Roosevelt Rough Riders are 3-0 for the first time since 1951

 

*Congratulations to Tulare Union coach Darren Bennett who won his 200th game in his 29th year. He becomes the 10th coach in the Central Section history to reach 200. 
The 10 Coaches that have reached 200 wins.
290- Leo Robinson, Woodlake (41 years)
247-Tim Simon Roosevelt (1) Clovis (23), Clovis North (4) (28 years)
220- Ned Permenter, Foothill (37 years)
209- Paul Briggs, Bakersfield (33 years)
209- Mike Sparks, Dos Palos, (23 years)
207- Dwight Goldie Griffith Bakersfield (36 years)
203- Tom Casanova, Caruthers, (28 years)
203- Chuck Shidan, Sanger (27 years)
201- Steve Denman, Tehachapi, (24 years)
Steve Denman has coached 35 years and overall including another section has 301 wins.
200- Darren Bennett Tulare Union (29th year+)

Here are some of the big games that we will keep an eye on.
it doesn’t get any bigger than…

*No 2 Buchanan Bears traveling to No 4 Liberty Patriots.

*No 9 Righetti High Warriors (3-0) plays at Centennial Golden Hawks (3-0)

*Thursday night special with No 26 Porterville Panthers (2-0) at Hanford Bullpups (2-1)

*The Holy Bowl with No 5 Memorial Panthers at No 18 Garces Rams Saturday nights

*North showdown in the Governor’s Hat game with No 14 Madera Coyotes (3-0) at Merced Bears (3-0)

*The division 5 biggie with the Liberty Madera Hawks (3-0) at Kennedy Thunderbirds (3-0)
*Division 6 Showdown with No 2 Orosi Cardinals (2-0) at No 1 Strathmore Spartans (2-0)

*Orange Cove Titans (3-0) at Corcoran Panthers (3-0)

WOW WHAT A WEEK! GAME ON!

In week 2 The Pag Meter went 42-8 and for the year 131-25 (84%)

WEEK 4 PAG METER PREDICTIONS

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Hoover Patriots (0-2) vs Monache Marauders (2-1) at Granite Hills 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Monache -31
The X factor is the Patriots offense along with the Marauders defense because they are both struggling but the big difference will be the Marauders offense. The Marauders offense is dangerous!
Pag Meter Prediction Monache 44 Hoover 13

Porterville Panthers (2-0) at Hanford Bullpups (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Hanford-2
It’s the EYL vs the WYL
The Panthers come off a bye and the Bullpups beat up the Fresno High Warriors 34-13.
The Panthers beat Dinuba in week 1 and if QB Hector Nava stays hot then the Panthers will be tough to beat. In 2 games, Nava has thrown for 769 yards and 11 TD passes.
For the young Bullpups they have plenty of talent and the X factor is the Bullpups defense and if they play tough they will win this game. The Bullpups defense matches up much better against a spread team than a team like Sanger who will pound it.
This could be a shootout.
Pag Meter Prediction Hanford 37 Porterville 35

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Arvin Bears (2-1) at Mira Monte Lions (0-2) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Arvin -18
The X factor the Bears will have too much on the road for the Lions.
Pag Meter Prediction Arvin 31 Mira Monte 13

Bakersfield Drillers (2-1) at Ridgeview Wolf Pack (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Bakersfield -14
The Drillers offense looked real good in the win over a very good Paramount team 41-21. Cameron Williams threw for 234 yards and 3 TD passes, Carl Jones had a rushing TD and caught 2 TD’s. This game is simple to figure out….if the Drillers don’t turn the ball over….this one will be over.
The Drillers will square off with a former Driller Tahj Wright who had to leave the Drillers last year so this should be fun to watch.
The big question for me….what kind of team is Ridgeview? Week 1 they crushed a not so good Stockdale team and in week 2 the Pack got crushed by Liberty. Will the real Pack team please stand up!
The X factor football is about matchups and the Wolf Pack matches up much better against Bakersfield than they do against Liberty. Can the Pack defense stay with the Drillers?
Pag Meter Prediction Bakersfield 45 Ridgeview 31
Buchanan Bears (3-0) at Liberty Patriots (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Liberty -3
This is the first big division 1 showdown game of the year!
The speed of the Bears vs the power of the Patriots.
Both teams can flat out run the ball. The Bears have Kendall Milton (284 yards rushing, 7 TD’s) and Levi Willems (238 yards rushing, 3 TD’s).
The Patriots have RB Sammy Stewart (404 yards rushing, 3 TD’s) and a very good offensive line.
Both defenses are very good. The Bears are a big play team and the Patriots will pound you.
The X factor is the Patriots have a better passing attack with QB Hector Gonzales. If the Patriots can tackle the quick pass/screen game from Jalen Cropper and Brock Jones then the Patriots have the advantage. Bears sophomore QB DJ Stevenson will be having a break out game very soon. So far DJ’s job is get the ball to the play makers.
This will be a great battle of the Bears running attack vs the great Patriots defensive line.
Pag Meter Prediction Liberty 31 Buchanan 28
Chowchilla Tribe (2-1) at Central Valley Christian Cavaliers (2-1) 7:15pm
Pag Meter Line CVC -27
The X factor is the Cavillers are big and physical up front. The Tribe has to keep the Cavs offense on the sidelines with long drives. In the blowout win over Valley Christian, Eric Dragt connected with receiver Brian Noel for an 80-yard bomb and the blood bath was on.
Pag Meter Prediction CVC 40 Chowchilla 13

Edison Tigers (1-2) vs Clovis North Broncos (1-1) at Buchanan 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Edison -2
This game is a complete mystery to figure out. Are the Tigers going to show up and play some defense? Will the Broncos offense show up?
The Tigers just don’t matchup with the Central or Buchanan but they do with Clovis North.
The Tigers have to get back to pounding the ball with McKinley Lee and throw quick Tiger passes. It’s not that hard to figure out. Lee in 3 games has rushed for 442 yards and 2 of those games were against No 1 Central and No 2 Buchanan.
For the Broncos they will lead with running back Jackson Schultz and QB DJ Frampton has to be more accurate this week to beat the Tigers.
The X factor will be the Tigers defense and the Broncos offense and who plays better will win.
Clovis North is very physical upfront and has to pound it right at the Tigers defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Edison 25 Clovis North 23

Coalinga Horned Toads (0-3) at Taft Wildcats (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Taft -19
The Toads are very young and will play at Taft and the Warriors are tough at home.
Pag Meter Prediction Taft 39 Coalinga 20

East Bakersfield Blades (1-2) at Chavez Titans (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line East -6
This is very even matchup with two teams improving. The Blades have the slight edge.
The X factor is the Titans have to play good for 48 minutes to break their 13 game losing streak.
Pag Meter Prediction East 23 Chavez 19

El Diamante Miners (1-2) at Dinuba Emperors (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Dinuba -28
Brand new head coach Devin Ramos gets his first win over Paso 17-10. El Diamante kept the chains moving and it worked. The Miners had 164 yards rushing on 51 carries. They held the ball for nearly 33 of the game’s 48 total minutes.
The Emperors look like they are back after having a bad 4th quarter in the loss to Porterville 33-31 in week 1.
Dinuba comes in beating Reedley 52-7. Josh Magana went 23-33 for 346 yards and 5 TD passes. Corey Cosper caught 6 passes for 150 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
Running back Joshua Martinez, accounted for 115 yards from scrimmage (28 rushing, 87 receiving) and caught 3 TD passes.
The X factor is the Emperors offense will be tough to beat if the defense steps up.
Pag Meter Prediction Dinuba 35 El Diamante 7

Exeter Monarchs (1-1) at McLane Highlanders (2-0) 7:30pm
Pag Meter line Exeter -7
The Monarchs have had 2 weeks to think about the loss to Woodlake at home.
The Highlanders come off a blowout win over Hanford West 65-14. QB Chris Gamez went 15 of 23 Passing for 269 yards with 3 touchdowns.
The Highlanders are one of the best stories of 2018 after 2 games. The Highlanders lost 12 straight and 19 out of 20 games in 2 years so how good is this!!! JD Burnett and the Highlanders coaching staff….WOW!!
The X factor is the defensive side of the ball. This should be a good game!
Pag Meter Prediction (Mini upset) McLane 29 Exeter 27
Farmersville Aztecs (0-3) at Parlier Panthers (0-3) 7:15pm
Pag Meter Line Parlier -21
The X factor is the Panthers offense is better than the Aztecs offense. The Panthers defense needs to step up.
Pag Meter Prediction Parlier 34 Farmerville 13

Firebaugh Eagles (1-2) at Caruthers Blue Raiders (3-0) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Caruthers -21
This is the rematch from last years division 5 championship game. The Eagles lost 49-42 in a wild game and the Eagles are still not happy with some of the calls at the end of that game.
That being said, last year means nothing about how the Eagles will try to slow down the Blue Raiders machine.
The X factor this is not a good matchup for the Eagles defense vs the Blue Raiders offense. Can the Eagles slow down Chris Puga? Caruthers is a 4th quarter team.
Pag Meter Prediction Caruthers 41 Firebaugh 20

Foothill Trojans (0-3) at Shafter Generals (3-0) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Shafter -35+
The Generals come in after wearing Highland down 42-14. QB Alex Aguilar accounted for 6 TD’s. Alex threw for 202 yards on 16-29-2 and 3 TD’s, rushed for 165 yards on 12 carries scored 3 TD’s. Jackson Sanchez caught 9 footballs for 141 yards and scored 2 TD’s.
The X factor is the Generals will be 8-0 when they host Kennedy.
Pag Meter Prediction Shafter 54 Foothill 0

Fresno High Warriors (0-3) at South Rebels (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line South -19
The X factor is the Rebels are the team to watch out for. This team is dangerous. The Warriors have played a tough schedule and will be battle tested.
Pag Meter South 39 Fresno High 20

Frontier Titans (1-2) at Atascadero Greyhounds (0-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Frontier -7
Both teams really need this win with league play coming up.
The X factor is the Titans will not match up with teams that have plenty of team speed. The Greyhounds are not a speedy team so if the Titans can pound the ball and play defense they should pull out a win.
Pag Meter Prediction Frontier 27 Atascadero 20

Hanford West Huskies (0-3) vs Sierra Pacific Golden Bears (0-2) at Hanford 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Sierra Pacific -3
This is a very interesting match up with the Huskies struggling defense vs the Golden Bears struggling offense. Hanford West has played the tougher schedule.
The X factor something has to give. I just don’t trust the HW D.
Pag Meter Prediction Sierra Pacific 36 Hanford West 33

Highland Scots (1-2) at Tehachapi Warriors (1-2) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Tehachapi -3
Both teams are very streaky.
The X factor the Warriors are at home and played much better in the win over Taft.
Pag Meter Prediction Tehachapi 27 Highland 24

Independence Falcons (2-1) at Stockdale Mustangs (1-2) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Stockdale -2
This should be a real good game!
The Falcons are playing good football and the Mustangs played good on Friday in the win at Atascadero 46-20. Have the Mustangs turned the corner?
The X factor is the Mustangs have played the tougher schedule and playing at home.
Pag Meter Prediction Stockdale 32 Independence 30
Kingsburg Vikings (2-1) at Kerman Lions (2-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Kingsburg -3
Broadcasted on 940 Radio
The Stadium will be rocking in this big game.
It’s the Vikings outstanding offense vs the Lions outstanding defense.
The Vikings have been a scoring machine averaging 40 points per game. Bo Jackson and Blake Spomer lead the rushing attack and running behind a very good offensive line. Jett Jackson has played tremendous at quarterback taking over after week 1 going 10-13 for 233 yards passing and rushed for 66 yards in the win over Monache 45-28.
The Lions will bring in a very good offense and leading the way will be running backs Colton Smith (258 rushing yards, 5 TD’s) and Isaac Velez (285 rushing yards, 1 TD’s). The Lions also have a very good offensive line.
The X factor is the Lions QB Gavin Layton who has thrown for 469 yards and 6 TD passes along with the Vikings defense. Gavin has to light the Lions on fire on offense to stay with the Vikings because the Vikings offense will score.
The Vikings defense did a pretty good job in the win over a good Monache offense with 3 interceptions.
940 ESPN is looking forward to this tremendous battle! Pag Meter and Jason Murray on the call!
Pag Meter Prediction Kingsburg 38 Kerman 35
Lemoore Tigers (2-1) at Sanger Apaches (3-0) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Sanger -3
Both teams got beat up in week 3.
The Tigers got crushed by Tulare Western 35-0. If the game was an MMA fight…the Tigers would have tapped out in the first round. It was UGLY!
Sanger got beat up on the line of scrimmage to Clovis East 14-8. The T Wolves did what the Apaches do to everybody and played keep away with the football.
The X factor is the Tigers defense and can they match up with the Apaches running attack because you know the Apaches will be pissed off from the CE game. The Tigers beat Clovis East 7-6 in week 1 so they can hang upfront vs the Apaches offense.
Can’t remember in previous history when Sanger lost back to back games in Chuck Shidan’s house??
Pag Meter Prediction Sanger 23 Lemoore 20

Liberty Madera Hawks (3-0) at Kennedy Thunderbirds (3-0) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Kennedy -4
This is the heavyweight Bird Bowl in division 5.
Two of the best running teams and boy I would love to broadcast this game!! Both teams are 3-0 and both teams are stepping up this week.
The Hawks average 46 points per game and give up only 6 points a game. The Thunderbirds average 50 points per game and give up 10 points per game. WOW!!!
The Hawks will lead with Wyatt Roth who has rushed for 472 yards and has scored 8 TD’s.
The Birds will lead with their guy Tyreak Walker who has rushed for 485 and has scored 8 TD’s.
Are you understanding now how good this game is going to be!!!
The X factor is the defensive side of the ball on both sides. Who will play better upfront? This could come down to who will complete the big pass?? Both teams have not had to throw but they might on Friday.
This is a tough call. I’m flipping a coin.
Pag Meter Prediction (Mini upset) Liberty Madera 30 Kennedy 27

Lindsay Cardinals (2-0) at Fowler Redcats (1-2) 7:30pm
Pag Meter line Lindsay -7
The Cardinals start the year playing real good football. Lindsay shutout Morro Bay 48-0.
QB Ethan Natera went 14-21 passes for 221 yards and 2 TDs. RB Daniel Trujillo rushed for 136 yards and scored 4 TD’s.
The Redcats shutout Sierra 62-0. Pedro Ayala rushed for 145 yards and made all 9 extra points. The X factor is the Redcats defense and we all still don’t know if the Redcats are a contender?
Pag Meter Prediction Lindsay 34 Fowler 27

Golden West Trailblazers (1-2) vs Madera South Stallions (0-2) at Madera 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Golden West -30
The Trailblazers are getting better and better each week. The Stallions are turning the ball over and the defense is horrible right now. It would be nice for the Stallions if they could their full team back on the field at the same time. So many issues!
The X factor is the Blazers are the better team in week 4.
Pag Meter Golden West 50 Madera South 20

McFarland Cougars (3-0) at Kern Valley Broncos (2-1) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line McFarland 26
The Cougars come in and playing tremendous football on both sides of the ball.
The Broncs come in getting crushed by a 8 man football team to Mission Prep.
The X factor is the Cougars are rolling.
Pag Meter Prediction McFarland 39 Kern Valley 13

Minarets Mustangs (0-2) at Tranquillity Tigers (0-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Minarets -22
The Mustangs started the year with great plans of competing for the division 6 championship. It can still happen but it’s time step up.
The first two games haven’t worked out. Tyson Ellis had a career high by rushing for 266 yards on 24 carries and scored a touchdown in the lost to Yosemite 38-10.
The X factor is this the week that the Mustangs get on a roll?
Pag Meter Prediction Minarets 39 Tranquility 17

Mission Oak Hawks (1-2) vs Mt. Whitney Pioneers (1-2) at Mineral King Bowl 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Mt Whitney -29
The Hawks have played a very tough schedule and did beat West in week 1 but since then they have lost 2 straight to some powerhouses (Madera and Memorial).
The Pioneers also opened up with a couple of powerhouses and lost to Tulare Western and Tulare Union. MW comes in beating Hoover 58-16. QB Jaedyn Pineda tied a school record, by throwing 6 touchdowns going 16-20 for 230 yards. Mike McKernan caught 4 passes for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns. Anthony Valencia caught 7 passes for 93 yards and scored 3 TD’s.
The X factor is the Pioneers offense will be too much for the Hawks defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Mt Whitney 49 Mission Oak 20

Orange Cove Titans (3-0) at Corcoran Panthers (3-0) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Corcoran -7
Another big time showdown of two very good offenses.
The Titans will lead with sophomore QB Zach Ramirez who has thrown for 613 yards and 8 TD passes. Zach has 3 very good receivers with RB Mario Reynosa, Andy Tristan and Andrew Leon.
For the Panthers they will lead with their running backs of Julian Escalante (424 yards, 7 TD’s) and Yovany Del Angel (254 rushing yards, 6 TD’s)
The X factor is the Titans defense and can they slow down the hot Panthers running game?
Can the Panthers defense slow down the Titans passing attack?
Pag Meter Prediction Corcoran 34 Orange Cove 27

Orosi Cardinals (2-0) at Strathmore Spartans (2-0) 7:15pm
Pag Meter Line Strathmore -6
The Division 6 showdown with No 2 Cardinals at No 1 Spartans.
The Cardinals come in after beating Granite Hills 28-20. RB Jerry Huerta rushed for 238 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.
The Spartans beat Parlier 52-12. Alonso Acevedo rushed for 134 yards and scored 3 TD’s on only 4 carries.
The X factor is the Cardinals have to come in not being intimidated by playing the state champions. This Spartans team is young with talent but last years team was amazing.
But…until you can beat the Champion…Pag Meter has to pick the champion.
Also if Jerry Huerta goes off….the Cardinals will have a fun bus ride home! Can the Cardinals slow down red hot Acevedo?
Pag Meter Prediction Strathmore 36 Orosi 30

Central Grizzlies (3-0) at Paso Robles Bearcats (1-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Central -35+
The Bearcats get to host the No 1 team on the Pag Meter rankings.
The Grizzlies traveled last week to Rocklin and beat Whitney 49-10. The Grizzlies spotted the Whitney 7 points before Trent Tompkins got it going. Trentski threw for 5 touchdowns going 19-29 for 392 yards. Jeremiah Hunter, caught 2 TD passes. Milton Clements caught a 35-yard TD pass and ran back a 90-yard kickoff.
For the Bearcats they struggled in the lost to El Diamante 17-10 with plenty of turnovers.
The X factor is the Bearcats play on beautiful field turf and the Grizzlies love playing on field turf. If Paso can pull the field turf out by Friday and replace it with real long slow grass…..The score will still be ugly.
Pag Meter Central 48 Paso Robles 6

Redwood Rangers (0-2) vs Tulare Western Mustangs (3-0) at Tulare Union 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Tulare Western -27
The Rangers have to play another powerhouse that they are not ready for.
The Cal Hi Player of the week Jordan Burrell leads the outstanding defense. Jordan set a school record by intercepting 3 passes and one touchdown of 31 yards in a 35-0 win over visiting Lemoore. Red hot RB Tailryn Johnson rushed for 183 yards on 22 carries and scored 3 touchdowns.
The X factor is the Mustangs will improve to 4-0. The Mustangs can’t throw the ball (Literally) and still crushing teams.
Pag Meter Prediction Tulare Western 41 Redwood 14

Reedley Pirates (1-2) at Mendota Aztecs (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Reedley -4
Both teams need a win here and the X factor is the offense and finishing drives.
Pag Meter Prediction Reedley 26 Mendota 22

Righetti High Warriors (3-0) at Centennial Golden Hawks (3-0) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Righetti High -7
The Warriors will play their first road game and it’s in the valley and it will be HOT. The Warriors will lead with their defensive stud Caleb Thomas who had 2 sacks, 8 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles in the win over Pioneer Valley 35-0.
The G Hawks season finally starts after 3 soft wins so the big question is? How good are the Golden Hawks? The Hawks will lead with their stud with TE/DE 6’5 Colby Warkentin who verbally committed to play at Fresno State.
The X factor is the Warriors handling the hot weather/on the road and can the G Hawks defense slow down the Warriors offense.
Pag Meter Prediction Righetti High 33 Centennial 27

Riverdale Cowboys (2-1) at Avenal Buccaneers (0-3) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Riverdale -29
The X factor is the Cowboys are playing good football.
Pag Meter Prediction Riverdale 42 Avenal 13

Roosevelt Rough Riders (3-0) at Granite Hills Grizzlies (0-3) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Roosevelt -3
This is a battle of the Rough Riders good defense vs the Grizzlies good offense.
The Riders are winning close games with a good front seven. How bout new head coach Vince Branstetter, He comes in the year with kids transferring out, not knowing who is playing…..and the Riders are 3-0 for the first time since 1951.
The Grizzlies have played the tougher schedule and come off a tough loss to Orosi 28-20.
Jason Alvarez, scored 2 TDs and rushed for 67 yards. Mando Cabrera, caught 4 passes for 101 yards and a TD.
The X factor will be on the other side of the ball and it could be the Riders offense vs the Grizzlies defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Roosevelt 23 Granite Hills 20

Santa Maria Saints (1-2) at Golden Valley Bulldogs (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Santa Maria -7
The Saints come into the hot valley and take on the struggling Bulldogs.
The X factor is which offense can finish drives with points.
Pag Meter Prediction Santa Maria 27 Golden Valley 20

Selma Bears (1-2) at Washington Union Panthers (1-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Washington Union -3
The Bears with a huge win over Sunnyside 21-13. Sophomore QB Joey Ramirez threw for 3 TDs in his first varsity game. Junior Adam Rodriguez rushed for 74 yards and Brian Ching caught 4 passes for 58 yards.
The Panthers come in beating Dos Palos 20-19. Head Coach Art Francis gets his first win as the new Coach.
The X factor is the Bears and can they match up with the young speedy Panthers?
Pag Meter Prediction Washington Union 27 Selma 24

Sierra Chieftain (0-3) at Woodlake Tigers (2-1) 7:15pm
Pag Meter Line Woodlake -35+
The X factor is Tigers QB Damian Hernandez will throw for at last 4 TD’s. He has thrown for 858 yards and 8 TD’s in 3 games.
Pag Meter Prediction Woodlake 54 Sierra 6

St. Joseph Knights (3-0) at Bakersfield Christian Eagles (1-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line St Joseph -7
This is going to be a real good football game.
Let’s see ….The Knights beat CVC and Garces and Bakersfield Christian lost to CVC but beat Garces so does that mean the Knights will beat the Eagles? Not so fast my friend.
The Knights beat Garces on Friday on the last play of the game. Chase Artopoeus found Billy Collins on a 2-yard throw over the middle as time expired. The touchdown pass tied the score at 30-all. Nathan Halsell, nailed the point-after and a walk off kick to give the Knights a 31-30 win. The Knights are a good team on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is very good and the big difference is QB Chase Artopoeus and the running of Devin Guggia.
For the Eagles they got pounded to the No 6 ranked team in Nevada, Faith Lutheran 42-28. The Eagles have played a tough schedule with a new offense in progress. New QB Jacob Maran is getting better and better but it’s definitely an adjustment so far for the Eagles who have plenty of speed.
The X factor is the Knights are a mirror image of the Garces Rams offense and the Eagles match up well with the Rams. The Eagles must put pressure on Artopoeus and if the Eagles offense can put it together, the Eagles will win at home. Maran has to step up at home or the Eagles will be 1-3.
Pag Meter Prediction (Mini Upset) Bakersfield Christian 35 St Joseph 34

Sunnyside Wildcats (0-3) vs Clovis East T Wolves (2-1) at Lamonica Stadium 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Clovis East -4
The Wildcats have started the year with so many questions and no answers. The Wildcats lost to Selma 21-13 and the Bears came in with not scoring a TD for 8 straight quarters. This might be the worst loss in school history for Sunnyside. The Wildcats have talent, SPEED and are physical so I just don’t get it.
For the T Wolves they are completely opposite of the Wildcats because they have it going on. They come off a huge win in Sanger 14-8. RB Ryan Hunt set a school record with 48 carries & (4th most in section history) and he rushed for a career high of 277 yards and scored a TD. Elais Mart scored the game winning 11-yard TD in the 4th quarter.
The X factor is the T Wolves running machine and can the Wildcats slow it down? The Cats have struggled slowing down the run so far. Sunnyside has to get the ball to RB Deandre Jones because he is good.
Football is about matchups and well see how the T Wolves do against the Wildcats spread and speed.
Pag Meter Prediction Clovis East 23 Sunnyside 19

Wasco Tigers (2-0) at North Stars (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Wasco -13
The X factor is I can’t believe the Stars are 0-3 with all that talent.
Can the Stars hang with the Tigers Wing T?
Pag Meter Prediction Wasco 33 North 20

Arroyo Grande Eagles (2-1) at Lompoc Braves (2-1) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Lompoc -6
Both teams will lead with a very good offensive line along and a physical defense.
The X factor is the the Braves will play their first home game and has the edge.
Pag Meter Prediction Lompoc 33 Arroyo Grande 27

Bullard Knights (0-2) vs Pitman Pride (3-0) at Turlock 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Pitman -18
It doesn’t get any easier for the Knights heading to Colin Kaepernick’s old school. The Knights are getting better but are still making dumb mistakes with silly penalties. The Knights battled the Clovis Cougars but ran out of time losing 17-14. The Knights defense is playing much better but the offense is still a work in progress. Knights nation is still waiting for RB Marcus Fulcher to turn on the heat! Will it be in this game and will this be the game the Knights offense breaks out?
The Pride is a scoring machine averaging 50 points a game.
Payton Bass rushed for 235 yards and scored 3 TDs in the win over Pleasant Grove 45-28. A week before Jakob Partida shattered the school’s previous rushing record when he rushed for 303 yards on 21 carries, while scoring 4 TDs. His performance led the Pride to a 49-28 win over Lincoln-Stockton.
The X factor is the Knights don’t have the offense to stay with the Pride so the Knights have to slow the game down with long drives. The Knights are a physical team and have to bring it upfront. If not it will be a quiet bus ride home. The Pride defense will give up points.
Pag Meter Prediction Pitman 37 Bullard 21

Cabrillo Conquistadores (0-3) at Pioneer Valley Panthers (0-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Pioneer Valley -8
Both teams need a win. Both offenses are struggling and both defenses are giving up plenty of yards and points.
The X factor is which team can cut down the mistakes will get their first W.
Pioneer Valley 35 Cabrillo 27

California City Ravens (1-2) at Lancaster Eagles (1-1) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Cal City -3
The X factor is the Ravens are playing much better football and needs to play some defense to get a win. The Eagles are streaky.
Pag Meter Prediction Lancaster 27 Cal City 24

Clovis Cougars (3-0) at Salinas Cowboys (0-1) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Clovis-4
Both teams have so much tradition with storied teams.
The Cougars come in at 3-0 and playing outstanding football (Except for the run game) on both sides of the ball.
QB Isaiah Robles has thrown for 760 yards with 12 TD passes. In the win over Bullard, Robles threw 2 TD passes and each to Reef Dove.
Hard to believe that the Cowboys have only played 1 game and how smart is the Central Coast Section. They only have 3 weeks of playoffs and a Salinas comes in off a bye. They start football at a normal time of year.
The Cowboys were upset in the first game to Carmel 36-23. Junior QB Carl Richardson went 26-38 for 291 and a TD pass. He does have a pair of explosive targets in Ivan Curiel and Seaside transfer Roderick Gaskins. And Salinas can still pound it with Mike Cortez running behind a mountain of an offensive line.
The X factor and there’s many! The Cougars zero running game and the Cowboys slowing down the Cougars passing attack.
Can the Cougars defensive line slow down the power Cowboys running game? Last year the Cowboys were the Central Coast Section Division I champions but come in this year young in spots. The other big X factor is Clovis has played 3 games to the Cowboys 1 game.
Pag Meter Prediction Clovis 28 Salinas 24

Clovis West Golden Eagles (0-3) at Valley Christian Warriors (1-1) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Valley Christian -14
The Golden Eagles come off a pounding to Liberty Bakersfield 47-14 and it wasn’t that close. This was a good old fashion bloodbath. Clovis West just didn’t match up with the Patriots running game.
For the Warriors they come in beating Pioneer Valley of Chico 27-14.
The X factor is the Warriors are a Wing T offense that can throw out of it. This match up is not good again for the Clovis West defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Valley Christian 37 Clovis West 23

Gustine Reds (1-1) at Morro Bay Pirates (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Morro Bay -8
Both teams have struggled scoring points.
The X factor is the Pirates at home and not turning the ball over.
Pag Meter Prediction Morro Bay 28 Gustine 20

Immanuel Eagles (1-2) vs Quincy Trojans (0-1) at Feather River College 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Immanuel -3
The X factor this is a long ride for the Eagles and a winnable game.
Pag Meter Prediction Immanuel 26 Quincy 23

Madera Coyotes (3-0) vs Merced Bears (3-0) at Golden Valley 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Merced -4
Governor’s Hat Game (Live on KFRE TV)
The Coyotes come in after beating Kerman 48-30. Don’t get excited about thinking that the Coyotes defense is weak. The Coyotes defense is real good and the starters in fact only have given up 14 points per game. I love what Head Coach Yosef Fares is doing, when the game is in hand he is giving young guys playing time because after this year when all the Coyotes stars graduate, the Coyotes will be starting over.
QB Colt Nelson, threw for 273 yards with 5 TD passes. JJ Espinoza caught 7 passes for 120 with 3 TD’s. and Angel Guizar rushed for 156 yards and scored on a 25-yard TD run.
The Coyotes season starts in Merced because the first 3 games with Washington Union, Mission Oak and Kerman will not get them ready for the speed of Merced.
The Bears are good at 3-0 and they come in beating Downey in a shootout 47-44. Bears senior quarterback Dhameer Warren had 11 carries for 154 yards and scored 2 TD’s, a 65-yard TD pass to Ezra Morales, and an interception on defense. Warren is dual threat that loves to run before he wants to throw.
The Bears remember last year in Madera when the Coyotes beat the Bears 48-42.
The X factor is of course the defense on both teams because this is a guaranteed shootout!
Who can come up with the big stop could win this entertaining game.This could be like a tennis match and the offense better hold serve so that means no punting or turnovers….
Pag Meter Prediction Merced 49 Madera 45

Nipomo Titans (3-0) vs Bishop Diego Cardinals (1-2) at Santa Barbara CC 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Bishop Diego -8
The Titans come in beating Golden West 35-20. Sophomore Keyshawn Pu’a, rushed for 102 yards on 15 carries including a 19-yard TD run.
The Cardinals come in losing to a good Lompoc team 36-10.
The X factor is the Titans have their hands full with a dangerous team and traveling. Last year Bishop Diego won their first ever CIF football state championship beating Shasta for the Division 6 Title going 15-1. Last year they beat up the Titans 45-3 but this is a new year.
Pag Meter Prediction Bishop Diego 34 Nipomo 27

Rim of the World Fighting Scots(2-0) at Bishop Union Broncos (1-1) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Rim of the World -7
The X factor is the Broncos defense is real good and the offense is not.
Pag Meter Prediction Rim 20 Bishop Union 13

Rosamond Roadrunners (1-2) at Vasquez Mustangs (1-2) 7:00pm
Pag Meter Line Rosamond -15
The X factor is the Roadrunners defense can’t stop anybody. The Roadrunners offense is REAL GOOD!
Pag Meter Prediction Rosamond 55 Vasquez 40

Templeton Eagles (1-1) at Santa Paula Cardinals (3-0) 7:30pm
Pag Meter Line Santa Paula -21
The X factor is the Eagles come in with a win and they will need to play lights out to beat the Redbirds.
Pag Meter Prediction Santa Paula 41 Templeton 20

Yosemite Badgers (3-0) at Mariposa County Grizzlies (1-1) 7:15pm
Pag Meter Line Yosemite -18
Big game in the Mountain
The X factor is the Grizzlies defense and can they hang with the red hot Badgers offense?
Pag Meter Prediction Yosemite 38 Mariposa County 20

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (THE HOLY BOWL)

Memorial Panthers (3-0) at Garces Rams (0-3) 7:30pm
Pag Meter line Memorial -6
The Panthers season will finally start in the Holy Bowl. The first 3 games for SJM (Kingsburg, Fresno High and Mission Oak) did nothing to help them get ready for the Holy Bowl. SJM has talent all over the place and leading the way is QB Alec Trujillo, RB Leonard Glass, Jalen McMillian, Mac Delana and a very good offensive line.
The Rams have played a killer schedule with Bakersfield Christian, St John Bosco and St Joseph. QB Joseph Campbell leads the Rams offense along with Nick Tobias and a very good offensive line.
The X factor will be the Panthers defense and can they slow down the Rams spread attack.
Don’t go by the Rams record because SJM might be 0-3 with the Rams schedule. Slam dunk that the Rams would be 3-0 with SJM schedule. The Panthers have tons of talent and should take care of business but with the Rams tough schedule…..
THAT’S WHY THEY PLAY THE GAME!
Pag Meter Prediction Memorial 41 Garces 35