High school football TRAC preview: Players, newcomers to watch & what coaches are saying
The first week of high school football practice in the Fresno area wrapped up, as most teams gear up for a 2023 season opener on Aug. 18.
The season actually begins Aug. 17 for Clovis High, which will take on Garces at Lamonica Stadium.
As the countdown continues, The Bee takes a look at the TRAC, with returning players and newcomers to watch.
A series of previews will continue with the County/Metro Athletic Conference.
Buchanan Bears
Coach: Ross Wood
2022 record: 9-3
Key players returning: Logan Studt, LB; Alec Dansby, C; Cheney Bishop, S; Bryson Harrington, T; Caleb Conner, T; Austin Finegan
Who’s the QB?: Logan Sanchez
Wood’s thoughts: “Trying to put together the most successful team right now. Kids are eager; they’re ready to dive in. They’re all in, actually right now, which is pretty awesome to see.”
Central Grizzlies
Coach: Kyle Biggs
2022 record: 7-5
Players to watch: Braylen Hall, WR/DB; Noey Felix, WR; David Bell, RB; Daylon Scott, WR; Brandon Smith, Ath; Josh Hill , WR/DB; Jamari Carter, DB; Jaylon Jones, DB; Jared Andrade, LB; Jose Aguilar, DL; Jesse Wright, OL/DL; Shondrick Smallwood, DL
Newcomers to watch: EJ Morgan, DB/WR; Dominic Tafoya, DB/WR; Tyson Cook, OL; Marcus Nolen, LB; Zeb White, WR
Who’s the QB?: David Marquez or Earl Riley
Biggs’ thoughts: “The energy is good. They are practicing a little more harder, want to accomplish more so they can be better than we were last year.”
Clovis Cougars
Coach: Aaron Wilkins
2022 record: 5-7
Players to watch: Deagan Rose, QB; Noah Luginbill, LB; Jacob Saldate, WR; Roman Moreno, RB; Maddox Merrill, RB; Brenden Nauheimer, OL/DL; Jordan Gonzales, OL/DL; Jaydon Mendiola, OL/DL; Raul Rodriguez, OL/DL
Who’s the QB? Rose
Wilkins’ thoughts: “We have a very mature and large offensive line. They will anchor both our offense and defensive lines.”
Clovis East Timberwolves
Coach: Brandon Nagle
2022 record: 6-5
Players to watch: Ty Miller, QB; Aidan Wilson, WR; Harold Duvall, WR/S; Jax Koontz, LB; Josh De La Cruz, LB; Caleb Solis, DT
Newcomers to watch: Tommy Nix, WR/S; Anthony Razo, T; Josh Razo, C/G; Jacob Razo, G/DT; DJ Booker, WR/CB; Blake Mathieu, WR/CB
Who’s the QB?: Miller
Nagle’s thoughts: “We got some guys. Really excited for that. I know Ty’s really excited. He’s been a lot more vocal, not only on the field, but in the weight room and meetings. We can’t ask for a better leader. He does amazing things.”
Clovis North Broncos
Coach: Michael Jacot
2022 record: 7-5
Players to watch: Brayden Bitter, TE/DL, Vincent Cordoba, WR/DB; McKay Madsen, RB/DB; Andrew Chavez, RB/DB; Trent Rogers, WR/DB; Preston Fletcher, OL; Davit Boyajyan, OL; Gus Gomez, OL; Ayden Gumm, OL; James Cazares OL; Ross Cinfel, TE; Jackson Cinfel, RB; Jacob Couch, TE; Levi Spriggs, TE
Newcomers to watch: Mon’Trell Beasley, DB; Kyle Kobashi, WR; Devin Alarcon, DL; George Allen, DL; Micah Solis, LB; Ramzee Hamm, WR
Who’s the QB?: Mario Cosma, David Nichols, Cory Cooper
Jacot’s thoughts: “I think that’s why we are so excited about the season. Ten of 11 offensive starters return, including all the offensive line, tight ends, running backs and quarterback.”
Clovis West Golden Eagles
Coach: Eric Brown
2022 record: 10-2 (finished first in TRAC)
Players to watch: Marshel Sanders, WR; Landon Wright, WR; Tytus Khajavi, LB; Jordan Pierro, WR/CB; Tyler Patrick, QB; Michael Espinoza, LB; Daniel Gurrola, OL/DL; Joey Chacon, OL/DL
Newcomer to watch: Tytus Dimmer, LB/WR
Who’s the QB?: Patrick
Brown’s thoughts: “The group of skilled, whether that is quarterback, receivers, tight ends, running backs, all those guys ... they’re special. Really special.”
