with junior running back  RB Tahj Hart. Senior QB Jose Medina will be the guy that the Patriots need to have a good year.
    • Pulliam hasn’t had a lot of time to put much in since he started only 2 weeks ago and the Patriots have a really good coaching staff. Hoover usually starts the year at 0-1 because of the battle of barstow game vs Bullard so can Hoover go 1-0?
    • The X Factor is CVC is such a tremendous coached team with head coach Mason Hughes and his staff, can Hoover get it going on such a short time of practice?
    • Pag Meter prediction Hoover 21 CVC 17
    • Final CVC 49 Hoover 26
    • The Cavaliers scored 3 straight TD’s in the 4th quarter to take down the Patriots. Connor Paden opened the scoring with a 29-yard pass from QB JJ Lino and ran in 3 more TD’s.
  • Kennedy at Foothill
    • Pag Meter Early line Kennedy -16
    • The Thunderbirds are back to back division 6 champions.  Head coach Dennis Moody has built up a football program and the Thunderbirds will continue to be a hard hitting team. The Trojans were very young last year and should be much better in 2016
    • The X Factor is the Trojans offense and moving the ball against a very good defense.
    • Pag Meter prediction Kennedy 37 Foothill 21
    • Final Kennedy 42 Foothill 24
  • Lindsay at Exeter
    • Pag Meter Early line Exeter -8
    • Another good matchup of two very good teams. The Cardinals have  junior QB Javier Avalos back with experience. Junior RB Ethan Duran returns as the lead back. Senior WR/LB Bert Vasquez leads the defense. For Exeter Junior RB Anthony Torres will be the featured back.
    • The X Factor will be the Exeter offense.
    • Pag Meter prediction Exeter 25 Lindsay 17
    • Final Exeter 62 Lindsay 0
  • Mission Oak at Dinuba
    • Pag Meter Early line Dinuba -21
    • The X Factor is the Emperor playing good football for 48 minutes. Last year they struggled with that. A star will be born for the Emperors with senior QB Gustavo Villarreal.
    • Pag Meter prediction Dinuba 35 Mission Oak 14
    • Final Dinuba 35 Mission Oak 21
  • Mt. Whitney at Tulare Union
    • Pag Meter Early line Tulare Union -21
    • The most interesting team in the valley are the Redskins (Tribe) because they have the makings to be very good. Making his 1st varsity start at QB is sophomore 6-2 Nate Lamb. The Redskins (Tribe) might just have the best RB in the valley with junior Kazmeir Allen.  The Pioneers have senior QB Isaiah Salazar and WR Jose Cisneros.
    • The X Factor is the Redskins (Tribe) defense because it hasn’t been good for awhile. The Redskins (Tribe) will want to pound it with Allen to take the pressure off QB Lamb.
    • Pag Meter prediction Tulare Union 37 Mt Whitney 14
    • Final Tulare Union 35 Mt Whitney 7
  • North at Independence
    • Pag Meter Early line North -4
    • For the Stars Marley Garnett returns at QB and he is good along with RB Dustin Reed. For the Falcons Senior JR Layman is back at QB.
    • The X Factor is the Stars offense
    • Pag Meter prediction North 21 Independence 17
    • Final North 24 Independence 14
    • Stars RB Dustin Reed rushed for 111 yards and scored 2 TD’s.
  • Orange Cove at Woodlake
    • Pag Meter Early line Woodlake -20
    • The Tigers are the team that can make a run at a division 5 section championship. Sophomore QB sensation Robby Stevenson is going to be outstanding after taking over last year. Noe Garcia is back at running back and this offense will be dangerous. The Titans have a new head coach with Jacob Huerta.  The East Sierra league champions bring back senior QB and captain Steven Moreno. The Titans have plenty of returning players.
    • The X Factor is the Titans defensive and can they hang with the Tigers high powered offense?
    • Pag Meter prediction Woodlake 40 Orange Cove 20
    • Final Woodlake 48 Orange Cove 21
  • Reedley vs Redwood
    • Pag Meter Early line Redwood -22
    • The Pirates have a new head coach with Brandon Nagle who is building a program. The Rangers came on strong at the end of last year after a bad start.
    • The X Factor is the Pirates offense and can they run the ball against a good Rangers defense.
    • Pag Meter prediction Redwood 36 Reedley 14​
    • Final Redwood 48 Reedley 7
  • Riverdale at Laton
    • Pag Meter Early line Riverdale -22
    • Both teams were very young last year.
    • The X Factor is the Laton defense vs the Riverdale offense.
    • Pag Meter prediction Riverdale 28 Laton 6
    • Final Riverdale 28 Laton 0
  • Roosevelt at Chowchilla
    • Pag Meter Early line Chowchilla -28
    • The Rough Riders have a new head coach with Atnaf Harris who was an assistant coach at Edison. The defending 4 section champion Redskins are coming in with some new faces but will be just as dangerous. Keep an eye at running back with the Cantrell brothers, senior Jayson and junior Justin.
    • The X factor is the Rough Riders defense and can they match up with the Redskins running game? The Rough Riders have some players who have to sit out including QB Jordan De La Rosa.
    • Pag Meter prediction Chowchilla 34 Roosevelt 7
    • Final Chowchilla 51 Roosevelt 0
  • San Joaquin Memorial at Washington Union
    • Pag Meter Early line Memorial -21
    • SJM comes in with one of their best teams in a while and WU will have some young players in spots. The Union QB will be junior Victor Nava.
    • The X Factor is SJM senior QB Michael Alvarez who is ready for a big year and can Union slow him down?
    • Pag Meter prediction Memorial 42 Washington Union 21
    • Final Memorial 21 Washington Union 14
  • Selma at Kerman
    • Pag Meter Early line Kerman -3
    • This could be a division 4 playoff preview of two really good teams. Last year the Lions beat the Bears 38-28. A star was born with Lions sophomore QB Sean Chambers after going 11-17 for 143 yards with 1 TD pass. Chambers also scored 2 TD’s.
    • There’s no secret that the Bears will need to slow down Chambers.
    • Both teams come in loaded on both sides of the ball. The Bears will have  junior QB Junior Ramirez who threw for 1,805 yards/19 TD passes and rushed for 480 yards/scored 7 TD’s. The Lions QB Sean Chambers has a year of experience and I’m expecting a huge year from Chambers. Brother Nick Chambers will be at running back. Both defenses should be much better this year.
    • The X Factor will be the Lions offensive line and the Bears wide receivers.
    • Pag Meter prediction Kerman 34 Selma 30
    • Final Selma 41 Kerman 7
    • Wow the Pag Meter blew this pick
  • Shafter at Mira Monte
    • Pag Meter Early line Shafter -7
    • The Generals have a new head coach with Jerald Pierucci and boy is he a good one! He turned Bakersfield Christian into a powerhouse in a short time. Generals QB is a good one with Anthony Escalante. The Generals will want to pound the ball with RB Nick Perez.
    • Both teams were young last year.
    • The X Factor is can the Lions slow down the Generals run game.
    • Pag Meter prediction Shafter 26 Mira Monte 19
    • Final Shafter 20 Mira Monte 6
    • QB Anthony Escalante went 21-31 for 235 yards and 3 TD passes. Nick Perez rushed for 123 yards.
  • Stockdale at Ridgeview
    • Pag Meter Early line Ridgeview -6
    • The Mustangs could be the sleeper team in division1 and we will see after this game if they are for real. We already know that the division 2 back to back champions Ridgeview Wolf Pack are the real deal and in fact they would do just fine if they were in division 1.
    • The Mustangs will feed the ball to their star running back RB Elisha Ortiz. The Wolf Pack comes in loaded again and they will want the ball in the hands of Jamar Moya who can fly. A star will be born at QB with sophomore  Keonte Glinton who colleges are already offering.
    • The X Factor is the Mustangs offense and can they get the rest of the players involved to keep the pressure off Ortiz?
    • Pag Meter prediction Ridgeview 26 Stockdale 20
    • Final Stockdale 34 Ridgeview 20
    • Ortiz rushed for 102 yards including TD runs of 62 and 11 yards.
  • Tranquillity at Caruthers
    • Pag Meter Early line Caruthers -23
    • The X Factor is can the Tigers slow down the Blue Raiders record breaking running back  Alex Puga who rushed last year for 2,282 yards and scored 23 TD’s.
    • Pag Meter prediction Caruthers 39 Tranquility 13
    • Final Caruthers 44 Tranquility 7
    • Alex Puga rushed for 226 yards and scored 2 TD’s.
  • Bishop Union vs Whittier Christian
    • Pag Meter Early line Whittier -11
    • Arnie Palu is the new head coach at Bishop Union and he will have plenty of players returning including the dangerous senior QB Ryan Graves who can throw it and fly on the edge. The Heralds QB junior Quinn Commans comes back after throwing for 2,500 yards.
    • Last year Whittier beat Bishop 21-16 so this should another good game but with both offenses much better.
    • Pag Meter prediction Whittier 37 Bishop Union 26​
    • Final Whittier 48 Bishop Union 29
  • Cabrillo (Lompoc) at Frontier
    • Pag Meter Early line Frontier -21
    • Cabrillo was very young last year and had a bad year on defense. The Titans want to show everybody that they will be a contender. Last year the Titans played a pretty soft non league schedule that didn’t get them ready for the tough SWYL. Stay tuned on this year. The Titans have  returning QB senior Joel Youngblood who is very good.
    • The X Factor is the Cabrillo defense and can they match up?
    • Pag Meter prediction Frontier 35 Cabrillo 13
    • Final Frontier 42 Cabrillo 6
    • Titans QB Joel Youngblood went 11-18 for 234 yards and 2 TD passes and both went to Marcus Cornford.
  • Desert Christian (Lancaster) at Cal City
    • Pag Meter Early line Cal City -14
    • The X Factor is the Desert Christian offense. Last year Cal City won 14-3
    • Pag Meter prediction Cal City 21 Desert Christian 7
    • Final Cal City  36 Desert Christian 2
  • Kern Valley at Boron
    • Pag Meter Early line Kern Valley -3
    • Boron was young last year and most everybody is back. They love to pound the ball. The Broncs were also young with many returning players. The Broncs will have the ball in the hands of Zach Bushling who is a very exciting player. Last year KV won 28-14.
    • The X Factor is the defensive side of the ball and tackling in the open field.
    • Pag Meter prediction Kern Valley 26 Boron 23
    • Final Kern Valley 29 Boron 26
  • Le Grand at Yosemite
    • Pag Meter Early line Yosemite -10
    • The Badgers will not play in the very tough North Sequoia league but instead will be an independent.
    • The X Factor is the Badgers offense and can junior QB Tristan Eames put some nice drives together?
    • Pag Meter prediction Yosemite 24 Le Grand 14
    • Final Yosemite 35 Le Grand 0
  • Littlerock  at Rosamond
    • Pag Meter Early line Rosamond -13
    • The X factor is the Rosamond offense and if they can put some long drives together, they will be 1-0
    • Pag Meter prediction Rosamond 27 Littlerock 13
    • Final Rosamond 22 Littlerock 12
  • Madera at Los Banos
    • Pag Meter Early line Madera -3
    • The Coyotes new head coach  Yosef Fares has been ready for the opening kick off since June 1st. The Coyotes will be stronger and quicker than ever since Fares has taken over.
    • Leading the Coyotes at QB is junior Jerry Hernandez who started last year. At Running back the Coyotes will pound it with Eric Escobar, Dakota Torres and Josh McMillian.
    • Last year Madera pulled out a big win at home 42-39. The Tigers will be young in spots and always can run the ball.
    • The X Factor will be the Coyotes defense because it will be soooo much better than last year.
    • Pag Meter prediction Madera 27 Los Banos 23
    • Final Los Banos 35 Madera 20
  • Pacheco vs Madera South
    • Pag Meter Early line Madera South -7
    • The Panthers will try to give the ball to junior Aric Barton. The Panthers need to play better defense this year and leading the way is Chris Munoz. For the Stallions it starts and ends with QB Jonah Johnson.
    • The X Factor is can the Panthers match up with the Stallions offense?
    • Pag Meter prediction Madera South 30 Pacheco 23
    • Final Madera South 42 Pacheco 29
  • Mendota at Orestimba (Newman)
    • Pag Meter Early line Mendota -12
    • The Aztecs come in as the No 1 team in division 5 and they have a tough opener on the road. The Warriors last year went 11-1. This year the Warriors graduated a very good class so they will be young in the skill positions. This year the Aztecs come in with almost everybody returning. This would be a fantastic win if the Aztecs can pull this off on the road.
    • For the Aztecs, senior QB Junior Cardenas who threw for 2,858 yards and 32 TD passes comes back. Both running backs are ready to roll with Marquez Navarro and Edgar’s little brother Erick Segura.The wideouts are also back with Junior’s cousin Julian Cardenas who caught 59 passes for 781 yards and Fabian Jasso with 44 catches for 855 yards and 11 TD’s.
    • The X Factor is if Junior Cardenas goes off and the Aztecs defense plays a good game, then the bus ride home will be fun.
    • Pag Meter prediction Mendota 27  Orestimba 14
    • Final Mendota 36 Orestimba 0
  • Paso Robles at Lemoore
    • Pag Meter Early line Paso Robles -14
    • Last year the Bearcats were pretty young so they should be much better on both sides of the ball. The Tigers graduated more seniors than any team in the valley. The Tigers have a new head coach with  Mitch Crossley. The Bearcats will give the ball plenty of times to Christian Erickson.
    • The X Factor is everybody wants to know what the new Tigers will look like. Stay tuned!
    • Pag Meter prediction Paso Robles 34 Lemoore 20​
    • Final Paso Robles 35 Lemoore 10

Saturday Football

  • Brophy College Prep (1-0) (Phoenix) vs Edison at Ventura College 2:00pm
    • Pag Meter Early line Brophy Prep -15
    • There is good news and bad news in this game for the Tigers.
    • The Bad news is it’s a long way to go for the Tigers traveling to Ventura College and Edison will be on the bus early Saturday morning. The Good news is it’s farther to travel for Brophy Prep who is coming from Phoenix but Brophy Prep will spend the night in LA on Friday.
    • Brophy Prep is a private professional high school in Phoenix and they lock and load with MAJOR talent every year. The Tigers must slow down their star senior RB Noah Pittenger who would be the Pag Meter’s player of the year if he played in the valley because he’s that good! This guy looks and is built like a 5 year NFL player. Very unusual for a high school player that is built like that. Hmmm.  He reminds me of former Clovis West star Kendall Brock and Stanford star Christian McCaffrey swirled together.  WR Robert Brookes and 6-5 TE Matthew Kempton are also outstanding. The Broncos will try to get the ball in the hands of Pittenger with running the ball, quick passes, screens, punts, and kickoff returns…..whatever it takes and the Tigers must make the tackles or it will be a long bus ride home.
    • The Tigers will have a new QB with senior Adrian Galarza who has the potential to be real good. The Tigers offense is ahead of schedule and it has the makings of a real fast offense. Usually when you play the Tigers in week 1, they are still figuring out where to stand in the huddle but not this year. RB Jaylen King could be a big factor in this one.
    • The X Factor is the Edison offensive line and can they jell on the road. The Tigers defense is real good but it is playing the best team they will see all year long. The defense has to play great with  LB Jake Hanson leading the way.
    • The Tigers have a chance against a real good team if they don’t turn the ball over and don’t make silly mistakes. It’s the polished Broncos who already played a game last week winning 31-10 vs the upstart Tigers who need to mature in a hurry.
    • Pag Meter prediction (UPSET SPECIAL) Edison 27 Brophy Prep 24
    • Final Brophy Prep 33 Edison 0
  • Bakersfield  vs  Pleasant Grove (Elk Grove) at Ventura College  5:00pm
    • Pag Meter Early line Bakersfield -10
    • 2nd game of the day at Ventura College. Pleasant Grove graduated a bunch so they will be young in spots and have to face the Drillers who are tough to play against.
    • The Drillers defense is in your face in the secondary and the D-line is standing up and jumping around. It takes teams sometime a half to figure it out.
    • For the Drillers offense can they run the triple option with QB Josh Moran or will it look like last years spread?
    • The X Factor is the Drillers offense and can they run their famous triple option.
    • Pag Meter prediction Bakersfield 33 Pleasant Grove 23
    • Final Bakersfield 42 Pleasant Grove 7
  • Burbank (Sacramento) at Clovis
    • Pag Meter Early line Clovis -15
    • Burbank will have a few division 1 athletes that will make the trip but can they line up against the big and powerful Cougars? The Cougars will have a new QB with senior Trey Lake. Lake is new but when you watch him, he plays like a 3-year starter. Pretty remarkable! The Cougars defense is very good with Clayton Alexander and Trevor Hartmann.
    • The X Factor is the Cougars offense because the defense is very good.
    • Pag Meter prediction Clovis 28 Burbank 13
    • Final Clovis 36 Burbank 0
  • Centennial vs St. Bonaventure  at Ventura College
    • Pag Meter Early line St Bonaventure -18
    • St Bonaventure is a big and physical team. Centennial has the making of a very good team. The Golden Hawks have plenty of weapons but injuries are killing the Golden Hawks. Star WR Cole Beaty is out for a month with a hip issue. RB  Hunter Giulietti will be a big factor.
    • The X Factor is the Golden Hawks QB Will Alexander who will be making his 1st varsity start. Will is very good and he is going to have to play like Tom Brady for Centennial to be successful.
    • Pag Meter prediction St Bonaventure 39 Centennial 20
    • Final St Bonaventure 45 Centennial 13
  • Clovis East at St. Ignatius (San Francisco)
    • Pag Meter lineSt Ignatius -12
    • The T Wolves are a team that has many questions especially on offense. Junior RB Marcus Washington was tough to stop last year because CE had weapons around him. This year, there will be 11 hats focusing on Washington on every play. Good luck with that! CE will need other offensive weapons in 2016 or CE will struggle.
    • The X Factor is Washington running right, left and up the middle. This is a must win for the T Wolves because the schedule gets tougher! Pag Meter can’t take the T Wolves until they can play some defense.
    • If you are wondering what happened to last years Buchanan Bears head coach Mike Jacot? He is now the defensive coordinator for the T Wolves. That’s good news because CE defense last year couldn’t tackle anybody.
    • Pag Meter prediction St Ignatius 33 Clovis East 21
    • Final St Ignatius 56 Clovis East 20

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