1st Annual Spec-TRAC-ular Football Preview

FRESNO – League play begins Thursday, Oct. 3 with a whopper as Central invades Veterans Memorial Stadium to take on Buchanan. The Grizzlies come in loaded again this year, ranked No. 14 by Cal-Hi Sports.

On Friday, Oct. 4 Clovis North plays Clovis West at Veterans and Clovis takes on Clovis East at Lamonica Stadium.

All six teams enter league with a combined record of 21-6 with two-time defending Central Section champs Central leading the way at 5-0 along with surprising Clovis North. Buchanan, Clovis and Clovis East are each 3-2 and Clovis West 2-3 after starting the season 2-0.

Below is a quick look at how the teams have fared so far, a few players to watch and three strengths of each team. At the bottom is a handy-dandy list of every game for the next five weeks.

Buchanan (3-2)

Wins: Bullard (28-14), Edison (17-0), Liberty (19-17)

Losses: Narbonne (32-7), De La Salle (35-0)

Players to watch: Kendall Milton (Sr, RB), Hayden Peterson (Jr., S), CJ Jones (Sr., DB), Matt Merritt (Sr., OL/DL), D.J. Stevenson (Jr., QB), Cade Uehling (Jr. RB, LB)

Strengths: Offensive line, running game, overall defense 

Clovis (3-2)

Wins: Modesto (49-0), Stockdale (41-14), Salinas (52-28)

Losses: Bullard (19-7), Liberty (43-34)

Players to watch: Isaiah Robles (Sr., QB), Keanu Williams (Jr., DE), Grant Lake (Sr., WR), Nathan Johnson (So., WR/RB/QB), Tristan Risley (So., RB), Byron Fountain (Sr., LB)

Strengths: Athletic, offense ability, defensive line

Clovis East (3-2)

Wins: Lemoore (35-0), Wood (49-0), Sunnyside (28-6)

Losses: Sanger (21-14), San Joaquin Memorial (20-17)

Players to watch: Sean Kelly (Jr., QB) Jo’Nation Dejohnette (Sr., RB), Chandler Hamilton (Sr., RB), A.J. Hodgerney (RB, KR), Godofredo Augilar (Sr., LB), Blake Baldwin (Sr., TE, LB)

Strengths: Power running, offensive linemen, running backs

Clovis North (5-0)

Wins: Pittman (34-0), Sunnyside (10-0), Bellarine (38-14), Edison (41-40), Ridgeview (41-27)

Losses: none

Players to watch: Brennon Lamee (Jr., WR), Garett Jones (Jr., QB), Roman Rodriguez (Sr., RB), Cade Foraker (Sr., DL), Michael Jacot Jr., (Jr., WR, KR, S), Nate Arnold (Sr., LB) , Trenton Luera (Sr., QB)

Strengths: Chemistry, defense, team speed

Clovis West (2-3)

Wins: Central Catholic (26-22), Edison (25-7)

Losses: Liberty (17-7), Valley Christian (34-12), Bullard (26-13)

Players to watch: Bradley Senneway (Sr., QB), Brandon Wafer (Sr., RB), Mateo Morales (Sr., LB, RB), David Pierro (Jr., DB, WR), Dewayne Benjamin (Sr., WR), Marcel Sanders (Jr., DL/TE)

Strengths: Athletic, linebackers, improved toughness

Central (5-0)

Wins: Edison (47-12), Grant (38-7), Whitney (45-16), Paso Robles (49-0), Turlock (41-13)

Losses: none

Players to watch: Jeremiah Hunter (Sr., WR), Quali Conely (Sr., RB, DB), Xavier Worthy (Jr., WR), Jameson Silva (Sr., QB), Ricky Correia (Sr., DL), Je’kob Jones (Jr., LB)

Strengths: Offensive firepower, team speed, confidence

Week 7

Oct. 3 Central at Buchanan

Oct. 4 Clovis at Clovis East

Oct. 4 Clovis North at Clovis West

Week 8

Oct. 10 Central at Clovis 

Oct. 11 Clovis West at Buchanan

Oct. 11 Clovis East at Clovis North

Week 9

Oct. 18 Buchanan at Clovis

Oct. 18 Clovis West at Clovis East

Oct. 18 Clovis North at Central

Week 10

Oct. 24 Central at Clovis West

Oct. 25 Clovis East at Buchanan

Oct. 25 Clovis at Clovis North

Week 11

Nov. 1 Buchanan at Clovis North

Nov. 1 Clovis West at Clovis

Nov. 1 Clovis East at Central