Well the season’s is halfway done and what have we seen so far? Well it seems a battle is brewing between Dos Palos and Firebaugh for the WSL crown. Mendota’s struggles continue and it seems that there could be a coaching carousel in Avenal and Tranquillity are in their usual spots in the bottom half of the WSL and at this rate set for another losing season.

Coatings finally earned their first win of 2019 against a what would be considered a weak opponent in Fresno Christian as the Horned Toads cruised to the 54-0 win. Most people would say things like “oh well it was a easy team” or “Yet they can’t do that against tougher teams” and “They really shouldn’t feel that happy about it”. Well people a win is a win no matter whether is was an ugly blowout or a close win, or whether it was against the best team in the state or the worst team in the country…A win is a win and Coalinga will enjoy it but will be back at work this week as they will travel to Hanford to take on the Golden Bears of Sierra Pacific Friday Night.

Tranquillity at this point has probably set a league record for a losing streak and for how long it’s been since their last win. Tranquillity started their losing streak Oct. 20th 2017 and it continued after last week’s 56-7 loss against Minarets to 17th straight and after this week which is a bye week will mark 700+ days. They will mercifully have a week off this week before taking on the Chieftains of Sierra Next Week.

Mendota has now gone 7-16 from 2017 to now which included two years in Division 4 and no playoff appearances for the Aztecs. Mendota last week made their 1st of 2 trips to Reedley last week and took on the Reedley Pirates and the Pirates RPO offense was too much as they took down Mendota 30-15. Mendota has seen its bad years but when your so used to the successful years they went through (2012-2016) which includes trips to the valley title game, a state playoff appearance and 3 Valley championships, It’s tough and disappointing to see them go through a slump like this. Everyone hopes that the season will turn around and end on a strong note but we’ll all they can do is hope as this Friday they will host an opponent who has also have yet to taste sweet victory and that’s Pajaro Valley High out of Watsonville who will be making the 2hr 12min/80mi trip East on HWY 152/I-5 to Aztecs Stadium.

Firebaugh was coming into last week’s game with back to back close wins and seemed to be ready to take on one of best if not the best team in Division 5 the Caruthers Blue Raiders. Well right away Caruthers took over starting with a 86yd Kickoff Ret. For a TD and from then on it was a runaway with all 3 teams for Caruthers taking care of business and at the half were ahead 36-7. Well Firebaugh improved slightly in the 2nd half and scored a touchdown, It was all Caruthers claiming the victory in emphatic fashion grounding the Eagles of Firebaugh 43-12. Firebaugh will have to regroup and get ready for their Homecoming Duel against the Chieftains of Sierra Friday as more than likely The Eagles will be the favorites in that matchup.

Avenal unless they win out they are looking at another losing season and Captain Camp could maybe be looking at exit stage right sooner rather than later. Avenal went thru another difficult loss this time on the road against The Riverdale Cowboys who rode all over the Bucs 55-0. Avenal along with Tranquillity are projected to finish with losing records and the questions that most people are asking is? Why are these two schools (Avenal & Tranquillity) still here in the WSL…who knows but only them. Avenal will make another road trip this time to Orosi who already has a win against the WSL as Coalinga fell to them 31-28 in the season opener back on August 24th.

The Broncos of Dos Palos enjoyed a much needed bye week last week after their 40-6 loss against Washington Union and are ready to start up again. Dos Palos currently sit atop the WSL having it out against Firebaugh as when those two meet later in the year it could very well determine the WSL Title. Dos Palos will come back to action this Friday as they host the Tribe of Chowchilla HS.

WSL Standings as of Week 4
1. Dos Palos (2-1)
2. Firebaugh (2-2)
3. Coalinga (1-3)
4. Mendota (0-3)
T5. Avenal/Tranquillity (0-4)

Quote of the Week: “Anybody, Anywhere, Anytime.” Former Fresno State Head Football Coach Pat Hill (1997-2011)

Twitter: @Kromero21 | Read all of his articles HERE.