Central Section football championship predictions: Victory for 2 Fresno-area road teams
The Central Section high school football championship matchups are set.
The eight-man championship was already played Nov. 18 with Fresno Christian defeating Sierra 30-27.
That leads to to the title games from Divisions I-VI. All games are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Winners advance to regional bowl games.
Last week, The Bee went 11-2 on predictions and is 110-32 this season.
Division I
No. 4 San Joaquin Memorial at No. 3 Liberty-Bakersfield: This is the first time SJM will play for the Division I title. Memorial advanced to the championship game after picking up wins over No. 5 Central and top-seed Clovis West. The Patriots beat No. 6 St. Joseph and No. 2 Buchanan. The Panthers will need another big game from Brandon Ramirez and create turnovers if they want to add a Division I championship plaque to their trophy case. Liberty is trying for back-to-back section titles. Prediction: Liberty 27, Memorial 24
Division II
No. 3 Lemoore at No. 1 Central Valley Christian: A sensational matchup between really good teams that proved what they can do all season, especially on offense. The Cavaliers advanced by defeating No. 4 Hanford 50-41. Lemoore beat No. 7 Frontier 56-21. Will CVC remain undefeated? Prediction: CVC 56, Lemoore 50
Division III
No. 11 Sunnyside at No. 4 Kennedy: What a run it’s been for the Wildcats, winners of 10 straight. The Thunderbirds are winners of nine straight including last week at No. 1 Mission Prep. Prediction: Sunnyside 46, Kennedy 40
Division IV
No. 8 Shafter at No. 3 Caruthers: The Blue Raiders rallied for their semifinal win after being down 20-7 to Coalinga. Hunter Babb scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 40 seconds remaining and Caruthers went for two and was successful. The Generals escaped with a 42-41 victory over Torres after the Toros tried to go for two, but failed. This game will be that close, also. Prediction: Caruthers 24, Shafter 22
Division V
No. 8 Pioneer Valley at No. 3 Atascadero: The Bee likes the Greyhounds to rebound in this rematch. Prediction: Atascadero 34, Pioneer Valley 20
Division VI
No. 3 Mendota at No. 1 Hanford West: The Aztecs are rolling in the playoffs after defeating Mira Monte (56-6), Woodlake (28-21) and Riverdale (49-28). The Huskies were victorious over Kern Valley (13-12) and Avenal (27-12). Mendota has championship history. Prediction: Mendota 34, Hanford West 27
