High School Football

Defending section champs Clovis North hold off Central behind a big Pick-6 in TRAC opener

McKay Madsen is congratulated after his pick-6 against Central on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
McKay Madsen is congratulated after his pick-6 against Central on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. agalaviz@fresnobee.com

Make no mistake about it, Clovis North showed why they are the defending Tri-River Athletic Conference and Central Section champions.

A little defensive help helps a lot.

McKay Madsen had an interception and returned it for a touchdown as The Bee’s fourth-ranked Broncos defeated No. 3 Central 26-21 at Koligian Stadium on Friday night.

“We knew they were going to throw the ball,” Madsen said. “All week we practiced a lot of drills. They went back to that same play and I kind of recognized the formation and saw the quarterback go in there just broke down on it like we’ve been working on and luckily I caught it.”

Clovis North never trailed and had a 20-0 lead in the third quarter before the Grizzlies finally got a touchdown late in the third quarter.

Then with 9 minutes remaining, Central scored again and trailed 20-14.

Jackson Cinfel iced the game for the Broncos on a 10-yard run to make it 26-14 with 1 minute remaining as Clovis North snapped a mini losing streak. He finished with two touchdowns.

“We were going to have to go through some growing pains,” he said. “As long as we learn from this things (we’ll be OK). I think tonight is a perfect example.”

In other TRAC games:

No. 1 Clovis East 44, No. 9 Clovis West 3: Tyus Miller passed for three touchdowns and the Timberwolves got a safety in the early going.

No. 2 Clovis 37, No. 8 Buchanan 10: Deagan Rose threw for four touchdowns as the Cougars made quick work over the Bears at Veterans Memorial Stadium. It’s Clovis’ first win against Buchanan at the Vet since 2014.

Buchanan’s Logan Tyler Phillips, right, makes the catch covered by Clovis High’s Ayden Hernandez, left, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime.
Buchanan’s Logan Tyler Phillips, right, makes the catch covered by Clovis High’s Ayden Hernandez, left, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Clovis High’s Maddox Merrill, top, celebrates his touchdown against Buchanan Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime.
Clovis High’s Maddox Merrill, top, celebrates his touchdown against Buchanan Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Clovis High’s Dalton Byrd, left, chases Buchanan quarterback Joshua Madrigal, right, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime.
Clovis High’s Dalton Byrd, left, chases Buchanan quarterback Joshua Madrigal, right, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Clovis High wide receiver Carlos Young after scoring a touchdown against Buchanan Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime.
Clovis High wide receiver Carlos Young after scoring a touchdown against Buchanan Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 in Clovis. Clovis led Buchanan 14-3 at haltime. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com

This story was originally published October 4, 2024 at 11:39 PM.

Anthony Galaviz
The Fresno Bee
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
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