Bolu Olorunfunmi is back at running back for Clovis North, which is our pick for the top team in the Central Section Fab 5.
File photo by Nicholas Koza
12-2, Division I section champion, lost in Regional Bowl
Head coach: Cory Hall
Team previewThe Broncos were one win away from playing in the state title game last season, and now will come back with a young but talented squad. Quarterback Christian Rossi has moved on and the program has
James Humphrey returning as a senior at that spot.
Bolu Olorunfunmi (5-foot-11, 210 pounds) comes back for his junior year as a running back and senior linebacker
Isaiah Duran (6-0, 260) is another player who saw time during his sophomore and junior years. Junior
Jacob Daniel (6-5, 315) is a beastly defensive tackle who already has plenty of college offers. Hall played six years in the NFL and has led his team to back-to-back section titles, so this team knows a thing or two about playing at the highest level.
See which California schools have the most wins since 20082. Bakersfield2012 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Paul Golla
Team previewThe Drillers went 3-2 in Southwest Yosemite League play and were bounced by Central in the second round of the playoffs last season. The league record may improve, as the team returns key players in key spots, but the overall record might not, as there is a load of title-themed teams on the schedule. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) and Long Beach Poly are Southern Section behemoths that will battle the Drillers, and they also will face Central Section defending champs Wasco (D-IV) and Garces of Bakersfield (D-II).
Asauni Rufus (6-0, 195) is the returning starting quarterback and he has an offer from Nevada to play defensive back.
Kevin Hayes is a wide receiver in his third varsity season who has an offer from Oregon State, and
Jeremiah Reddick (6-0, 200) is back at running back.
Marcus Bruce (5-7, 175) is a junior coming back to play linebacker. Golla is 81-20 at BHS, a stellar record.
"They have seven or eight seniors who all saw significant time as sophomores on a section championship team, and obviously as juniors last year on a team that beat Long Beach Poly 29-6 early in the season. They've got enough returning up front to think they'll be the best team in this area."
- Zach Ewing, Bakersfield Californian (@zewing)See last season's Central Section playoff brackets3. Central (Fresno)2012 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Justin Garza
Team previewIn Garza's first season at the helm, the Grizzlies made it to the Division I title game but fell to Clovis North, 27-10. It's sure to be an emotional and inspiring season, as
Garza fights back from Hodgkin's lymphoma. The schedule starts with an extremely tough game at Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) that will be televised on an ESPN2 channel. Five potential Division I recruits will highlight this year's squad: Wide receiver
Michiah Quick (47th recruit in the nation according to the 247Sports composite rankings), safety
Devon Brewer (Arizona commit), running back
Nick Wilson (Arizona commit), defensive lineman
Tashon Smallwood (USC commit) and offensive lineman
Sharif Williams (Arizona commit).
"I'm blessed - and lucky my doctor's a football fan."
- Head coach Justin Garza to Andy Boogaard of the Fresno BeeSee last season's Central Section computer rankings4. Clovis2012 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Rich Hammond
Team previewThe Cougars beat Clovis North during a 5-0 romp through Tri-River League play and hit the playoffs on a hot streak as the top seed. After a first-round bye, the Cougars bowed out to Liberty in a tough 25-23 loss. Now they will try to rebound behind two very good defensive ends in wrestling superstar
Nick Nevills, who brings a 6-3, 265-pound frame to the tight end spot as well, and
John Paz (6-2, 225).
Kendall Johnson will lead the O-line at 6-0, 275. Quarterback
RJ Hartmann comes back after injuries stopped his season short last year. The young man who filled in for him at quarterback, Jake Greenwood, will not play this year and instead will concentrate on his baseball record.
See last season's Central Section all-league teams5. Edison (Fresno)2012 finish: 9-4
Head coach: Matt Johnson
Team previewThere is a new coach in town for the fourth time in four years. Johnson has been in the program for eight years and will seek to give some stability to the program. Last season ended with a 37-34 loss to Central in the semifinals and this season will feature talent in the skill spots and a solid running game. Senior running backs
Kevin Nutt (5-11, 185) and
Blake Wright (5-11, 195) will be depended upon to keep the chains moving, and
Tyrone Smith (6-4, 185) is the top returning wide receiver. The Tigers will also need to find a dependable quarterback.
