By Kevin Askeland
MaxPreps.com
Following is the ninth in a series of stories previewing the upcoming football season in California. Today's previews include the leagues that play in the Central Section. Next - Southern Section.
CENTRAL SECTION
Central Sequoia League
The Exeter Monarchs (8-4, 2-3) return two of the top players in the league in running back Cameron Loeffler and wide receiver Patrick Hutcheson. Exeter lost in the semifinals of the Division 4 playoffs to Dos Palos, which went on to win the championship. Dinuba (9-3, 4-1) could put up the best challenge, thanks to the return of Bladimir Cervantes at running back and Israel Garza at defensive end.
Team to Beat: Exeter Monarchs
Top MVP Candidate: Cameron Loeffler, Exeter
Players to Watch: Bladimir Cervantez, Dinuba, RB, 95 carries, 838 yards, 7 TDs;, Junior Cuevas, Dinuba, QB, Carlos Brenes, Dinuba, OL; Dylan Orosco, Dinuba, LB, 53 tackles; Israel Garza, Dinuba, DE, 9 sacks, All-Tulare County; Cameron Loeffler, Exeter, RB, 199 carries, 1,474 yards, 24 TDs, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores; Sergio Ortiz, Exeter, RB, 109 carries, 639 carries; Patrick Hutcheson, Exeter, WR, 16 catches, 298 yards, 7 Int, All-Tulare County; Tyler Houk, Exeter, WR, 11 catches, 139 yards; Josh Wilson, Exeter, LB, 74 tackles; Micah Hiett, Immanuel, WR, 35 catches, 645 yards, 12 TDs; Max Derderian, Immanuel, LB, Jr., 89 tackles; Kenny Van Groningen, Immanuel, S, 70 tackles; Andrew Macias, Immanuel, OL; Cody Medeiros, Immanuel, OL; Josh Boger, Coalinga, LB, 130 tackles, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team; Kellen Earls, Coalinga, QB, 57-129, 683 yards, 7 TDs; Andy Ruiz, Coalinga, RB; Trevor Brazelton, Coalinga, DT; Eric Rios, Kingsburg, QB; Ben Moore, Kingsburg, TE; Ian Williams, Kingsburg, OL; Wade Jackson, Kingsburg, LB, Jr.; Danny De Ochoa, Kingsburg, RB; Adrian Pacheco, Selma, RB, Jr., 151 carries, 1,085 yards, 10 TDs; Everick Corona, Selma, OL; Abel Ruiz, Selma, OL.
Central Sierra League
Avenal (8-3, 8-0) has the best player in the league in Ily Lopez (2,457 yards rushing, 110 tackles), but the Mission Prep Royals (6-5, 5-3) have the most depth. The Royals already opened the season with a victory over Avenal in a game that could decide the league championship in the first week of the season.
Team to Beat: Mission Prep Royals
Top MVP Candidate: Ily Lopez, Avenal
Players to Watch: Ily Lopez, Avenal, RB, All-League, League MVP, Cal-Hi Sports Small Schools All-State Team, All-Fresno Bee, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention, 242 carries, 2,457 yards, 37 TDs, 110 tackles; Yovani Cervantes, Avenal, RB, All-League, 70 carries, 523 yards, 4 TDs; Jose Rangel, Avenal, DL, 47 tackles, 5 sacks; Josh Hernandez, Avenal, OL; John Weyrich, Mission Prep, LB, All-League; Joel Dunbar, Mission Prep, LB, All-League; Joe Mazelin, Mission Prep, OL, All-League; MacCain Weibert, Mission Prep, LB, All-League; George Johnson, Mission Prep, WR, All-League; Dylan Morrow, Mission Prep, QB, Jr., All-League; Luke Hetzel, Mission Prep, DB, All-League; Eric Gray, Mission Prep, DB, All-League; Brandon Plueard, Laton, LB, All-League; Matt Carrillo, Laton, RB; Isael Aguayo, Laton, WR; David Roe, Kings Christian, RB; Jarrett Brooks, Kings Christian, TE; Eli Ochoa, Orange Cove, LB, Jr., All-League; Gilbert Contreras, OrangeGrove, OL; Jose Gonzalez, Orange Grove, G.
County Metro League
With Sanger (8-4, 4-0) losing all-area running back Justin Webber to a knee injury, Edison (6-5, 3-1) could move into the favorite role in the County Metro League. The Tigers have an outstanding defensive backfield, led by Robert Golden. Sanger should still be solid with several runners capable of filling the void.
Team to Beat: Edison Tigers
Top MVP Candidate: Robert Golden, Edison
Players to Watch: Justin Webber, Sanger (injured), DB, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention; Wesley Hingano, Sanger, OL; David Turner, Sanger, QB; Eric Flores, Sanger, WR; Nico Garcia, Reedley, QB; AJ Salyers, Reedley, OL; Ismael Luna, Reedley, OL; Jerry Davis, Edison, QB; Orlando Jefferson, Edison, Ut; Mike Dixon, Edison, RB; John Tate, Edison, RB; Robert Golden, Edison, CB; Mychal Kendricks, Hoover, RB; Jordan Lett, Hoover, SS; Jahari Holder, Hoover, QB; Vince Martinez, Hoover, G; Clifton Rogers, Bullard, RB; Phillip Brandt, Bullard, QB; Chris Nelson, Bullard, RB.
East Sequoia League
Corcoran (6-5, 5-0) was just 1-4 in the preseason, but won five straight to capture the league crown behind the play of sophomore running back Brant Botil. He returns along with all-league quarterback Darren Jones and backfield mate Andrew Pacheco. Parlier (6-5, 3-2) should also be solid with running backs Miguel Ramos and Mike Barbosa running the ball and David Padron doing the blocking.
Team to Beat: Corcoran Panthers
Top MVP Candidate: Brant Botil, Corcoran
Players to Watch: Brant Botil, Corcoran, RB, Jr., All-League, League MVP, 203 carries, 1,599 yards, 21 TDs; Darren Jones, Corcoran, QB, All-League; Enrique Romero, Corcoran, OL, All-League; Andrew Pacheco, Corcoran, RB, All-League 2nd team; Miguel Ramos, Parlier, RB, Jr., All-League; David Padron, Parlier, OL, All-League; Mike Barbosa, Parlier, FB, All-League 2nd team; Brent Aukeman, CV Christian, OL, All-League; Adam Tevelde, CV Christian, RB, Jr., All-League; Mark Westeyn, CV Christian, G, Jr., All-League 2nd team; Eric Hofstee, CV Christian, WR, All-League 2nd team; Britt Baxley, CV Christian, QB, Jr., All-League 2nd team; John Gomez, Woodlake, TE/FB, All-League; Thomas Navarro, Woodlake, QB, All-League; Ramon Jimenez, Orosi, QB; Tyler McNealley, Orosi, RB; Gary Romero, Orosi, RB; Jordan Lara, Lindsay, RB; Michael Schlaepfer, Lindsay, C; Lupe Medina, Lindsay, T.
East Yosemite League
With many of the skill players returning for Delano (6-5, 3-3), the Tigers are expected to move up the standings in the EYL this year. Rene Gonzalez is back at quarterback along with receivers Matthew Grijalva and Erik Guerrero. Running Back Tyler Perigo will also help out on offense.
Team to Beat: Delano Tigers
Top MVP Candidate: Adrien Hernandez, Tulare Western
Players to Watch: Louie Espino, Granite Hills, K, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Ernie Rodriguez, Granite Hills, DB, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Steve Dummar, Granite Hills, QB; Manuel Herrera, Granite Hills, RB; Gareth Brown, Monache, TE; Jimmy Moreno, Monache, G; Brian Duboski, Monache, QB; Rene Gonzalez, Delano, QB; Tyler Perigo, Delano, RB; Matthew Grijalva, Delano, WR; Erik Guerrero, Delano, TE; Adrien Hernandez, Tulare Western, OL, All-Tulare County; Stephen Warner, Tulare Western, T, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Harless Dailey, Tulare Western, QB; Jake Rufert, Tulare Union, TE, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Matt Moralez, Tulare Union, LB, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Bobby Barnes, Tulare Union, QB; Guadalupe Rodriguez, Chavez, T; Jun Quino, Chavez, G; Alex Yanes, Chavez, WR; Jose Dieterle, Porterville, RB; David Lucio, Porterville, OL; Anthony Cemo, Porterville, RB.
North Sequoia League
Dos Palos (10-3, 4-1) and Yosemite (7-5, 4-1) tied for first place last year, but Chowchilla (10-4, 2-3) advanced to the Division 4 section finals before falling to the Broncos. Meanwhile Washington (6-6, 2-3) is also solid with returning MVP candidate Ebahn Feathers at quarterback.
Team to Beat: Yosemite Badgers
Top MVP Candidate: Ebahn Feathers, Washington
Players to Watch: Humberto Del Rio, Dos Palos, K, Jr., All-Merced Sun-Star; Kyle Schofield, Dos Palos, TE; Sean Lemos, Dos Palos, QB; Jordan Hamilton, Dos Palos, C; Wyatt Seaman, Chowchilla, RB; Rob Diepersloot, Chowchilla, QB; Matt Kinsley, Chowchilla, RB; Zach Stone, Yosemite, T; Mike Sayre, Yosemite, T; David Simpson, Yosemite, RB; Jesse Lownsbury, Yosemite, QB; Kevin Richards, Kerman, QB, 117-228, 1,967, 17 TDs; Adrian Ruiz, Kerman, WR; Vincent York, Kerman, WR; Andy Fonseca, Kerman, LB; Ebahn Feathers, Washington, QB, 121-223, 1,952 yards, 17 TDs; Isiah Crunk, Washington, WR; DeShawn Easter, Washington, RB; Alex Amundson, Sierra, RB; Calen Sears, Sierra, WR.
North Yosemite League
Sunnyside (6-5, 4-0) looks to repeat in the NYL and possibly advance past the first round of the playoffs. The Wildcats lost in the first round to East last year, but return several all-league players, including offensive lineman John Sandoval. The San Joaquin Memorial Panthers (7-4, 3-1) also lost in the first round and have a pair of all-leaguers returning in Anthony Soto and Brian Sampson.
Team to Beat: Sunnyside Wildcats
Top MVP Candidate: Anthony Soto, San Joaquin Memorial
Players to Watch: Anthony Soto, San Joaquin Memorial, RB, All-League; Brian Sampson, San Joaquin Memorial, LB, All-League; Rocco DiCicco, San Joaquin Memorial, WR; Ben Brown, San Joaquin Memorial, OL; Blake Stanley, San Joaquin Memorial, QB; John Alvarado, Sunnyside, DL, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team; Michael Butler, Sunnyside, TE; Jehari Darden, Sunnyside, RB; Sean Guzman, Sunnyside, TE; Damaso Leon, Sunnyside, DL; Chad White, Fresno, QB; Dominique Larkin, Fresno, RB, Jr.; Deon Hicks, Fresno, WR; Louvan Green, Fresno, G; Marte Spears, McLane, QB; Demetrius Coleman, McLane, WR; Aaron Savannah, McLane, RB; Robert Rodriguez, McLane, G; Eric Almaraz, Roosevelt, RB; Alex Navarez, Roosevelt, T; Juan Rojas, Roosevelt, QB; Ray Juarez, Roosevelt, QB.
Northwest Sierra League
Firebaugh (9-4, 4-1) and Liberty (10-2, 4-1) tied for first place in the Northwest Sierra League standings last year, although Firebaugh went on to the Division 5 finals before eventually losing to Caruthers. The Eagles hope to fly high this year behind the play of QB Alex Gutierrez. Meanwhile Liberty counters with the league's best defensive player in linebacker Shane Vanderpool.
Team to Beat: Firebaugh Eagles
Top MVP Candidate: Shane Vanderpool, Liberty
Players to Watch: Shane Vanderpool, Liberty, MLB, All-League; League MVP; Travis Verdiales, Liberty, DL; Nolan Doss, Liberty, LB; Tyler Melvin, Liberty, QB; Alex Gutierrez, Firebaugh, QB; Michael Martinez, Firebaugh, LB; Sylvester Yanez, Firebaugh, TE; TJ Nelson, Coast Union, RB, Jordan Myers, Coast Union, RB; Jimmy Gowdy, Coast Union, WR; Hugo Aguilar, Mendota, K, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention; Juilo Moncada, Mendota, RB, Jr.; Patrick Sanchez, Mendota, QB, Jr.; Mikey Calderon, Mendota, OL; Ryan Brunn, Fresno Christian, RB; Daniel Kaiser, Fresno Christian, WR; Brian Weskamp, Fresno Christian, QB; Beto Solorio, Tranquility, WR; Alex Chocoteco, Tranquility, QB, Jr; Fabian Florez, Tranquility, RB, Jr.
South Sequoia League
Arvin (7-4, 5-0) won't surprise anyone this year like they did last season when they won their first league title since the mid-1990s. Arvin returns a pair of all-league linemen in Alfredo Moreno and Francisco Cervantes along with all-league running back Daniel Gonzalez. Taft (8-3, 4-1) will seek to knock Arvin off the top of the South Sequoia standings on the arm of quarterback Dalton Botts.
Team to Beat: Taft Wildcats
Top MVP Candidate: Dalton Botts, Taft
Players to Watch: Dalton Botts, Taft, QB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; James Hiracheta, Taft, DB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Chad Cruz, Taft, DL, All-League 2nd team; Daniel Gonzalez, Arvin, RB, Jr., All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Alfredo Moreno, Arvin, OL, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Francisco Cervantes, Arvin, OL, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Eric Castro, Arvin, DB, All-League; Joey Caraballo, Arvin, LB, all-League 2nd team; Jeremy Couch, Shafter, DB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team; Ty Thompson, Shafter, LB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Shawn Pimentel, Tehachapi, TE, All-League, 2nd team; Alex Taliulu, Tehachapi, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team, 144 tackles; Jake Peterson, Bakersfield Christian, WR, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores Hon. Mention; Josh Gallington, Bakersfield Christian, K, All-League 2nd team; Ryan Boschma, Bakersfield Christian, DL, Jr., All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention.
Southeast Yosemite League
The Liberty Patriots (9-4, 4-2) have the most returning standouts out of the top four teams from last year. Liberty finished tied for second with Garces (11-2, 4-2) and Bakersfield (8-4, 4-2) while Golden Valley (9-3, 5-1) claimed the top spot. Garces won a section title with a victory over Foothill of Bakersfield; however, the Rams have few returning starters from last year. Not so for Liberty, which returns highly-regarded matt Akers (DE) and Travis Holder (LB) on defense and Byron Campbell (QB) and Richie Herrera (RB) on offense. Bakersfield could also be in the mix thanks to a strong returning cast on defense.
Team to Beat: Liberty Patriots
Top MVP Candidate: Byron Campbell, Liberty
Players to Watch: James Alfred, Golden Valley, DL, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Matt Akers, Liberty, DL, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention; Travis Holder, Liberty, LB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Byron Campbell, Liberty, QB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention, 134-259, 2,073 yards, 14 TDs; Richie Herrera, Liberty, RB, All-League 2nd team; Kevin Nodolf, Liberty, DL, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Chris Neal, Liberty, DB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Louie Miranda, Bakersfield, OL, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Vince Van Horne, Bakersfield, WR, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Emmanuel Ojeriaki, Bakersfield, DB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Marcus Nelson, Bakersfield, LB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; George Ming, Bakersfield, DB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Randy Davenport, Foothill, WR, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian; Eric Jones, Foothill, RB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team; Andre Smith, East Bakersfield, RB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 2nd team; Anthony Johnson, Highland, Ut, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention.
Southwest Sierra League
Expect a tough battle between the Caruthers Blue Raiders (11-2, 4-1) and the Fowler Redcats (9-2, 5-0). Fowler won the league title last year, but Caruthers came through in the playoffs with a win in the Division 5 championship game over Firebaugh.
Team to Beat: Fowler Redcats
Top MVP Candidate: Josh Mendez, Fowler
Players to Watch: Sergio Roman, Caruthers, RB; Chris Gonzales, Caruthers, LB; Kyle Reitz, Caruthers, DT; Josh Poytress, Fowler, QB; Josh Mendez, Fowler, RB; Adam Ordaz, Fowler, OL; JP Durand, Fowler, LB; Jake Duffin, Strathmore, QB; A.J. Knight, Strathmore, WR; Hector Gomez, Strathmore, LB; Matthew Merritt, Riverdale, RB, Jr; Jason Mendes, Riverdale, FB; Enrique Vega, Riverdale, T; Jose Santa Cruz, McFarland, DL; Martin Jiminez, McFarland, RB; Eliseo Garza, McFarland, OL; Amador Madrigal, Farmersville, QB; David Mariscal, Farmersville, RB; Jesse Garza, Farmersville, DL, Jr.
Southwest Yosemite League
Centennial (7-4, 4-1) finished behind West (9-3, 5-0) and state-leading rusher Ryan Matthews last year, but the Golden Hawks return a multitude of players on offense and defense from last year's team, including league defensive MVP Zander Fabbri. Despite the loss of Matthews, West will still be formidable with defensive backs Dion Curry and Dionte Tomlin.
Team to Beat: Centennial Golden Hawks
Top MVP Candidate: Zander Fabbri, Centennial
Players to Watch: Dionte Tomlin, West, DB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention; David Born, West, OL, Jr, All-League 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores Hon. Mention; Jacob Hernandez, West, OL, All-League 2nd team; Nate Wiley, West, RB, Jr., All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Dion Curry, West, DB, Jr., All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores Hon. Mention; Zander Fabbri, Centennial, LB, All-League, League Defensive MVP, All-Bakersfield Californian, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass, 94 tackles; Dustin Robinson, Centennial, WR, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian, 2nd team; Clint Carter, Centennial, OL, All-League; Joey Bertrand, Centennial, Ut, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Pedro Quintero, Centennial, OL, All-League 2nd team; Andrew Quintero, Centennial, OL, All-League 2nd team; Brock Bivens, Centennial, QB, All-League 2nd team, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Gene Castillo, Centennial, DL, All-League 2nd team; Jacob Cross, Centennial, LB, All-League 2nd team; Preston Lopez, Centennial, DB, All-League 2nd team; Cody Blackburn, Ridgeview, OL, All-League 2nd team; Derrick Kernene, Ridgeview, LB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Tyler Cottrell, Stockdale, TE, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian 2nd team; Brandon Benavides, Stockdale, DL, All-League 2nd team; Tanner Webb, North, LB, All-League, All-Bakersfield Californian Hon. Mention; Joel Velazquez, South, WR, All-League 2nd team; Roland Meyers, South, DL, All-League 2nd team.
Tri-River League
There could be another showdown in the Tri-River League and in the Central Section Division 1 finals, as Clovis East (12-1, 4-1) and Clovis West (10-3, 4-1) tied for the league title and then the Timberwolves edged the Golden Hawks for the section crown. Clovis West has a new coach in Marty Martin, who replaces Jim Hartigan. Martin has plenty to work with in all-area players Matt Jelmini at running back and Beau Sweeney at quarterback. Nevertheless, Clovis East is the team to beat thanks to the return of Stanley Yabrough and Matt Jensen in the backfield and a defense that boasts five returning starters.
Team to Beat: Clovis East Timberwolves
Top MVP Candidate: Matt Jelmini, Clovis West
Players to Watch: Stanley Yarbrough, Clovis East, RB; Matt Jensen, Clovis East, RB; Jay Puentes, Clovis East, QB; Christian Millard, Clovis East, TE; Matt Jelmini, Clovis West, RB, All-League, League MVP, All-Fresno Bee, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass 2nd team, 2,271 yards rushing, 37 TDs; Beau Sweeney, Clovis West, QB, All-League, All-Fresno Bee, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Hon. Mention; Travis Brown, Clovis West, LB, Jr., All-League, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores; Daniel Moultrie, Clovis West, WR; Kyle Negrete, Clovis West, LB; Mathias Aguilar, Madera, DB, All-League, All-Fresno Bee 2nd team; Joe Perez, Clovis, QB; Brett Sanchez, Clovis, FB; Zach Shaver, Clovis, LB; Niko Gomes, Clovis, OL; Brian Easter, Central, RB, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomores Hon. Mention; Rakim Dawkins, Central, RB; Brian Turner, Central, QB; Damon Sneed, Central, OL, All-League; Miguel Sanchez, Buchanan, LB; Jake Henderson, Buchanan, QB; Dustin Graber, Buchanan, WR; Sammy Donald, Buchanan, WR.
West Yosemite League
El Diamante (10-4, 4-2) returns several of the league's top performers, including MVP candidate Earl Rhodes at running ack, Tanner Sneed at quarterback and Daniel Ibarra at running back. Mt. Whitney (12-2, 5-1) won the league title last year and also edged the Miners in the Division 2 championship game. The Pioneers return some talent and they will get some help in the backfield from Texas transfer Ben Bowen.
Team to Beat: El Diamante Miners
Top MVP Candidate: Earl Rhodes, El Diamante
Players to Watch: Colin Gilmore, Mt. Whitney, CB; Peter Crnogogac, Mt. Whitney, WR; Blake Kelly, Mt. Whitney, C; Jordyn Aguilar, Mt. Whitney, RB; Eric Aviles, Lemoore, RB; Beau Avila, Lemoore, WR; Chandler Raymond, Lemoore, RB; Jo Jones, Lemoore, QB; Greg Capella, El Diamante, OL, Jr., All-Tulare County; Earvin Gonzalez, El Diamante, K, All-Tulare County; Daniel Ibarra, El Diamante, LB, All-Tulare County; Tanner Sneed, El Diamante, QB, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Earl Rhodes, El Diamante, RB, All-Tulare County 2nd team; Lemuel Hutchings, Hanford, RB; Richard Davis, Hanford, RB; Josh Womack, Hanford, WR; Tyson Perez, Hanford, QB; Jared Cruz, Redwood, AP, All-Tulare County; Celso Villagomez, Golden West, CB; Gabe Prieto, Golden West, FB; Justin Callahan, Golden West, OT; Josh Chavez, Hanford West, QB; Timmy Underwood, Hanford West, RB.
"Players to Watch" derived from all-league and all-area teams from 2006 season. Some players may have transfered and some may have been mis-identified as underclassmen.
