THE PAGMETER
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Week 0 of high school football
Week 0 and week 1 are by far the toughest to figure out because we don’t know what teams really have yet and it’s all about matchups so the Pag Meter will take a stab at it.
Last year in week 0 the Pag Meter went 31-9.
In 2013 the PAG METER went 485-78 (87%)
In 2014 the PAG METER went (497-88) (85%)
Please email me or text your stats. 559-270-6425. Thank you to the teams that do!
Thursday night
El Diamante at Tulare Union
(Early line Tulare Union -29)
The Miners come in with some questions especially on offense. The Redskins come in with plenty of answers with so many returning players including superstar running back Romello Harris who rushed for 2,561 yards and scored 35 TD’s last year. For his career he has rushed for 5,368 yards and will be moving up on the all time central section rushing list. Junior QB Josh Guerrero is back along with sophomore receiver Emoryie Edwards. TU will have a very good O-line. Last year El Diamante beat Tulare 49-40.
The Pag Meter says that El D can’t score enough this
year to keep up with TU.
Pag Meter Prediction Tulare Union 42 El Diamante 14
Final TULARE UNION 41 EL DIAMANTE 14
Pag Meter nailed it! Romello Harris rushed for 333 yards and scored 5 TD's. (3, 8 6, 25 11 yards) Junior Josh Guerrero went 13-of-18 passing for 143 yards. Miners RB Keylan Liles 18-74 and scored 2 TD's. (6 and 10 yards)
Kingsburg at Hanford
Early line Hanford -22
The defending division 3 champion Bullpups has everybody returning in the skill positions including senior RB Joseph McDaniel who rushed for 1,714 yards and scored 22 TD’s. Junior QB Ryan Johnson is going for the hat trick in section championships if the Bullpups win it all. (2014 football & Basketball) He threw for 1,859 yards with 19 TD passes and rushed for 602 yards. The Vikings have a new head coach David Wilson after running off David Steele. The Vikings have senior running back Seth Brooks who rushed for 1,038 yards. Last year Hanford beat Kingsburg 33-12.
The Pag Meter says that the Bullpups will be too much for the Vikings
Pag Meter prediction Hanford 36 Kingsburg 14
Final HANFORD 62 KINGSBURG 33
Bullpups running back Joseph McDaniel rushed for 155 yards on 21 carries with 3 TD's and quarterback Ryan Johnson also ran for 142 yards with 4 TD's (2 passing, 2 rushing)
Lemoore vs Monache
(Pag Meter early line Lemoore -41)
The Tigers are big and fast on both sides of the ball. Senior QB Logan Ahlin takes over. If he can get the ball to the playmakers, the Tigers will roll.
The Pag Meter says that the Tigers speed will be the difference
Pag Meter prediction Lemoore 49 Monache 7
Final LEMOORE 56 MONACHE 7
Allen Perryman, Jerald Campbell and Jordan Perryman each ran back INT's for TD's.
Chavez vs Roosevelt
(Pag Meter early line Chavez- 33)
Both teams lost a lot because of graduation. Chavez will have more returning. The Titans have beaten the Rough Riders 3 straight games including last years 2nd round playoff game 13-7. The Titans junior QB Deion Perkins takes over the team.
The Pag Meter says that Chavez is starting to lock and load instead of rebuilding.
Pag Meter prediction Chavez 39 Roosevelt 6
Final CHAVEZ 34 ROOSEVELT 0
Last year the Titans defense only gave up 6 points per game. This year so far, they held Roosevelt to 40 total yards.
Javier Fernandez ran back a 91 yard kickoff for a TD and had 50 yard INT return for a TD. Joey Fernandez 60 yard INT return for a TD. Andrew Veloria 50 yard INT for a TD. Damian Avila scored on a 5 yard run.
Friday
Arvin at Highland
(Pag Meter early line Highland -11)
These two teams are very even. Last year Highland beat Arvin 26-25 and this game might just be very close again.
The Pag Meter says that the home team should win in a defensive game
Pag Meter prediction Highland 19 Arvin 17
Final HIGHLAND 21 ARVIN 7
Caruthers at Tranquillity
(Pag Meter early line Caruthers -7)
The Blue Raiders should have enough to get the W but the Tigers could be the team to watch out for. The Blue Raiders have a new head coach for the 1st time in 29 years with long time assistant, D-Coordinator Brandon Ward. Tom Casanova retires with 203-110-5 after 28 years.
The Pag Meter says that the Blue Raiders need to step up the schedule and at least match what Fowler is doing.
Pag Meter prediction Caruthers 17 Tranquility 13
FINAL TRANQUILITY 18 CARUTHERS 12
The shocker of the night! Way to go Tigers!
Delano at South
(Pag Meter early line South -14)
Both teams have some returning players and this should be a good defensive battle. Last year Delano beat south 20-18.
The Pag Meter says that this will be a hard hitting game and South senior QB Aries Harris is the difference.
Pag Meter prediction South 26 Delano 14
Final SOUTH 27 DELANO 13
Dinuba vs Mission Oak at Tulare Union
(Pag Meter early line Dinuba -9)
This should be a very good game with two very even teams. Two teams known for having a great defense. The X Factor will be which offense that can play better will be 1-0. Dinuba QB Isaac Leppke who threw for 1,464 yards with 15 TD passes last year loves to take off running. If he can stay in the pocket a little longer and can hit his talented receivers, that will really open up the offense. The Hawks Senior QB Trey McJunkin is back after throwing for 1,996 yards & 26 TD and if he gets time, he will definitely pick the Emperors apart. Last year Dinuba beat Mission Oak 27-17. The Hawks will have plenty of new faces.
The Pag Meter says that the Emperors learned a lot from the Bullard scrimmage and I see them getting better every week
Pag Meter prediction Dinuba 30 Mission Oak 21
Final DINUBA 31 MISSION OAK 21
Thomas Ortuno-Campbell scored on a 19-yard TD with 6:26 left to make the score 28-14. Jacob Paradine caught a 16 yard TD pass from Isaac Leppke. Lucas Tuttle scored on a 2 yard run. Elijah Benham scored on a 8 yard run. Hawks QB Trey McJunkin went 11-26 for 245 yards with 2 TD passes including a 86 yarder to Mike Villa.
Buchanan vs Edison at Sunnyside Stadium
(Pag Meter early line Edison -3)
The best time to play the Tigers is always in week 0 because the defending valley champions come in as usual….2 weeks behind schedule; still trying to get helmets and equipment because there’s not a lot of help in the sports department at Edison so head coach Matt Johnson does so much behind the scenes that most coaches would never have to do. All that trickles down to Edison and the football team still working on the basics with the offense. The O-line is taking baby steps and has a long way to go. Now the good news for the defending valley champions and remember the name of William Lee at running back because Lee is the most dangerous player with the football in his hands in the valley. It’s not close! Deandre Lockhart is the other outstanding back that gives the Tigers a chance to score on every play. The Tigers defense will be outstanding especially the front 6. Leevel Tatum, David Tate Jr and Jake Hanson lead the best front 6 in the valley. The Tigers will be scary in the 2nd half of the year.
For the Bears it starts with the defense because it is very good with the bookends of Ben Parker and Bryson Young. The big question mark again for the 3rd straight year for the Bears will be the offensive side of the ball. Nobody knew in the past and not even the Bears could figure out what it was? Is it a spread? Pro style? Zone read?.....? The Pag Meter would have loved to know. The Bears were supposed to be a hard nose, run downhill style of kick ass offense but it has never happened. 2015? On paper, Bears nation is thinking that this is the year to make a run. Stay tuned? The QB will be Josh Friesen who could be the guy to make a statement with the offense. The top running back and look for good things from Blake Wells and Trevon Cummings, the top WR will be Chuby Dunu.
The Pag Meter sees it with two very good defenses and two very questionable offenses getting after it. Last year Edison beat Buchanan 13-7 and Buchanan never recovered. Is this a must win for Buchanan? Will the Bears start the year like they played with a huge playoff win over Bullard like last year?
The Pag Meter says If the Bears don’t beat the Tigers this year then turn the keys in because the Tigers will be loaded for the next 4 years. If it’s a hot night then the Bears will win.
Pag Meter prediction Edison 20 Buchanan 17
Final Buchanan 16 Edison 14
Ezra Owens caught an 11 yard TD from Josh Friesen on the last play of the game for the game winner. It was a big win for the Bears. The Tigers looked and played horrible on both sides of the ball including special teams and still the Tigers should have won the game. The Tigers coaching needs to improve if the they want to improve on the field. The most dangerous back around is William Lee and he had 1 carry for 10 yards. The Tigers defense ran the wrong defense all night long and the Bears made them pay for it. Big credit goes to the Bears because they flat out beat up the Tigers up front. Both offenses need to improve or it will be a long year. The Bears Logan Fogg picked up a fumble and went 60 yards for a big Bears TD. Tigers Damon Rogers caught a swing pass from Matthew Torres and went 80 yards for a TD. Deandre Lockhart scored on a 4 yard TD run to make the score 14-10 but the Tigers couldn’t hold the lead with a minute to go.
News came after the game that former Edison Tiger Deondre Day Day Howard was shot and killed. It’s a sad time in our community. Day Day was a special young man!
Exeter at Lindsay
(Pag Meter early line Exeter-24)
Exeter comes in with plenty of returners and the Cardinals have a new coach. Lindsay will play hard for 48 minutes with a semi young team. Last year Exeter rolled Lindsay 38-0. Jesse Lira is no longer the head coach at Lindsay. Lira did a fantastic job in building the program. Matthew Mendonca is the new Cardinals coach.
The Pag Meter says this Monarch's team is good and you never know how Lindsay reacts as a team with a new staff.
Pag Meter prediction Exeter 38 Lindsay 14
Final EXETER 42 LINDSAY 14
Fresno High vs Hanford West
(Pag Meter early line Hanford West -4)
Last year the Huskies beat the Warriors 37-27 and after that win the Huskies fell apart. HW has a new head coach with Mark Stanley who was a coach at Buchanan. Warriors head coach Ray Reyes is now in his 3rd year so he should have a slight advantage. HW has some speed returning with seniors WR Jameel Salaam who caught 48 passes for 737 yards and 8 TD’s, brother & QB Jamal Salaam who threw for 2,185 yards with 17 TD passes and RB Vincent Romero.
The Pag Meter says this will be another battle and I always love a returning QB. HW gave up 42 points a game last year, …...not good!
Pag Meter Prediction Hanford West 31 Fresno High 27
Final FRESNO 55 HANFORD WEST 26
WOW the Pag Meter blew this one. This is the 1st time in 10 years that Fresno Hi is 1-0 to start the year. Lee Major scored 3 TD’s, a 26 yard TD pass from Khory Day, returned a 16 yard fumble and picked off a pass and went 86 yards. Nyric Hinton also scored 3 TD’s and rushed for 161 yards.
Frontier at Ridgeview
(Pag Meter early line Ridgeview -14)
The Titans defense will be better than last year but can the offense stay with the Wolf Pack? Last year Ridgeview beat Frontier 41-21.
The Pag Meter says If the Wolf Pack’s QB Lawrence White goes off….game over!
Pag Meter prediction Ridgeview 33 Frontier 19
Final RIDGEVIEW 36 FRONTIER 30
Darius Smith, the valley’s 100 meter champion, scored on touchdown runs of 57, 95 and 80 yards, finished with 240 yards on only 9 carries.
Hoover vs Bullard at McLane
(Pag Meter early line Bullard -50) (Running clock)
Will this battle of Barstow finally end and just be a scrimmage next year? Let’s check out some numbers from this so called battle of Barstow...Bullard is 35-17 since the start in 1957 and has beaten Hoover 13 straight years. The 1st game was played just two days before President Kennedy was shot in 1963 and Bullard won 18-0. Last year Bullard beat Hoover 66-0 the Knights have a much better team. I know it’s always a huge crowd but common sense has to take over.
The Pag Meter says that Charles Williams over and under for yards and TD’s is 200 and 3 before the running clock. I do give big time credit to Hoover because they easily could have ended the series. Bullard beat Clovis 2 straight years a while back and Clovis couldn’t wait to end one of the greatest rivalries in high school football. Clovis would rather play Atwater, Centennial, Lemoore and Stockdale instead of Bullard. I just don’t get how you can end the best rivalry? Even though the Battle of Barstow is a miss match, the Patriots will show up and play hard.
Pag Meter prediction Bullard 59 Hoover 0
Final BULLARD 55 HOOVER 6
Charles Williams scored 5 TD’s and rushed for 249 yards and Bullard wins for the 14th straight year and the series will end. The battle of Barstow will maybe be a scrimmage next year?
Immanuel at Dos Palos
(Pag Meter early line Immanuel -16)
You never know who will show up at Immanuel but you just know it will be some major talent. The Eagles return a bunch of starters and it will be too much for the Broncos. The Broncos named OC Rob Calvert interim coach by the superintendent.
The Pag Meter says that the Broncos are bigger this year and will need to pound the line of scrimmage to win at home
Pag Meter prediction Immanuel 35 Dos Palos 13
Final IMMANUEL 31 DOS PALOS 18
Kyle Dunigan scored 3 TD’s and Eagles QB Caleb Paulson threw for 200 yards and the Eagles roll
Kennedy at Granite Hills
Pag Meter early line Kennedy -22
The defending division 6 champions Thunderbirds take on the Grizzlies who have a bunch of returners and this could be their best team yet. Last year Kennedy was loaded and beat up GH 49-0.
The Pag meter says this game will be a battle and GH could be 1-0
Pag Meter prediction Kennedy 44 Granite Hills 23
Final KENNEDY 42 GRANITE HILLS 10
Kerman at Selma
Pag Meter early line Kerman -7
Both teams have new coaches. The Lions have Anthony Taylor who was the offensive coordinator when Washington Union won the State in 2011 and the Bears have Matt Logue who was the Sanger defensive coordinator who ran all those great Apaches defenses.
Both of these teams are the Pag Meter’s sleeping giants. Last year Kerman smoked the Bears 42-0. The star will be born with Lions sophomore QB 6-2, 205, Sean Chambers. He will have the Lions contending for the next 3 years.
The Pag Meter says that this is the new offensive coach vs the new defensive coach and it should be a good one.
Pag Meter prediction Kerman 27 Selma 20
Final KERMAN 38 SELMA 28
A star is born with Lions sophomore QB Sean Chambers after going 11-17 for 143 yards with 1 TD pass. Chambers also scored 2 TD’s.
Laton at Riverdale
(Pag Meter early line Riverdale 47)
A long time rivalry. If you are heading south on 41..Laton you go left and Riverdale you go right. Last year Riverdale beat Laton 45-10. Junior Adan Sierra returns as the QB of the Cowboys.
The Pag Meter says that Riverdale has plenty of returning starters.
Pag Meter prediction Riverdale 47 Laton 0
Final RIVERDALE 61 LATON 0
Fernando Zarate rushed for 177 yards with a TD and Michael Maggini rushed for 139 yards and 3 TD’s including a 92 yarder
TEMPLETON at BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN
(Pag Meter early line Templeton -3)
The BC Eagles have a very tough early schedule for a new coaching staff with Darren Carr and family. This would be a great win for the BC Eagles. Last year the Eagles rolled 66-27 but that was with a veteran team.
The Pag Meter says that the new BC Eagles QB will be Michael Foy and he will have to play great for them to win
Pag Meter prediction Templeton 21 Bakersfield Christian 19
Final TEMPLETON 18 BAKERSFIELD CHRISTIAN 16
Boron at Kern Valley
Pag Meter early line Kern Valley -14
Last year was the Broncs best team in school history and this will be a new team. The Broncs don’t rebuild any longer, they are now reloading.
Pag Meter says that the Broncs at home will roll
Pag Meter prediction Kern Valley 35 Boron 21
Final KERN VALLEY 28 BORON 14
The Pag Meter nailed the point spread. Hunter Ellis scored on a 27 yard TD. Zach Bushling picked off 2 passes including a 43 yard TD return. Dustin Wagner caught a screen pass from Blake Lanterman and went 40 yards for a TD.
Liberty at Firebaugh
Pag Meter early line Liberty -7
Could this be the early shocker? The Hawks lost a lot and the Eagles feel they can win at home.
The Pag Meter says that you have to take the team with a 18 game winning streak and a team that has won 3 straight championships. Last year Liberty beat Firebaugh 70-6. I will bet that score is posted in the gym somewhere at Firebaugh. This could be the shocker of the week….
Pag Meter prediction Liberty 21 Firebaugh 14
FINAL LIBERTY 21 FIREBAUGH 13
The Pag Meter nailed this one. The Hawks now have a 19 game winning streak.
Madera South at Chowchilla
(Pag Meter early line Chowchilla -3)
This might be the toughest game to call with two teams that will be very good. Both teams have very exciting quarterbacks. The Stallions with junior 6-3 Jonah Johnson and the Redskins have one of the fastest QB’s this year with Anthony Stewart.
The Pag Meter says that both teams belong in the Top 25 and somebody will be after this game. This is a must win for the Stallions because they play in the tough CMAC and they don’t have very many winnable games on their schedule.
Pag Meter prediction Madera South 23 Chowchilla 20
Final CHOWCHILLA 51 MADERA SOUTH 28
The Pag Meter blew this one and the Redskins are good! Alex Gutierrez scored 3 TD’s including a 37 yard TD run. The Pag Meter got fooled for the 1st time with the Stallions in watching 7 vs 7 during the summer because they have athletes everywhere but not using them running the wing T. This is what I always talk about is change the offense to the talent you have that given year. It could be another long year for MS. This is why 7 vs 7 during the summer means nothing because it’s not real. My bad!
McFarland at Avenal 7
Pag Meter early line Avenal -20
The Buccaneers come in still thinking about the division 6 title game. Kennedy beat Avenal 41-20. I’m thinking that’s the motivating factor for this year…….FINISH should be on the wall in the gym. New Bucs coach Mike Crews comes from Selma and loves to pound the ball and Avenal is a running team. Mcfarland has speed in the backfield with senior RB Cenobio Carranza and junior QB Mathew Oropeza. The Bucs have almost everybody coming back including a very good backfield of Manuel Alvarez and Jordan Barrera who both rushed for more than 1,000 yards.
The Pag Meter says that the Bucs have more upfront and playing at home
Pag Meter prediction Avenal 37 McFarland 14
Final AVENAL 35 MCFARLAND 8
Mendota at Sierra
(Pag Meter early line Mendota -29)
Mr So is back. Beto Mejia is back coaching the Mendota Aztecs. Every year Sierra has the team to beat Mendota but can’t. Is this year different?
The Pag Meter says Mendota rolls because of the defense
Pag Meter prediction Mendota 37 Sierra 7
Final MENDOTA 42 SIERRA 6
Marquez Navarro rushed for 158 yards and scored 3 TD’s. (1, 34 and 22 yards) QB Junior Cardenas threw a 50 yards TD pass to Chris Hernandez. The Aztecs defense did roll
Mira Monte at Shafter
Pag Meter early line Shafter -7
Both teams should be improved in 2015. The Generals senior QB Peter Espinoza returns and needs to have a good year for Shafter. Last year Shafter beat Mira Monte 40-6.
Pag Meter says that this could come down to the final drive
Pag Meter prediction Shafter 23 Mira Monte 20
Final MIRA MONTE 28 SHAFTER 22
Colton Holmes scored the game winner with 1:13 to go
Garces at Mt. Whitney
(Pag Meter early line Mt Whitney -6)
For the Pioneers to be successful in 2015, they need to have junior QB Isaiah Salazar to be a leader. He has the potential to be very good with the up tempo attack. The running backs will be good with seniors Michael Ingram (557 yards, 8 TDs), Isaac Campos, and junior Tyler Boss. For the Rams, they don’t have the numbers and a bunch will play both ways and both teams need to start 1-0. Last year Mt Whitney beat Garces 17-16
Pag Meter says that MW should wear down the Rams with the up tempo offense but Garces knows how to win
Pag Meter prediction Mt Whitney 24 Garces 17
Final Mt WHITNEY 21 GARCES 7
QB Isaiah Salazar threw a 24 yard TD pass and scored on a 3 yard TD to lead the Pioneers
Porterville at Centennial
(Pag Meter early line Centennial -9)
Last year Centennial beat Porterville 42-25. The Panthers for a while has had a great offense but can’t tackle anybody. This year….stay tuned. Centennial looked horrible in the scrimmage against Ridgeview but then again it was a scrimmage. The Golden Hawks have a new head coach with Chad Brown.
The Pag Meter says that the G Hawks need to slow down the Panthers running back Isaiah Jones who rushed for 2,103 yards and scored 26 TD’s last year to win. New Golden Hawks QB Cesar DeLeon is the X Factor for success. RB Brandon Robinson is back and healthy. Last year in the win over Porterville, Robinson scored 3 TD’s. This could be a shoot out.
Pag Meter prediction Centennial 34 Porterville 24
Final CENTENNIAL 30 PORTERVILLE 12
Cesar DeLeon went 10-21 for 243 yards with completions to 8 different receivers. Hunter Giulietti caught a screen pass and went 55-yards for a TD. Angelo Jimenez also caught a pass and went 55 yards for a TD. Cole Beatty ran back a 95-yard kickoff for a TD. The G Hawks defense did a nice job against Isaiah Jones with 136 yards on 22 carries.
Redwood at Sanger
(Pag Meter early line Sanger -21)
There is rumblings that the Rangers are having family issues? Kids leaving for Farmersville…. Not good. If that’s the case the Apaches will roll because they are good.
The Pag Meter says that the X factor is the Apaches senior QB Michael Castillo and can he run the triple option to perfection? If he can the Apaches will be very good.
Pag Meter prediction Sanger 28 Redwood 7
FINAL SANGER 28 REDWOOD 7
Pag Meter nailed the score! Isaiah Hilliard rushed for 148 yards and scored 3 TD’s. The Apaches rushed for 367 yards. The X Factor QB Michael Castillo had a very good game rushing for 95 yards on 9 carries. He also went 3-6 passing with a 15 yard TD pass to Aaron Mosby. The Apaches held the Rangers to 138 rushing yards. (Thank you Mr Ron Blackwood!)
Sierra Pacific at Parlier
(Pag Meter early line Sierra Pacific -29)
The Golden Bears are starting to think this team can win it all. Deareon Willis returns after being named the East Sequoia League’s Offensive MVP in 2014 after rushing for 1,134 yards with 15 TD’s. The Panthers were very young in 2015 and should be much better. Last year Sierra Pacific beat Parlier 41-15.
The Pag Meter says that the Golden Bears will put up plenty of points in 2015
Pag Meter prediction Sierra Pacific 39 Parlier 9
Final SIERRA PACIFIC 61 PARLIER 0
Taft at Golden Valley
(Pag Meter early line Golden Valley 3)
This should be a very good game with two very good teams. It’s the Taft’s very good defense vs the Golden Valley’s very good offense. The Wildcats have a new head coach with George Falgout. Last year was a disaster for Taft with the hazing incident that the Wildcats never recovered from. This year could be a very good year with so many seniors. Senior QB Tevin Howell leads the way. The O-line is good along with a very good defense. The Bulldogs have senior QB Tyler Watters who threw for 1,574 yards with 12 TD passes last year. I look for those number to explode for Watters this year. Junior running back Tyler Thompson will open up the running game behind a very good O-line. Senior linebacker Juan Curiel leads the defense. Last year Golden Valley beat Taft 24-21.
The Pag Meter says it will come down to the other side of the ball. The Taft offense vs the GV defense and who plays better will win. I really like all the seniors on the Wildcats!
Pag Meter prediction (Upset special!) Taft 28 Golden Valley 24
Final TAFT 48 GOLDEN VALLEY 27
The Pag Meter nailed the upset special. Taft is good.
Tehachapi at Foothill
(Pag Meter early line Tehachapi -36)
Watch out for the Warriors in 2015 because most return from a young team. The defense will be strong. The Trojans were also young last year. Last year Tehachapi beat Foothill 42-12.
The Pag Meter says that the Warriors roll
Pag Meter Prediction Tehachapi 44 Foothill 6
Final TEHACHAPI 49 FOOTHILL 2
Keyron Scott ran for 1st-quarter TD’s of 35 and 39 yards, finished with 286 yards of Tehachapi’s 412 yards rushing for the game and the defense rolled.
Wasco at North
(Pag Meter early line Wasco -7)
The Tigers could be back this year after being down for a few years. RB Jacob Sepulveda and the O-line will be very good. The Stars have a new coach with Norm Brown, Senior RB Curtis Threlkeld is back after rushing for 1,643 yards and scored 21 TD’s. Last year Wasco beat North 43-18.
The Pag Meter says that it’s all about matchups and the Stars better be tough this year up front to hang with the Tigers or they will get blown out again.
Pag Meter prediction Wasco 27 North 23
Final NORTH 26 WASCO 14
The Stars did play physical and get the win for new coach Norm Brown
Washington Union at San Joaquin Memorial
(Pag Meter early line Memorial -16)
This is a very interesting matchup. Panthers vs Panthers. Last year SJM beat WU 19-10. This year SJM has one of the best young QB’s in Michael Alvarez along with his favorite Wide out Chris Paz. For Washington Union they will have plenty of speed but young.
Pag Meter says that SJM doesn’t have the numbers so a bunch will play both ways. SJM plays in the tough CMAC so this is a must win.
Pag Meter prediction Memorial 30 Washington Union 14
Final SJM 10 WASHINGTON UNION 7
Luis Pelayo nailed a 25 yard FG for the game winner with 2:01 to go.
Woodlake at Central Valley Christian
Pag Meter early line CVC -20
CVC comes in still strong. They might be more athletic this year and that might be a good thing. To win it all you have to be able to throw the ball especially against the good defenses. CVC crushed the bad defenses so it might be good that they work in the forward pass in 2015. The Tigers have the makings of a very good team. Last year CVC beat Woodlake 60-7 but that won’t happen this year.
The Pag Meter says that CVC at home will be tough to beat.
Pag Meter Prediction CVC 33 Woodlake 13
Final CVC 36 WOODLAKE 6
Aaron Daggs a transfer from Immanuel threw 4 TD passes. Watch out….CVC can throw the ball this year!
Central at Liberty-Brentwood, CA
(Pag Meter early line Liberty -14)
Question marks all over the place for the young Grizzlies and they have to travel. The good news for Central is Liberty lost a lot from last years team. Last year at Central, Liberty won in a thriller 27-26
The Pag Meter says not having head coach Justin Garza standing on the sidelines will hurt the Grizzlies before it is all said and done.
Pag Meter prediction Liberty 31 Central 19
Final LIBERTY 30 CENTRAL 7
The Grizzlies offense was shut down. QB Nick Szpor went 10-22 for 129 yards
Clovis at Paso Robles
(Pag Meter early line Clovis -14)
The No 2 ranked Cougars come in loaded and this might be the only test from going 10-0 before they play Clovis West. Clovis should steamroll everybody until week 10 against Clovis West. Paso lost so much from their runner up state championship team. I would have loved to see last year’s Paso team play this years Clovis team. That would have been something!
The Pag Meter says that if the Cougars ever figure out how to run downhill…..forget it. The Cougars should have won at least 3 Valley’s if they ran down hill the last 5 years. The Cougars are loaded on both sides of the ball.
Pag Meter prediction Clovis 33 Paso Robles 17
FINAL CLOVIS 27 PASO 24
The Cougars hang on against a young Paso team. The Cougars have a long way to go but with a soft schedule they should roll from here. QB Sean Kuenzinger had a nice night throwing 4 TD passes. Paso ran all over the Cougars defense
Golden Valley (Merced) vs Clovis East
(Pag Meter early line Clovis East -5)
This is a must win for both teams. GV went 0-10 last year and CE plays in the TRAC where they have not won a TRAC game since Oct 16, 2009, beating Clovis. That’s 0-28. Last year CE beat GV 32-25.
The Pag Meter says that the T Wolves have super sophomore Marcus Washington and GV has a very good junior class. This could be a very good game!
Pag Meter prediction Clovis East 24 Golden Valley 20
Final CLOVIS EAST 56 GOLDEN VALLEY 30
Clovis North at Franklin-Elk Grove
(Pag Meter early line Franklin -14)
The Broncos come in very young and will only get better. They do have a stud running back in Jayson Lee. The new QB will be Jeremy Miller. The Broncos will get better each week. For Franklin, most everybody comes back including senior QB Jacob Lopez.
The Pag Meter says that Franklin at home will be too much for the young Broncos.
Pag Meter prediction Franklin 28 Clovis North 14
Final FRANKLIN 30 CLOVIS NORTH 24
Los Banos at Madera
(Pag Meter early line Los Banos -3)
Last year Madera beat up a good Los Banos team 37-7. That was last year because Madera graduated a ton and are semi rebuilding. Head coach Bonner Cunnings Coyotes got crushed in the scrimmage about 80-0 to Clovis but that was only a scrimmage. So either the Coyotes are playing possum or they need a ton of work. Stay tuned!
The Pag Meter says that Los Banos brings back one of the best QB’s in the Merced area with senior Adam Herrera and he will be throwing to 6-3 David Walker. The Tigers will be big upfront. Madera is very good on the turf.
Pag Meter prediction Los Banos 27 Madera 24
Final MADERA 42 LOS BANOS 39
Evan Rios kicked the game 38 yard winning field goal with zero time remaining.
Clovis West vs Merced at Golden Valley
Pag Meter early line Clovis West -26
The Bears graduated a bunch from last year but they alway have talent. Clovis West has some very good seniors with a sprinkle of very good sophomores. The Golden Eagles have senior Caleb Kelly leading the way. Keep an eye on senior RB Kahlil Harshaw because he could have a big year in the up tempo offense. The QB will be sophomore Adrian Martinez who plays like a young Russell Wilson. Adrian can run and throws a beautiful pass. Also Martinez is a fantastic baseball player but it looks like he will not play baseball any longer (Horrible move) and will play basketball instead. I love basketball but unless you're Kobe, Shaq, Lebron or Michael you have zero chance to get a scholarship at the next level around here. I hate to see a D1 prospect in baseball not play (Sad).
Back to football, last year Clovis West won in a shootout over Merced 49-39. For Merced they will have plenty of new faces with junior RB Ulonzo Gillam, WR’s AJ Stewart and Brandon McKinney and junior QB Jake Foss who had a great summer throwing the football. I don’t see a shootout this year but Clovis West up tempo offense will score plenty of points. I don’t see the Bears scoring like they did last year but the Bears have young talent.
Pag Meter says that Clovis West will be that team you don’t want to play later in the year with so many young Golden Eagles.
Pag Meter prediction Clovis West 44 Merced 17
Final CLOVIS WEST 43 MERCED 14
A star is born with QB Adrian Martinez who completed 20 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two TD’s. He also ran for 98 yards and scored 2 TD’s. The CW up tempo offense was too much for the Bears
Saturday
Mission Viejo at Liberty
Pag Meter early line Liberty -3
No 1 ranked Liberty Patriots has a much tougher schedule than No 2 Clovis Cougars to try to get the better seed for the playoffs. Yes already looking that far down the road. Mission Viejo comes in beating up a weak Baldwin team 63-7. It’s was a scrimmage with a scoreboard. Last year Liberty beat MV 18-7 so you know MV remembers. The Patriots senior QB Jordan Love is better than ever.
The Pag Meter says that Liberty will be sky high for this one and so will the fans.
Pag Meter prediction Liberty 23 Mission Viejo 20
Final MV 27 LIBERTY 14
The Patriots got into a huge hole and never recovered. Way too many mistakes by Liberty
Mountain Pointe-Phoenix vs Bakersfield at Cathedral-San Diego
Pag Meter early line Mountain Pointe 3
This one's a tuffy because you still don’t know what the Drillers have besides a ton of speed. Will the Drillers give up on the triple option because QB KeAyr Gragg can’t run it to perfection? The Drillers looked bad in the scrimmage against Tulare but they always look bad in the scrimmage. So Vanilla! Mountain Pointe is a state power from Phoenix but here’s the thing….Out of conference teams always struggle against the Drillers because they have never seen anything like it.
Let’s start with the Drillers defense, one down lineman and everybody else standing up and moving around. Who to block? It takes a defense awhile to figure it out. On the Drillers offense and when and only when they run that beautiful triple option they are almost unbeatable. Mountain Pointe has already played a game beating Marcos de Niza 24-12.
Pag Meter says if the Drillers can’t run the triple option, they are in trouble. Mountain Pointe is very beatable! The Drillers need to score on a bunch of big plays.
Pag Meter prediction Mountain Pointe 36 Bakersfield 34
Final MOUNTAIN POINTE 43 BAKERSFIELD 40
Watch out for the Drillers offense! It’s not the triple option but it’s working. KeAyr Gragg finished with 225 yards passing and 3 TD’s. He also ran for 60 yards and a score.
RAIN FOR RENT
WEEK 0 EARY LINE & PREDICTIONS NOTES
