Bee’s prep football Week 5 predictions: Picking Buchanan-Memorial, Central-Liberty and more
Two big high school football matchups highlight Week 5 in the Central Section.
In a battle of Nos. 1-2, top-ranked Buchanan visits No. 2 San Joaquin Memorial. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be shown on CW 59.
Just last week, the Bears knocked off then-No. 1 Liberty-Bakersfield 35-27 in a lightning-shortened game.
The win moved the Bears atop the rankings this week, but the Panthers are formidable with wins already wins over Clovis North and Central in back-to-back weeks. Can they knock off another Tri-River Athletic Conference team? We’ll reveal our predictions below.
Central will face Liberty-Bakersfield in another big matchup. Central is coming off a last-second win over Bishop Diego-Santa Barbara.
For the season, The Bee is 15-5.
No. 1 Buchanan (4-0) at No. 2 San Joaquin Memorial (3-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Fresno State fans, take note: The Bears are led by quarterback Jayden Mandal, who committed to the Bulldogs a while ago; the Panthers are led by running back/defensive back Brandon Ramirez, who committed to Fresno State this week.
Prediction: San Joaquin Memorial 29, Buchanan 26
No. 6 Liberty-Bakersfield (2-1) at No. 5 Central (3-1)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
The Patriots had a 14-0 lead on the Bears last week, then fell behind by three touchdowns before rallying in the fourth quarter when lightning struck in the area.
Liberty will come to Koligian Stadium upset, while the Grizzlies are coming off a dramatic win when Dayton Tafoya connected on a touchdown pass to Joshua Hill for the game-winner.
Prediction: Central 31, Liberty 30
No. 17 Edison (3-0) at No. 3 Clovis West (4-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday (Veterans Memorial Stadium)
The Golden Eagles, under head coach Eric Brown, last week defeated Bullard 28-14.
Clovis West has plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball.
Edison is looking strong to start the season behind quarterback Ya’j Vance and new coach Michael Stamps.
Prediction: Clovis West 37, Edison 17
No. 14 Bullard (1-3) at No. 10 Clovis (2-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday (Lamonica Stadium)
This is another interesting matchup. The Knights have faced some tough competition. Same with the Cougars.
This matchup could go either way.
Prediction: Bullard 27, Clovis 23
No. 9 Clovis East (3-0) at Tulare Union (1-2)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday (Bob Mathias Stadium)
The Timberwolves are coming off a bye after outscoring opponents 149-99 behind sophomore quarterback Ty Miller who has thrown 12 touchdowns. Wide receiver Harold Duvall has five touchdowns.
The Tribe is coming off a 48-20 loss to Redwood.
Prediction: Clovis East 47, Tulare Union 20
