For the first time in 15 years, The Bee’s 10th-ranked Apaches defeated No. 12 Clovis 33-21 in a nonleague high school game at Lamonica Stadium on Friday.
It was Sanger’s first win over Clovis since 2008 after a 31-7 victory — also played at Lamonica Stadium.
Apaches players walked off the field saying “15” to say the drought is finally over.
Granted, both teams did not play each other every season. There was a long break from 2011 until the team’s started playing again in 2021.
“We’re just extremely happy that the guys played their tails off,” Sanger coach Matt Logue said. “Can’t say enough there in the second half. The offensive line just took over the game.”
And that was good news for the Apaches’ running backs, including Israel Robles, who didn’t play last week because of the transfer rules and didn’t enter Friday’s game until the fourth quarter.
Robles ended up scoring on two rushing touchdowns that lifted the Apaches to a win.
“Still getting caught up to speed,” Logue said. “He looked a little different tonight than he has in practice. He’s going to find himself carrying the ball more and more so hopefully we can keep getting better.”
Robles said he was more than ready to get into the game and make a difference.
He just wanted to prove Logue right.
“Coach gave me an opportunity,” he said. “I’ve been waiting this whole game for this opportunity. Give me the ball and trust me running down the field. I was just ready to go in. I was ready for my opportunity.”
The Apaches defense was led by Carlos Young, who had two interceptions, including an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter.
Clovis quarterback Deagan Rose, center, throws down the middle during their game against Sanger at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Clovis’ Tyler Marquez, left, turns to make a grab on the ball in front of Sanger’s Jaden Chanthalangsy during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Clovis running back Noah Luginbill cuts to the outside on a run against Sanger during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Sanger’s Conner Bohlken, center, looks for a gap on a run up the middle against Clovis during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Clovis running back Roman Moreno bursts up the middle on a run against Sanger during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Sanger’s Marquis Cropper, right, dashes out of the reach of Clovis’ Jaydon Mendiola on a run to the outside during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Sanger’s Marquis Cropper throws against Clovis during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Sanger quarterback Jaden Chanthalangsy, center, takes the ball up the middle on a keeper against Clovis during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Clovis running back Maddox Merrill, right, tries to cut around Sanger’s Marquis Cropper on a run to the outside during their game at Lamonica Stadium in Clovis on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
This story was originally published August 26, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology. Support my work with a digital subscription
