Cory Hall has returned to Bulldog Stadium this week, only with a whistle and not a helmet.

The former Fresno State star safety, as coach of Clovis North High, is preparing his team there for Friday's CIF State South Division I Regional against Long Beach Poly at Long Beach City College's Veterans Stadium.

Clovis North athletic director Eric Swain said "mush" conditions at the Broncos' practice field because of recent rain led to the decision of practicing in Bulldog Stadium and on its artificial surface Wednesday and today.

But the rental didn't come without a cost.

"A chunk of change," said Swain, without elaborating.

The Broncos (12-1) defeated Central 27-10 Friday for the Central Section D-I title. A day later, Long Beach Poly (11-3) -- second only to Bakersfield in all-time wins in state history -- beat Mater Dei-Santa Ana 35-17 at Angel Stadium for the Southern Section Pac-5 Division crown.

The 7:30 p.m. game at Long Beach City will be played on artificial surface, as will the state D-I final at 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Carson's Home Depot Center.

That game will match the Clovis North vs. Poly winner against the Granite Bay (11-3) vs. St. Ignatius-San Francisco (10-3) regional winner from the North.