Hanford and Tulare Union to clash in highly-anticipated undefeated showdown in WYL
While the focus is usually on the Tri-River Athletic Conference because of the marquee matchups, there is another game in the Central Section that has the makings of being a classic.
That would be Hanford and Tulare Union — both undefeated 6-0 and 1-0 in the West Yosemite League.
And both are ranked in The Fresno Bee Top 25 rankings.
The Bullpups enter ranked No. 6, while the Tribe is behind at No. 7.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the new-look Neighbor Bowl in Hanford.
“Just kind of approaching it like any other game,” Tulare Union coach Darren Bennett said. “Just No. 2 league game.”
Hanford coach Cannon Sanchez said he’s approaching the game the same as Bennett but knows Tulare Union poses a threat to his Bullpups with quarterback Jordan Crisp leading the way for the Tribe.
He also mentioned Demaje Riley, whom he described with Brayden Stevenson as “freaks.”
Hands full for the Bullpups? Especially when Riley played at quarterback for Jordan Crisp who missed last week’s game because of a minor injury.
“They’re just explosive machines.” Sanchez said. “We got to at least limit that explosiveness.”
Hanford is just as explosive having scored 30+ points in the first six games.
In last week’s game against Dinuba, the Bullpups were without running back Kourdey Glass who was nursing a turf toe.
He’s expected back against the Tribe.
Both teams have played three common opponents in El Diamante, Redwood and St. Joseph.
In those games, Hanford defeated El Diamante (62-17), Redwood (56-12) and St. Joseph (34-27) while Tulare Union defeated El Diamante (49-15), St. Joseph (34-21) and Redwood (35-10).
Hanford quarterback Daniel Gomez has completed 86 of 126 for 1,535 yards and 15 touchdowns against one interception while Crisp completed 77 of 107 for 1,330 yards and 18 touchdowns against one interception.
Something is about to give in Friday’s matchup, in which the winner has the inside track of winning the WYL and a spot in the Division I playoffs.
“I think being undefeated is a big deal,” Sanchez said. “That’s always going to be back of our minds. We can’t get too caught up in that (playoffs). Ultimately for us being a league champion is one of our goals. The only way we can do that is beating Tulare Union.”
Said Bennett: “A lot of the kids are familiar with each other. They’re excited about playing with each other. If you want to be a champion, you have to play defense. I guess we’ll find out Friday. We haven’t played an offense as good as Hanford this year. They’re really good.”
