Loading ...Football: On the Sidelines - 2007 Overview
31 August 2007
By Fred Clark
KJEO Channel 32 Sports
FIRE UP FOR FOOTBALL!!
Week 1, lets get a quick overview of the teams when all are optimistic.
TRI-RIVER
Clovis East - Defending Valley Champions defeated Hug-Reno easily in week 0. The T-Wolves lost some talent, however Coach Murphy has been able to re-load for several years. Expect more of the same.
Clovis West - Runner up last season-Eagles have some savage talent on hand, great linebackers, and coaching question marks. With decent play on both lines, this outfit will be hard to beat.
Central - The Grizzlies should have their best team in several years. They have speed, power, and experience. Last season they came close to winning their key games, this year with a few breaks, Central is capable of beating any opponent on their schedule.
Madera - After a stunning defeat by Edison in week 0, the Coyotes must rebound quickly. They should. The culture of football has changed at Madera; they are small but still larger than last year. A tough schedule lies ahead. A winning
season is likely.
Buchanan - Bears are a big question mark. Much experience returns on the O, however Buchanan has had talent for the past several years yet underachieved. With all of this to consider, anything over .500 would come as a surprise.
Clovis - Who would have thought the this once dominant program is being considered for the TRAC cellar? So much talent was lost from last years team, coupled with the rugged schedule and a new coach..long season for the Cougars.
CMAC
Edison - Tigers blasted Madera in opener and appear loaded with talent. Like years past. Edison usually starts fast, and flatlines somewhat as the season progresses. With Sanger and Bullard looking strong as well as CW on the slate, look for a few losses.
Bullard - After last seasons debacle, look for the Knights to rebound in a big way. Although size and depth are a concern, Bullard returns much experience and had the best frosh team in the area. A serious contender.
Sanger - With all of the talk of the stunning loss of Justin Webber, the Apaches will be a hardnosed outfit as usual. Small, but intense, Sanger will challenge every oppt., and be in a 3 way fight for a CMAC title.
Hoover - Last year, the Patriots faded badly toward the end, including a demoralizing loss to Bullard. With plenty of speed on hand, Hoover can light it up. Depth will again be an issue. A quick start is essential for a successful season.
Reedley - The Pirates were last years shock team of the year. They won’t be taken lightly this year, however they could be just a good. CMAC is too strong for Reedley to capture, but a winning season and middle league finish is possible.
NYL
Sunnyside - Last year, the Wildcats finally ended years of underachievement by capturing the NYL, and are poised to take the next step. That can only be accomplished by a few signature wins. Sanger, Central, and Hoover provide them the chance.
Memorial - Once again the Panthers will be in the hunt for the NYL title. Not overloaded with depth, SJM must emerge healthy from a rough non-league schedule. The Oct. 26 at Sunnyside should settle the NYL.
McLane - The opener vs Hoover could set the tone for the Highlanders. They don’t need to win, just hang in. Do that, then the schedule allows for some decent chances of victory. McLane might have the talent to break even.
Fresno - Warriors played very hard last season, so a 3-7 season should not be considered a failure. Same with this season. Fresno has some talent, but the numbers game could be lethal. Even with a rugged schedule, look for some wins.
Roosevelt - Riders took a small step backward last season. A new coach with a solid rebuilding rep takes over. Even with a close loss to Parlier in week 0, Roosevelt will win some games with a schedule made for success. 2 wins for sure, maybe more.
RANTS & RAVES
I still can’t figure out why Larry Kellom, a great guy and solid leader of young men was shown the door at Clovis. Even with last years disappointment, his record speaks for itself. Now Jerry Campbell, who seems to be a very likeable man, steps into a major rebuilding situation. At least Coach Kellom is staying in the game as an assistant to Tim Simmons at future power Clovis North.
Another interesting scene, a 65 year old head coach at a new school. I’m saying that Simmons still has it.
Look for Madera South to have a successful first Varsity season. Scott Donegan was the perfect hire.
Although the CE-CW game Oct. 19 is highly anticipated, don’t count on either of them being unbeaten. Their schedules are brutal. Props to them.
More on Roosevelt, new coach Mike Hobbie will benefit from an easier slate. Hopefully, he’ll stick around for a while. Roosevelt finally had a facilities upgrade.
The North Sequoia League should be fun. Yosemite, Washington, and Dos Palos will be strong, Chowchilla and Kerman could also challenge. Sierra, with a new coach (J.D. Burnett, from Frazier Mtn.) is the unknown.
Selma will break their winless streak.
Fred Clark, along with Chris Terrence are the broadcast team for KJEO-TV 32. The games can also be seen on Ch. 43 and cable Ch. 10. Check your local listings.
For comments, either positive or negative….fredclark53@hotmail.com
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