PAG METER PREDICTIONS WEEK 1

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PAGMETER PREDICTIONS WEEK 1
Week 1 and Week 2 are the toughest weeks to pick because we are still learning about all the teams.
The big X Factors for every team!!
*Who will step up?
*What QB will shine?
*Which offensive will crank it up?
*Who will stand out on defense?
*Can the new Coaches and their staff make an instant impact?
*Can the teams with the X factors find the answers?
Stay tuned because we will know soooooo much more by week 3

Last year the Pag Meter went 512-96 (84 %)

GAME ON

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 

WEST VIKINGS (0-1) vs MISSION OAK HAWKS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Mission Oak -7
Last year the Hawks beat the Vikings 21-14 and the Hawks snapped their 14 game losing streak.
This year the Hawks come in new and improved. This is the best Hawks team in 5 plus years. Making his first start as a varsity QB will be junior Matt Ordunez who has plenty of talent around him.
The Vikings O-line and defense will play plenty of sophomores. Seniors Danny Zuniga and FB/DE Khaiden Dearmore, will both see some time at QB. DE/RB L.J. Laulu is healthy this year. He is a load at 280 lb and will play DE and RB
The X factor can the Hawks front seven slow down the Vikings running game? Yes they did!
Pag Meter Prediction Mission Oak 24 West 18

FINAL MISSION OAK 28 WEST 7
The Hawks defense is fast and very good this year. Scoring the Hawks TD’s were Jericho Sierra (4-yard run),Victor Gomez (caught a 22-yard pass from Matt Ordunez) Leo Reynaga (10-yard run) Beau Arriaga (caught a 48-yard TD pass from Ordunez) West TD, Khaiden Dearmore (4-yard TD run)
Hawks, Jericho Sierra 19 carries for 133 yards. Vikings, 19 carries for 88 yards

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

ARVIN BEARS (0-1) at HIGHLAND SCOTS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Highland -16
Last year the Scots beat the Bears 43-30
The X factor can the Bears slow down junior A.J. Cleveland, and/or senior Nick Salas because they will both have the ball plenty.
Pag Meter Prediction Highland 39 Arvin 23

FINAL HIGHLAND 21 ARVIN 6

ATASCADERO GREYHOUNDS (0-1) at No 26 SUNNYSIDE WILDCATS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Sunnyside -2
Dogs vs Cats
The Greyhounds are on the road to take on the Cats in an early division 2 seeding game. Both teams will be much improved from last year. This has the makings to be a real good game of two even teams.
The Greyhounds return 4 on the offense and 7 on defense. Senior QB Westley Cooper returns along with seniors Seth Robasciotti, TE/DL and RB Gabe Sandoval who will both never come off the field.
For the Wildcats they return 10 starters on defense and 5 on offense. Senior Edward Barajas will make his first start at QB.
The X factor is the Hounds have an experienced QB and that could be huge in the opener and both defenses are good. For the Wildcats to go 1-0 they have to take care of the ball. I know it was only a scrimmage but the Cats did beat up Clovis West and that should give them confidence heading into this game. The Hounds sat some stars out of their scrimmage vs Templeton. The Hounds QB Cooper, needs a big game for the Greyhounds to have a nice bus ride home. This is a tough pick but have to go with the home team.
Pag Meter Prediction Sunnyside 27 Atascadero 25

FINAL SUNNYSIDE 30 ATASCADERO 7

CALIFORNIA CITY RAVENS (0-1) at LINDSAY CARDINALS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Lindsay -2
Last year the Cardinals beat the Ravens 34-14
The Cardinals come in with plenty of returners. The Ravens graduate some stars but will bring back 4 of the 5 starting offensive linemen. The Ravens are loaded with speed.
The X factor is the Cardinals are playing at home and should have the advantage. Look for the Cardinals to have a nice passing attack to go along with their running game. This could be the best time to play the Ravens because they will get better and better every week. Which defense will step up?
Pag Meter Prediction Lindsay 31 Cal City 29

FINAL LINDSAY 26 CAL CITY 14

No 6 EDISON TIGERS (0-1) at No 4 CENTRAL GRIZZLIES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Central -6
Last year the Grizzlies beat the Tigers 35-7
Last year the Tigers scored first on a Dezjhon Malone, 56 yard Punt return and then the Central Grizzlies took over scoring 35 straight points. The Tigers offense did nothing all year long vs good defenses.
This is completely different matchup this year because the Grizzlies don’t have Trent Tompkins and the Tigers offense has the makings to be much better this year but will take time.
Life after Trent will be tough for the Grizzlies and the offense could be (WAY) different.
The Tigers seem to always start the season a little behind so will this year be any different? The Tigers lost plenty to transfers and plenty ended up at Central.
The Tigers haven’t decided on who they will go with at QB. Will it be sophomore Ian Miller who took every rep at QB during spring ball or junior QB Justin Klair who transferred in from Memorial.
The Grizzlies are confused at QB after the scrimmage on Friday. Senior DJ Frampton, who transferred in from Clovis North played a tad better over senior Jameson Silva, who transferred in from Edison. The problem is Grizzlies nation is used to seeing tremendous QB play after watching record setting Trent Tompkins for the last 3 years. Let me warn you Grizzlies nation, those days are over and get ready to get back to good old Central football. Stay tuned on who will be the QB.
This years Grizzlies offense could be a running downhill offense with outstanding senior running back Quali Conley.
The X factor is the QB for both teams and whoever plays better should win this game.
The bottom line is the Tompkins ERA is over and the only chance the Grizzlies will be successful this year is the QB play. The Grizzlies are back to back Champions because of the QB play and right now the QB play is not good. Central high school has been around for over 100 plus years, has had super talented teams and won their first Central Section Championship in school history just 2 years ago with Tompkins running the show.
Both defenses will be fast all over the place. This has the makings to be a low scoring game. I want to take Edison in this one but Edison never plays well in the first 3 weeks of the season. Many Tigers have transferred to Central so you would think the Grizzlies have the big advantage.
Pag Meter Prediction Central 20 Edison 14

FINAL CENTRAL 47 EDISON 12 

No 29 CVC CAVALIERS (0-1) at No 18 ST JOSEPH KNIGHTS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line St Joseph -6
Last year the Knights beat the Cavaliers 42-6
Last year I thought this would be a very close game but the Knights came to Visalia and beat up the Cavaliers. This year it could be a closer game.
The defending division 4 champion Cavaliers comes in leading with one of the beat RB around with senior Jaalen Rening who has verbally committed to play at UC Davis. Making his first start as a varsity QB will be senior Tyce Griswold, who has a good arm and can run. The Cavaliers are big and physical upfront and leading the way is Pag Meter all Star senior Dirk Nelson.
For the Knights they graduated 21 seniors off a fantastic team. Making his first varsity start at QB will be sophomore Mark Crisp. Senior RB Devin Guggia, will be a big part of the Knights offense.
The X factor is the Knights bring in some tremendous transfers and you just don’t know how good they will be in week 1. Which new QB will step up? If the Cavaliers can pound the ball with the best player on the field, Rening, then CVC can win on the road.
Pag Meter Prediction St Joseph 33 CVC 27

FINAL ST JOSEPH 35 CVC 7

CHAVEZ TITANS (1-0) at DELANO TIGERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Chavez -16
Last year the Tigers beat the Titans 26-20
The Titans return plenty from last year including junior QB Cameron Huerta, junior RB Damien Espinoza, senior WR Christian Fernandez, junior WR Jaden Veloria, and junior OL Evian Garza.
The Tigers will be young all over the place.
The X factor is this is a good rival and the Tigers will play the Titans tough.
Pag Meter Prediction Chavez 33 Delano 17

FINAL CHAVEZ 12 DELANO 7

LEMOORE TIGERS (0-1) vs No 20 CLOVIS EAST T WOLVES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Clovis East -14
Last year the Tigers beat the T Wolves 7-6
This has the makings to be a real good game. Last year the Tigers won the battle on the line of scrimmage and the T Wolves had a zero kicking.
The Tigers will have returning senior QB Justin Holaday and Pag Meter All Star RB/MLB William Kloster who is a beast.
The T Wolves will lead with Chandler Hamilton (RB/S), Jo Nation Dejohnette, (RB/LB), Blake Baldwin (FB/LB), Christian Hudiburgh (DE/FB), Junior Jacob Tafoya RB/LB and Josh Sue at QB. The T Wolves come in stronger than last year.
The X factor will be the Tigers front seven on defense and if the Tigers played like they did last year, then look for a Tigers win. Both teams will be so much better than last year. New Tigers head coach Josh Kloster is light years better than the last 2 years at Lemoore.
Pag Meter Prediction Clovis East 27 Lemoore 13

FINAL CLOVIS EAST 35 LEMOORE 0

CORCORAN PANTHERS (0-1) at FOWLER REDCATS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Corcoran -4
Last year the Panthers beat the Redcats 42-35. The Panthers scored the game winning TD with 15 seconds to go.
Last year it was a shootout and this year both defenses are much better.
The Panthers return plenty including junior QB Herman Luna who has a fantastic arm. Senior wideout Cesar Acosta, could be the guy that leads the section at WR.
The Redcats return 7 starters on offense including running back Pedro Ayala.
The X factor will be the Redcats QB. It’s a battle for the job right now and look for a couple of different QB’s playing. The Panthers move into division 6 and they will contend for the championship. The Panthers are big up front on both sides of the ball. Which offense will step up?
Pag Meter Prediction Corcoran 27 Fowler 24

FINAL FOWLER 25 CORCORAN 8

EAST BLADES (1-0) at GOLDEN VALLEY BULLDOGS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line East -10
Last year the Blades beat the Bulldogs 40-0
The Blades will be young in spots.
It would sure be nice if some Golden Valley players would stay at Golden Valley instead of transferring out every year. Making his first start at QB will be junior Marquel Bruley who has speed and will get better with every snap he takes. Leading the way Up front will be senior Riley Dickey. On defense will be LB Vicente Alatorre.
The X factor will be the Bulldogs defense. Both teams are much better this year.
Pag Meter Prediction East 33 Golden Valley 23

FINAL EAST 10 GOLDEN VALLEY 9 

No 22 EL DIAMANTE MINERS (0-1) vs No 12 TULARE WESTERN MUSTANGS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Tulare Western -20
Last year the Mustangs beat the Miners 48-28. TW RB Tairyn Johnson, rushed for 172 yards and scored 3 TD’s including a 73 yard punt return.
The Miners come in with a new head coach Chris Franklin, who will bring in a spread attack and exciting offense. Leading the way will be junior RB Austin Beno. The Miners are also a physical team on the offensive line.
For the Mustangs this should be a much better year on offense. Last year the Mustangs had a zero chance and beating the real good defenses but this year will be different. It was awesome vs weaker defenses but would have lost to Tulare Union 100 out of 100 times.
This year the Mustangs are born again and will use their very talented senior QB Elijah Burrell. Elijah, has a very good arm, can run and the offense will be very tough to slow down especially with senior RB Tairyn Johnson, Junior DB/RB/WR Mikey Ficher, who will never come off the field, and DB/WR brother Jordan Burrell.
The X factor is the Miners defense vs the Mustangs offense. The Mustangs are a faster team and the Miners need to be physical upfront vs a smaller Mustangs team. The Miners need to control the clock and pound it with Beno. The Miners defense is real good and will come in with a tremendous game plan. If the Miners can win the line of scrimmage, then they win the game. This game could come down to the final minutes. TW doesn’t want the Miners to hang around because it could be Beno time.
Pag Meter Prediction (Upset Special) El Diamante 32 Tulare Western 31

FINAL TULARE WESTERN 40 EL DIAMANTE 14

Mikey Ficher scored 2 TD’s. Elijah Burrell throws for 330 yards. PAG METER blew the Upset pick

FARMERSVILLE AZTECS (0-1) at EXETER MONARCHS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Exeter -41
Last year the Monarchs beat the Aztecs 49-0
The Aztecs come in and will be young in spots and leading the way will be senior WR/RB/CB Noah Svoboda.
The Monarchs are returning 6 players on offense and 6 on defense.
The QB will be junior Chris Lopez and the running backs will be returning with Nathaniel Heath, Dewayne Coleman and Hank Williams (not a country singer).
The X factor is the Monarchs should be too much for the young Aztecs.
Pag Meter Prediction Exeter 51 Farmersville 6

FINAL EXETER 62 FARMERSVILLE 0

FOOTHILL TROJANS (0-1) at KENNEDY THUNDERBIRDS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Kennedy -31
Last year the Thunderbirds beat the Trojans 41-0
Don’t look now but the defending division 5 champion Birds will be real good again.
The Birds Wing T will be dangerous and keep an eye on QB Jose Cota, RB Ricky Solorio, who sat out last season, RB Francisco Medina, WR Anthony Orozco, who also sat out last season. On defense will be OLB Anthony Ontiveros, MLB Pedro Garcia, had over 100 tackles last year as the starting MLB and Free safety Tahj Kelly, who also sat out most of last season.
The X factor the Trojans will be better this year but has a tough opener.
Pag Meter Prediction Kennedy 44 Foothill 13

FINAL KENNEDY 56 FOOTHILL 6

FRESNO HIGH WARRIORS (0-1) at CHOWCHILLA TRIBE (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Chowchilla -27
The Indian Bowl
Last year the Tribe beat the Warriors 20-18
The Warriors come in with plenty of questions especially after their Coach Joe Marquez left for Edison and new head coach is Keith Pempek. Coaches big question who is staying a Warrior or transferring out. The Warriors only have 22 players and no JV team.
The Warriors will have senior Nathaniel Najera back at QB. For being so being with the helmets coming in late, kids transferring, the Warriors played Edison tough in their scrimmage.
The Tribe will move back into Division 4 where they belong. The Tribe defense will be real good and leading the way will be seniors Jaylinn Gaines, Alex Escoto, and Damien Rodriguez.
The X factor will be both offenses because both will be new and who knows what the Warriors have. The Tribe are so well coached and they have the big advantage at home.
Pag Meter Prediction Chowchilla 40 Fresno High 13

FINAL CHOWCHILLA 27 FRESNO HIGH 12

No 10 GARCES RAMS (0-1) at No 17 BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN EAGLES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Garces -8
Last year the Eagles beat the Rams 27-24
The early south valley showdown. The Rams new head coach Paul Golla is making his debut after 14 years down the road at Bakersfield.
Both teams come in with plenty of speed on both sides of the ball.
The Rams have plenty of talent on the offense with senior (WR/DB) Isaiah Bell, and junior (RB/DB) Jalen Smith. Senior QB Joseph Campbell is real good and wants to show everybody that he might just be the best QB in the section.
For the Eagles they will have Senior QB Dominic Gamboni taking over the team. He will have plenty of talent around him including one of the best in the state with DE/TE Ben Yorosek.
The X factor will be the Eagles defense vs the outstanding Rams offense.
Pag Meter Prediction Garces 34 Bakersfield Christian 24

FINAL BAKERSFIELD 22 GARCES 0

HANFORD WEST HUSKIES (0-1) at No 19 HANFORD BULLPUPS (1-0)
18th annual Dog Bowl and the Bullpups have won 5 straight
Pag Meter Line Hanford -30
Last year the Bullpups beat the Huskies 63-6
The Huskies are getting better and building a program. The Huskies will be young but this years team will have much better chemistry and leading the way will be seniors 3-year starter WR/DB Keantre Davis, 2 year starter QB/FS Josiah James, RB/DE Elijah Jones, juniors WR/DB Ieremia Fatuesi and OL Justin Staley.
For the Bullpups they come in with plenty of speed with seniors, QB Juaron Watts-Brown, running back Travone Houston, Tyler Mello (OLB) who has verbally committed to play at UC Davis and MLB Thomas Knight. Mello might just be the best LB in the section.
The X factor is the Huskies defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Hanford 44 Hanford West 14

FINAL HANFORD 79 HANFORD WEST 0

INDEPENDENCE FALCONS (0-1) at SOUTH REBELS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line South -3
Last year the Falcons beat the Rebels 53-49
Last year was a great game with the Falcons winning in a shootout.
The new QB for the Falcons will be senior Xavier Ramirez. The Falcons will have much better team speed.
Leading the way for the Rebels will be senior RB/LB Daniel Lomax. The Rebels will be fast on both sides of the ball but young. The Rebels could be a big play team.
The X factor will be both defenses.
Pag Meter Prediction South 33 Independence 30

FINAL SOUTH 7 INDEPENDENCE 6

SELMA BEARS (1-0) at KERMAN LIONS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Selma -7
This game was scheduled to be played at Selma but the Bears new stadium is not ready so the game will be in Kerman. Last year the Lions beat the Bears 21-2
The Bears will have a good mix of returning juniors and seniors with 7 starters coming back on both sides of the ball. Returning at QB will be junior Joey Ramirez. The running backs will be real good with Junior RB/DB Aaron Blancas, and senior RB/MLB Adam Rodriguez.
The Lions come in real young all over the place. Senior QB Gavin Layton returns after throwing for 1,873 pass yards and 19 TD’s. Leading the way on defense will be senior LB Tyler Wright.
The X factor will be the Lions offense because the defense is pretty good. The Bears did not play well in their scrimmage and turned the ball way too many times. Both teams need to take care of the ball.
Pag Meter Prediction Selma 27 Kerman 20

FINAL SELMA 48 KERMAN 21

No 21 KINGSBURG VIKINGS (1-0)  at No 3 MEMORIAL PANTHERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Memorial -19
Last year the Panthers beat the Vikings 42-28
Both teams come in thinking a section Championship. The Vikings will be a contender in division 3 and Memorial is the No 1 team in division 2.
Leading the way for the Vikings will be junior QB Jett Jackson who is dangerous with the football running and passing. Jett’s targets are back with WR/RB Jr. Blake Spomer, WR Jr Kaden Tate, and WR Senior Travis Hall.
On Defense and leading the way will be LB/DE Sr. Cole Dias, DE Sr. Josh Jackson, LB Sr. Alfred Carpenter and DB Soph. Micha Spomer. The Vikings have a lot of guys coming back in key spots with some big game experience.
For the Panthers they come in loaded with a bunch of new transfers along with some big time stars. Making his debut at QB will be Junior QB Finn Collins, who transfers in from Loyola High School and will be throwing to Jalen McMillian who has verbally committed to Washington, Mac Dalena who has verbally committed to play for Fresno State, Captain Will Jacobs, and De’von King who transferred in from Fresno High.
The big guys upfront are good and leading the charge will be senior Tobin Phillips who has verbally committed to play at Stanford and junior O-line Kevin Cisneros who transferred in from Fresno High.
The defense is real good with senior linebacker Elijah Garza, who transferred in from Central. Keep an eye on stud junior linebacker Tyler Mackulin, who is 6’1” 220lb and will be a force who transferred in from Lemoore.
The X factor will be the Vikings defense and can they slow down the powerhouse Panthers? The only way you can stay with the powerful Panthers is to try to wear them down because the O-line/D-line. The Vikings will have to hold serve on offense and score almost every time they have the ball and can’t afford to punt because I’m thinking the Panthers might not even have a punt team.
Pag Meter Prediction Memorial 40 Kingsburg 21

FINAL KINGSBURG 17 MEMORIAL 14

LIBERTY MADERA RANCHOS HAWKS (1-0) at FIREBAUGH EAGLES (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Liberty Madera Ranchos-12
Last year the Hawks beat the Eagles 34-3
This is an interesting match up to start the year. Both teams have plenty of new players starting.
The Hawks will lead with Rylan Howe who will be a force at Running Back and at LB. Tyler Miller and Quentin Stewart will also be dangerous on both sides of the ball at RB/ DB. Trevor Porter returns and will be a force on Defense at Strong Safety.
For the Eagles they will be young in spots. The running backs will be Junior Jorge Osuna, and Sophomore Danny Olivera who will also play OLB. Leading the way at WR will be senior Jauron Haynie. 1st team All Star is senior Zane Raygoza and he will be the leader up front.
The Eagles have a QB battle with juniors Matt Defrancesco and Andrea’s Altimarino. Matt played a bunch last year at QB so he could be the leader in the club house.
The X factor is 7 vs 7 is over and can the Eagles slow down the physical Wing T Hawks offense? The Eagles will be watching last year’s game film a bunch of times.
Pag Meter Prediction Liberty Madera Ranchos 33 Firebaugh 21

FINAL LIBERTY MADERA RANCHOS 53 FIREBAUGH 35

MCFARLAND COUGARS (1-0)  at AVENAL BUCCANEERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line McFarland -24
Last year the Cougars beat the Buccaneers 30-6
The X factor will be the Cougars on the road will have too much for the Buccaneers.
Pag Meter Prediction McFarland 37 Avenal 13

FINAL MCFARLAND 57 AVENAL 0

MONACHE MARAUDERS (0-1) at No 30 GOLDEN WEST TRAILBLAZERS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Golden West -21
Last year the Marauders beat the Blazers 32-21
New head coach Shane Focke takes over the Marauders. The running backs will be Aidan Galvan and Tray Von Bradford, Up front, OT/DT Taven “Twinkie” Avila, OT/DE Rigo Tapia, G Alexess Hernandez, the guys with hands will be WR/DB Kaori “KK” Sims, and WR/DB Marcus Salazar. Making his debut at QB will be 6’3″ 180 lb junior Sullivan Focke.
For the Blazers leading the way will be the Wessel brothers. ILB/FB Lonnie, and QB/RB Michael.
The X factor will be the Marauders defense and can they stay with the physical Blazers Wing-T offense?
Pag Meter Prediction Golden West 41 Monache 20

FINAL GOLDEN WEST 26 MONACHE 15

NORTH STARS (0-1) at No 30 CENTENNIAL GOLDEN HAWKS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Centennial -20
Last year the G Hawks beat the Stars 28-14
The Stars graduated a bunch and will be young all over the place.
New Head Coach Richard Starret comes from coaching in Texas where football is a way of life and he brings major enthusiasm and energy that will make practice fun for the players. The Golden Hawks will be a power spread that wants to snap the ball quickly. The QB will be senior Max Richey, and a star will be born with sophomore RB Elijah Finney.
The X factor is the Stars defense vs the G Hawks power spread. The Stars could be the sleeper team!
Pag Meter Predictions Centennial 33 North 13

FINAL CENTENNIAL 40 NORTH 6

ORANGE COVE TITANS (0-1) at GRANITE HILLS GRIZZLIES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Orange Cove -9
Last year the Titans beat the Grizzlies 35-6
The Titans come in the team to beat in division 6 and the Grizzlies will be playing a very tough schedule.
New Titans Head Coach Daniel Chamalbide, will have 9 returners from last years offense. The entire offensive line and 9 starters return on defense. Junior QB Zack Ramirez who threw for 1,486 yards with 19 TD passes is ready for a big year along with senior RB Mario Reynosa who is electric on both sides of the ball.
The Grizzlies return plenty this year including senior QB David Ramirez, senior RB Roman Valles, and almost all the receivers. The Grizzlies will always play you tough for 48 minutes.
The X factor will be the Grizzlies defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Orange Cove 29 Granite Hills 20

FINAL GRANITE HILLS 31 ORANGE COVE 24

OROSI CARDINALS (1-0) at COALINGA HORNED TOADS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Coalinga -9
Last year Cardinals beat the Toads 52-45
The Cardinals return plenty from last year. Look for senior RB Freddi Arciga to be the guy. Junior QB Evan Lara returns and will be even better with a year of experience under him. Junior Aidan Rodriguez will lead the wideouts.
The Toads were young last year and are looking real good heading into the season. The entire Toads O and D lines are returning, along with the Linebackers and secondary. Sophomore QB Jett Garcia will make his first varsity start. Keep an eye on running back Ivan Soto.
The X factor is both defenses and who will step up because last year was a shootout.
Pag Meter Prediction Coalinga 34 Orosi 25

FINAL OROSI 31 COALINGA 28

No 2 LIBERTY PATRIOTS (1-0) at PASO ROBLES BEARCATS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Liberty -23
The Patriots come in loaded on both sides of the ball. The new QB will be junior Haden Mann who comes in at 6’2” 215 lb. The running backs, and they also play linebacker are juniors Prentice Boone, Jason Shores, seniors Nate Mariscal, and Christian Muniz. One of the most dangerous players in the section will be senior WR/DB Ramon Henderson, who is being recruited by all the big boy colleges.
The Bearcats are a work in progress and playing a very tough schedule. Now in division 2 and coming back is junior 6’4 QB Braden Waterman, and he has the potential to be real good. Keep an eye on senior leader upfront with Blake Haupt, senior RB/LB Gerald Norte, senior WR Seth Maldonado, and junior RB/LB Jacob Lambeth.
The X factor is the Bearcats offense keeping the chains moving with long drives.
Pag Meter Prediction Liberty 31 Paso Robles 14

FINAL LIBERTY 24 PASO ROBLES 0

No 28 PORTERVILLE PANTHERS (1-0) at No 13 DINUBA EMPERORS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Dinuba -9
Last year the Panthers beat the Emperors 33-31.
The Panthers were down 31-14 in the 4th quarter. Hector Nava hit Hunter Alcantar on a 35 yard TD pass and the game winner with 18 seconds to go! Hector Nava finished with 5 TD passes.
This year the Emperors will be ready for a very good Panthers team.
The Panthers come in as one of the favorites to play on championship Friday in division 4. Junior QB Hector Nava returns at QB after throwing for 2,756 yards with 23 TD passes. Outstanding running back Isaiah Ellis returns and is looking for a big year.
The Emperors will have senior QB Josh Magana who has thrown for 4,713 yards and 63 TD passes.
The X factor is the Panthers defense and playing in Dinuba.
Pag Meter Prediction Dinuba 36 Porterville 27

FINAL PORTERVILLE 49 DINUBA 42

No 8 RIDGEVIEW WOLF PACK (1-0) at STOCKDALE MUSTANGS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Ridgeview -28
Last year the Pack beat the Mustangs 42-0
The Wolf Pack come in loaded on both sides of the ball with plenty of speed. Senior QB Justin Hinzo comes off a real good junior year. The running backs will be very good with the top Titan athlete, Shawn Allen, who was the SYL offensive player of the year. He is fast, smart, and will only be a junior, along with Junior WR/RB Zion Hall, and senior Alijah Alexander-Williams who will also play linebacker.
The Mustangs start the year without one of the best athletes in the Central Section, QB Evan Burkhart, who went down with an ACL. That injury changed the entire Mustangs football season. Next up at QB will be sophomore Jack Kaiser. At running backs will be seniors Elijah Hudson, Zeke Armijo and sophomore Jaykob Jones.
The X factor can the Mustangs offense score enough points without their star QB?
Pag Meter Prediction Ridgeview 41 Stockdale 13

FINAL RIDGEVIEW 44 STOCKDALE 21

No 14 RIGHETTI HIGH WARRIORS (1-0) at SANTA MARIA SAINTS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Righetti High -21
Last year the Warriors beat the Saints 56-9
The Warriors come in again with a power and physical football team. The Warriors learned a lot making it to the Championship game last year. Senior QB Logan Mortensen is ready to lead the Warriors. Look for a big year from senior WR/DB Jake Steels who can do it all on both sides of the ball. Kidasi Nepa, Christian Roseborough and Joseph Cardenas will running in the pistol wing T.
The Saints return plenty from last year. The Saints bring back QB Dominic Martinez, and RB Sammy Herrera. The O-line all returns and the offense will be good.
The X factor the Saints defensive front seven vs the Warriors running game.
Pag Meter Prediction Righetti High 34 Santa Maria 13

FINAL RIGHETTI HIGH 42 SANTA MARIA 7

RIVERDALE COWBOYS (0-1) at YOSEMITE BADGERS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Yosemite -6
Last year the Badgers beat the Cowboys 28-0
This has the makings to be a very good game. The Cowboys will bring in a team that can win in the mountains.
The Cowboys return plenty including the entire Offensive line. Leading the way will be Senior QB Mason Musgrave and Senior RB Johnny Solorio..
Leading the way for Badgers will be senior RB/LB Nicholas Harper, and junior (RB/LB) Holden Eames.
The Factor is the Cowboys defense and the Badgers O-line.
Pag Meter Prediction Yosemite 26 Riverdale 20

FINAL YOSEMITE 31 RIVERDALE 6

ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS (0-1) at IMMANUEL EAGLES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Roosevelt -13
Last year the Riders beat the Eagles 21-6
The Rough Riders graduated a bunch and will be young everywhere. Look for Joe Theus to emerge as the starting QB. he is long and athletic.
The Eagles numbers are down and leading the way will be seniors Trace Pires and returning QB Matt Tiger.
The X factor is the Rough Riders will be much bigger than the Eagles. The Riders will be young and will play the perfect schedule in division 4 so look for a bunch of wins in 2019.
Pag Meter Prediction Roosevelt 27 Immanuel 14

FINAL IMMANUEL 30 ROOSEVELT 18

No 15 ARROYO GRANDE EAGLES (0-1) at No 16 SAN LUIS OBISPO TIGERS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Arroyo Grande -14
Last year the Eagles beat the Tigers 56-21. The Eagles rushed for 371 yards.
The Eagles will be on the road until Oct 11 because of Doug Hitchen Stadium is being upgraded and is being hit with construction delays.
On paper this is a tremendous match up of a couple big teams.
The Eagles return 4 on the O-line and junior Ethan Royal, will be the Eagles new QB.
Caleb Tomasin and Elijah Castro will be main running backs.
Everybody returns on offense for the Tigers including senior QB Emilio Corona who is the best QB in division 3. The running back will be senior Anthony Arroyo, and Wide Receivers with seniors Max Soltero, Jeremy Fitzsimmons, and Sam Ogden.
On defense the Tigers Return 6 starters including senior LB Christian Clegg. and junior CB Landon Nelson.
The X factor there is no secret that the Eagles are running the ball right at the Tigers defense. Can the Tigers defense step up vs the physical Eagles offensive line? Can the Tigers offense and QB Corona have a night?
Pag Meter Prediction (Upset special) San Luis Obispo 28 Arroyo Grande 27

FINAL SAN LUIS OBISPO 28 ARROYO GRANDE 21

No 23 SANGER APACHES (1-0) at REEDLEY PIRATES (0-1)
(This is the 106th meeting and Sanger leads the series 70-33-2 and 11 straight wins.
Pag Meter Line Sanger -12
Last year the Apaches beat the Pirates 45-0.
The Apaches will be young and probably a year away from being real good but will have 5 returning starters on each side of the ball. Senior QB Noel Collazo returns from last year and is good at running the Apaches offense. Running back Kosi Agina is ready for a big year who already holds 6 offers including Fresno State. Also look for a big year from senior RB/MLB Pierce Jones, who is the Apachers leader at middle linebacker. Leading the Apaches will be Dolce Calandra (WR/DB), and Jesus Ferreira (OL).
For the Pirates new head coach Tony Gates is the perfect guy to bring back the Pirates magic and the buzz in Reedley is off the charts. This senior class is very talented and they have won together at every level. The junior class is also talented and there are 56 players on the roster. The offense will be anchored by seniors and all returning starters, Gannon Gabaldon (QB), Danny Cortez (FB) Max Alvarez (TB), Antwon Cervantes (C) and Devin Marana (LG).
The defense will be led by Danny Cortez (OLB), Devin Dekker (DB), Chris Sanchez (DB) and newcomer Ryan Warkentine (DB) who will also be playing varsity water polo. Kyle Doi and Gabriel Badilla both seniors, will anchor at linebacker.
The X factor can the Pirates defense matchup with the Apaches running game?
Pag Meter Prediction Sanger 33 Reedley 21

FINAL SANGER 49 REEDLEY 6

SHAFTER GENERALS (1-0) at MIRA MONTE LIONS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Shafter -11
Last year the Generals beat the Lions 69-0
The Generals graduated 17 with only 24 on the roster and come off the best team in school history. The new QB will be sophomore QB Tyson Dozhier. The Running backs will be senior Nelson Hernandez, and junior Joseph Montgomery.
The receivers will be senior Felix Chacon, junior Joey Sanchez and senior Leo Fernandez who is the best athlete on the team. Pag Meter All Star senior WR Jackson Sanchez,broke his foot during the summer and will be back by week 4.
The Lions will have plenty of returning players including seniors QB Adrian Mercado and RB Shamar Oliver.
The X factor is the Lions will be a team to keep an eye on in division 6. They have plenty of talent. The Generals will get better and better every game. Both teams will get better and better every week.
Pag Meter Prediction Shafter 29 Mira Monte 18

FINAL SHAFTER 37 MIRA MONTE 22

TAFT WILDCATS (1-0) at KERN VALLEY BRONCS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Taft -11
Last year the Wildcats beat the Broncs 49-6
The X factor is the Wildcats roster is much bigger than the Broncs.
The Wildcats will be young in spots.
The Eagles numbers will be down and leading the way will be RB Jacob Lightner.
Pag Meter Prediction Taft 31 Kern Valley 20

FINAL TAFT 24 KERN VALLEY 22

TEHACHAPI WARRIORS (0-1) at No 27 WASCO TIGERS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Wasco -31
Last year the Tigers beat the Warriors 28-22
The Warriors come in not a big team and now face the strong Tigers.
Leading the way for the Warriors will be seniors FB/LB Jake Smith and WR/CB Trent Adams. The New QB will be junior Jake Tye.
The Tigers come in No 1 in division 4. Leading the way with the running backs will be juniors (DB) Christian Alvarez, and Elias Salinas The QB returns with senior Jacob Villanveva who runs the Tigers Double Wing T to perfection. The O-line will be real good.
The X factor is look for the Tigers to run over the Warriors D-line.
Pag Meter Prediction Wasco 44 Tehachapi 13

FINAL WASCO 45 TEHACHAPI 0

TEMPLETON EAGLES (1-0) at CARUTHERS BLUE RAIDERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Templeton -3
Might just be the best match up of week 1. The Eagles are No 3 in Division 4 and the Blue Raiders are No 2 in Division 5.
Leading the Eagles on offense will be Mason Barbour-TE/H Back, Marino D’Alfonso-WR,
Tyler Kaschewski-Slot Rec/QB, Arnel Osuna-OL, Caleb Richards-OL, Robbie Doty -TE, Michael Avery-RB, Josh Berna-RB, Jonah Martinus-Slot, and Aldo Viveros-Slot.
For the Blue Raiders will be RB/LB senior Bobby Staley, junior QB Trenton Babb, seniors Isaac Franco, and TE/DE Brady Pease.
The factor will be both defenses. Can the Eagles slow down outstanding WR Franco? This is a tough game to pick. RB Bobby Staley will want to wear down the Eagles defense so the Eagles D has to win the line of scrimmage or Bobby could run for 200 yards.
Pag Meter Prediction Templeton 33 Caruthers 30

FINAL TEMPLETON 32 CARUTHERS 6

TRANQUILITY TIGERS (0-1) at PARLIER PANTHERS (1-0)
The Cat Bowl
Pag Meter Line Parlier -24
The Tigers will be much better this year with 63 man roster.
David Muro makes his debut as the new head coach at Panthers.
The Panthers will be very experienced on the Offensive Line returning 4. The Panthers will return some very good receivers and defensive backs. Junior QB Josh Rodriguez is a Dual Threat and he is good.
The X factor will be the Tigers defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Parlier 39 Tranquility 15

FINAL PARLIER 33 TRANQUILITY 6

MENDOTA AZTECS (0-1) at MCLANE HIGHLANDERS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Mendota -7
Last year the Highlanders beat the Aztecs 36-29
This year both teams will break in the brand new field turf at McLane Stadium.
The X factor is the Aztecs come in real young but has some nice talent. Can the Highlanders defense step up at home on the new turf?
Pag Meter Prediction Mendota 27 McLane 20

FINAL MCLANE 48 MENDOTA 42 OT

No 11 TULARE UNION TRIBE (1-0) at MT WHITNEY PIONEERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Tulare Union -35 plus
Last year the Tribe beat the Pioneers 36-33
Last year it was a great game and this year it won’t be because the Pioneers just don’t match up with the Tribe.
The Tribe will come in with plenty of speed. The new QB will be sophomore Victor Espinoza who is dual threat.
For the Pioneers they have a new head coach with Nathan Chamberlain.
The X factor will be the Pioneers only have 27 on the roster with 4 ineligible for the first 5 weeks, 2 of which are the best Offensive linemen.
Pag Meter Prediction Tulare Union 48 Mt Whitney 6

FINAL TULARE UNION 57 MT WHITNEY 6

WASHINGTON UNION PANTHERS (1-0) at MADERA COYOTES (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Washington Union -3
Last year the Coyotes beat the Panthers 49-20
The Panthers come in with one of the best teams in a while. The entire offensive line from last year returns and will be lead by Edwin Velarde. The battle for the QB spot is on with Sophomore Lawerence Stell and Junior Jayden Green. Raymond Valenzuela will run the ball for the Panthers. Darius McCray and senior transfer WR/DB from Edison is Tory Horton and will both be big time Panther players with the ball.
For the Coyotes they have a new head coach with Kenny Paolinelli who was a star at Madera. Madera graduated some tremendous players from one of their best teams in a while. The Coyotes will be young with speed and leading the way will be RB’s Jeremiah Sanchez, Alex Carrillo and Jacob Garcia. Look for the senior receiver playmakers of Isaiah Martinez and Marco Lopez.
The X factor will be the QB play for both teams.
Pag Meter Prediction Washington Union 27 Madera 24

FINAL WASHINGTON UNION 42 MADERA 14

WOODLAKE TIGERS (1-0) at MISSION PREP ROYALS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Woodlake -8
This is a very interesting matchup of two very good teams. The Tigers are No 1 in division 5 and the Royals are the defending 8-man champions and now move into division 6.
The Tigers come in with an outstanding senior QB Damian Hernandez, who threw for 3,036 yards with 32 touchdowns. The receivers are real good with 6’3” 230lb TE Johan Reyes, Hector Magana, Victor Magana, and Luis Lopez. They are all over 6’1”.
For the Royals they will lead with 2,013 yard rusher Brian Kowall who scored 26 TD’s. The QB will be junior Mark Rodriguez.
The X factor will be the young Royals defense vs Tigers passing attack and the Tigers defense vs RB Kowell, who is one of the top backs in the section.
Pag Meter Prediction Woodlake 36 Mission Prep 28

FINAL WOODLAKE 40 MISSION PREP 20

No 7 BAKERSFIELD DRILLERS (0-1) at CALABASAS COYOTES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Calabasas -20
New Drillers head coach Michael Stewart starts out against a very good team. Ricky Easterwood will be the new starting QB. He is tall and the Drillers offense is now a spread attack. Ricky’s job is to throw it up and let the speedsters go get it. A QB’s dream!
The Driller star brothers, Isaac and Ian Jernagin, might never come off the field at WR/DB. Senior RB Wesley Wilson, will be a big factor in the Drillers offense.
For the Coyotes they will lead with outstanding senior QB Jaden Casey who threw for 3,161 and 38 TD passes and has verbally committed to play at Fresno State.
The X factor is the Drillers defense and Ricky Esterwood.
Pag Meter Prediction Calabasas 42 Bakersfield 22

FINAL CALABASAS 29 BAKERSFIELD 14

BORON BOBCATS (1-0) at SILVER VALLEY TROJANS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Boron -7
Last year the Bobcats beat the Trojans 28-8
The Factor is the Bobcats were young last year and can they play great on the road for 48 minutes.
Pag Meter Prediction Boron 26 Silver Valley 19

FINAL BORON 35 SILVER VALLEY 13

PITMAN PRIDE (0-1) vs CLOVIS NORTH BRONCOS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Pitman -13
The Pride comes in graduating 10 starters on offense and 10 starters on defense. That being said the JV team had a fantastic year so the Pride will be young and good. Pitman will use the Wing-T formation on offense but will add a spread angle to keep defenses guessing. Some of the key returners for the Pride are junior OL/DL Juan Mora, senior OL/DL Matthew Nissan, and senior TE/DB Julian Lindo. The QB battle is on with junior Landyn Magina and sophomore Anthony Manzo. Magina is more of a passer and Moanzo is the runner.
Pittman is the High School where the USA hater Colin Kaepernick played at.
For the Broncos they have a new Head Coach with Mike Jacot who will run the defense. The new offensive Coordinator is George Petrissans, who was the CW Head Coach.
The new QB will be senior Trenton Luera. Two of the best linemen in the TRAC will be seniors Cade Foraker and Keenan Madsen. The Broncos will also be young.
The X factor is both QB’s. If Luera plays with confidence and throws down hill, the Broncos offense will be good. Can the Broncos defense adjust to the Wing T and spread?? The Pride are always a physical football team so the Broncos better be ready to strap it up.
Pag Meter Prediction (Upset Special) Clovis North 27 Pitman 25

FINAL CLOVIS NORTH 34 PITMAN 0

CLOVIS WEST GOLDEN EAGLES (1-0) at CENTRAL CATHOLIC RAIDERS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Central Catholic -20
Last year the Raiders beat the Golden Eagles 21-0
The Golden Eagles come in with 25 senior leaders. The new QB will be senior Brad Sennaway. Sennaway is a very good baseball player, quit football last year, got smart this year because playing QB will make you a much better baseball player and every college baseball team loves a QB that plays baseball. The running back will be Brandon Wafer. Senior linebackers will be Mateo Morales, Tanner Ewell and and Nathan Mendoza.
The defensive line will be anchored by returning starters Derek Moreland, Nick Regalado and Marcel Sanders. David Pierro returns as a do everything player in the secondary.
For the Raiders plenty graduated and plenty return including senior QB Dalton Durossette who last year threw for 1,420 yards with 18 TD’s. Senior running back Minaya Olivo, and senior tight end Nic Sani and senior wide receiver Sithri Price are the team leaders. When you are a private school you just never know how many recruits are coming in.
The X factor is the Golden Eagles have to believe they can win playing a professional High School team. The Raiders only have 31 players on the roster so can the Golden Eagles put together some long drives?
Pag Meter Prediction Central Catholic 34 Clovis West 14

FINAL CLOVIS WEST 26 CENTRAL CATHOLIC 22

DOS PALOS BRONCOS (1-0) at LOS BANOS TIGERS (0-1)
(West Side War)
Pag Meter line Los Banos -8
Last year the Tigers beat the Broncos 26-20. Last time the Broncos beat the Tigers was on Sept 17, 2010 in a great game 21-20.
Rob Calvert is back as the head coach for the Dos Palos Broncos. This is one of the best rivalries and my big question is……How in the world is Los Banos in the Northern section and not in the Central Section?? Ridiculous along with Merced, Golden Valley, Buhach Colony, Atwater…Etc. Los Banos has about 1,400 students and Dos Palos with 700.
OK back to the game. Last year the Tigers were loaded and graduated plenty.
The Broncos are returning 4 on the O-line with Herbert Sanders, Isaac Carnell, Mike Paz and Jason Alinez. Running the ball this year will be senior Tyree Martin and junior Ryan Ramirez. Top receiver will be 6’4 Zane Merrell. Making his first start at QB will be sophomore Trent Calvert. Both teams are very young and when Trent Calvert is a senior, the Broncos will be the heavy favorites,
The X factor will be QB Calvert and the Broncos defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Los Banos 33 Dos Palos 25

FINAL DOS PALOS 40 LOS BANOS 35

FERNLEY VAQUEROS (1-0) at BISHOP UNION BRONCOS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Bishop Union -4
Broncos come in a powerhouse in division 6 and will have another outstanding defense. The Broncos return seniors OL Tristan Valle, QB Luke McClean, junior Steven Paco, senior WR Jaydan Braithwaite, and junior Anthony Diaz-Campos. Leading the way on defense will be senior Linebackers with Darren Dondero, and Wes Pettet.
The X factor is the Broncos defense vs the Vaqueros running attack.
Pag Meter Prediction Bishop Union 24 Fernley 20

FINAL FERNLEY 24 BISHOP UNION 0

FRONTIER TITANS (0-1) vs ST BONAVENTURE SERAPHS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line St Bonaventure -13
This is a tough road opener for a young team. Making his first varsity start at QB will be sophomore Travis Plugge. Look for big things from senior RB Jacob Mounmanivong. The Titans will have 4 return on the O-line so the Titans will need the big guys in this game. Another big weapon will be TE/WR Jayden Smith
The Seraphs have plenty returning from last years 6-5 team.
The X factor is the Titans will need to use their very good offensive line, run the ball and keep the clock ticking.
Pag Meter Prediction St Bonaventure 33 Frontier 19

FINAL ST BONAVENTURE 38 FRONTIER 13

SOUTHLAND CHRISTIAN EAGLES (1-0) vs DESERT SCORPIONS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Southland -7
Southland was young last year and Desert comes off 8 man football.
Pag Meter Prediction Southland 20 Desert 13

FINAL SOUTHLAND CHRISTIAN 20 DESERT 14

No 24 NIPOMO TITANS (1-0)  at SANTA YNEZ PIRATES (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Nipomo -7
Last year the Titans beat the Pirates 17-14
This should be another good game with 2 teams getting after it.
The Titans return plenty of seniors and leading the way will be returning QB/MLB Brayden Groshart. At running back will be junior Keyshawn Pu’a, who is 6’0 220lb.
The Pirates graduated plenty but does have junior QB Bennett Redell returning.
The X factor is the Pirates defense and can they slow down the Titans offense?
Pag Meter Prediction Nipomo 27 Santa Ynez 20

FINAL NIPOMO 23 SANTA YNEZ 21

PIONEER VALLEY PANTHERS (0-1) at OXNARD YELLOWJACKETS (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Oxnard -27
The X factor can the Panthers slow down senior Xavier Harris who rushed for 1,659 yards and scored 27 TD’s last year.
Pag Meter Prediction Oxnard 41 Pioneer Valley 14

FINAL OXNARD 58 PIONEER VALLEY 7

RIO HONDO PREP KARES (1-0) at MORRO BAY PIRATES (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Rio Hondo -25
The Pirates come in and will be much improved from last year and Rio Hondo comes in and will be young in spots.
The X factor is anytime there is a Prep in a schools name you just never know who is transferring in.
Pag Meter Prediction Rio Hondo Prep 31 Morro Bay 6

FINAL RIO HONDO 37 MORRO BAY 0

ROSAMOND ROADRUNNERS (1-0) at LITTLEROCK LOBOS (0-1)
Pag Meter Line Rosamond -29
Last year the Roadrunner beat the Lobos 69-0
The X factor is Roadrunners senior QB Colby Adams who threw for 2,342 yards and 26 TD passes last year will be too much for the Lobos.
Pag Meter Prediction Rosamond 42 Littlerock 13

FINAL ROSAMOND 36 LITTLEROCK 24

SIERRA CHIEFTAINS (0-1) at FRESNO CHRISTIAN EAGLES (1-0)
Pag Meter Line Fresno Christian -18
The Chieftains come in with a small roster and the Eagles will be playing 8 man football this year but this game will be 11 vs 11.
Sierra is the team that should be playing 8 man football and this year they move into division 6. The Eagles are close at making the full time move to division 6 and book it now that the Eagles win it all in 8 man football championship.
The X factor is Sierra QB Malcolm Denomme needs to have a huge game for the Chieftains to win.
Pag Meter Prediction Fresno Christian 44 Sierra 26

FINAL FRESNO CHRISTIAN 24 SIERRA 0

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

NARBONNE GAUCHOS at No 1 BUCHANAN BEARS 8:00pm
Pag Meter Line Narbonne -16
Live on ESPN U
The 5-time defending LA City champion Gauchos are again the heavy favorites to win number 6. Head Coach Manuel Douglas has been suspended and nobody knows if he will be back so interim coach Joe Aguirre takes over. So far all the players have stayed. The Gauchos are loaded on both sides of the ball and leading the way will be QB Jake Garcia who has the best collection of receivers in Los Angeles which is led by USC commit Joshua Jackson. The running backs will be young. On defense, the Gauchos’ secondary should be outstanding, led by Stanford commit Brandon Jones. The linebackers are elite, led by Jordan Banks. And defensive tackle Jordan Berry will be tough to move out of the middle.
For the Bears, ESPN U can’t wait to watch Mr Georgia Bulldog Kendall Milton, run the football. The QB will be Junior DJ Stevenson who is working his tail off!! Keep an eye on senior WR/SS CJ Jones who’s dad Charlie was a star wide receiver at Fresno State. The Offensive line will be the best in the Central Section and the defense will be very good. Leading the way on defense will be Pag Meter All Star senior Matthew Merritt.
The Bears senior leaders will be (OL) Zane Rix, (WR) Brandon Hernandez, (OL/DL) Zack Studt, (TE/FB) Jack Skinner, and (DB) Mark Green. Key Juniors leaders will be (DB) Hayden Peterson, (DB) Cade Uehling, (WR/DB) Darrien Gaines, (OL) Kasen James, (DT) Cyrus Lo, and (WR) Steven Shelley. Look out for these Sophomores with (TE/DE) Gavin Nelson, and Caden Rodgers.
The X Factor the Gauchos defense will be fired with 22 eyes on Milton on every play. Another big question, does one of the best Central Section teams match up with the best from Los Angeles? Also Stevenson has to have a huge break out game. The Bears’ defense vs the outstanding Gauchos Wide Receivers. Also will not having Gauchos head coach Douglas, be a factor? So many X factors in this game. The Bears coaching staff is light years better than the Gauchos coaching staff but the Gauchos have much better overall players.
There will be plenty of talent for the ESPN U national game so will Milton show the nation his 5 star talent and go off?? The Bears are hoping that happens.
Pag Meter Prediction Narbonne 39 Buchanan 23

No 5 CLOVIS COUGARS at MODESTO PANTHERS
Pag Meter Line Clovis -21
The Cat Bowl
Last year the Cougars beat the Panthers 42-14. Cougars QB Isaiah Robles, went 18 of 26 for 242 yards and 5 TD passes.
Offensively for the Cougars, the O-line is real good with 4 returning starters and leading the way will be seniors Josh Delacruz, and Garrett Harris.
Leading the way at RB will be junior Jordan Hilford, and senior Jonathan Johnson.
The wideouts are fast with senior Grant Lake, who has great hands, junior Jake Woods, and do everything sophomore Nate Johnson who will be the future Cougars QB. When will the Cougars unleash Nate at QB??
Senior Isaiah Robles is back at QB and ready to lead the Cougars. You know the Panthers remember Robles 5 TD passes from last year. Defensively it should look like some of the older physical Cougars units of the past in the Blue Flu ERA.
The D-Line has the potential to be the best Coach Hammond has had in his 11 years of coaching at Clovis. Junior Keanu Williams, will be a beast playing at 6’5, 260 lbs, junior 6’3 220lb Ayden Merrihew, and Johnson.
The Linebackers are special and leading the way will be 3 year starter Byron Fountain.
Secondary will be young but talented and leading the way will be Lake, Moses Saenz, and Skylar Coon.
Some young stars to keep an eye on will be Tristan Risley who will contribute immediately and Track star Julius Grant who moves so well with his top end speed.
For Modesto, Dylan Miller, the former Modesto graduate in his first head coaching varsity job will be trying extend the Panthers playoff streak to 7 years in a row while competing in the tough Central California Athletic League.
The Panthers will have of plenty of juniors. Leading the way be seniors QB/ athlete Alonzo Rodriguez and offensive and defensive linemen Gerardo Sandoval. Keep an eye on Junior running back James Hayes.
The X factor is the young Panthers offense vs the outstanding Cougars defense.
Pag Meter Prediction Clovis 36 Modesto 15