Hanford High proved to be a lot too handle for Tulare Union in the battle of the unbeatens in the West Yosemite League at the Neighbor Bowl in Hanford.
And a bit of a defense paved the way for the Bullpups, too.
The Bee’s sixth-ranked Hanford broke an 8-8 tie and went on to control the game while the defense held the seventh-ranked Tribe scoreless in the second half for a 33-8 victory on Friday night.
“I think the defense played great football tonight,” Hanford coach Cannon Sanchez said. “We’ve been working towards that. We’re in a spot where we’re proud of.”
Many expected a high-scoring game from the two teams in which they’ve been lighting up the scoreboard all season.
That wasn’t the case.
The Bullpups swarmed to the ball and made things hectic for Tribe quarterback Jordan Crisp.
The Hanford’s offense, though, continued to pick up where they left off, led by quarterback Daniel Gomez who finished with a rushing and a passing touchdown.
“We’re working for a league championship so we got three more,” Sanchez said.
Gomez credits his defense for holding Tulare to eight points.
“They really pulled it off,” he said. “I’m proud of our team how we stuck together. It was an all-team effort.”
Tulare Union’s Nathan Cordova, left, pressures Hanford quarterback Daniel Gomez, right, in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford’s Daniel Gomez is pressured by Tulare Union’s Dominic Wilson and Nathan Cordova, background, in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Tulare Union’s Malaki Knight, right, intercepts the pass intended for Hanford’s Anthony Perryman, left, in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford’s Justin Clark-Strickland III, left, tackles Tulare Union’s Demaje Riley after Riley intercepted a Hanford pass in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Tulare Union’s Dominic Wilson, bottom center, watches as he fumbles the ball on a run against Hanford in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford quarterback Daniel Gomez signals before a lay against Tulare Union Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. Final score, Hanford 33, Tulare Union 8. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford’s Jeremiah Valdez, right, tackles Tulare Union quarterback Jordan Crisp, left, in first half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford’ wide receiver Taveon Patterson, left, chased by Tulare Union’s Damian Williams, right, in second half action Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. Final score, Hanford 33, Tulare Union 8. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
Hanford’ head coach Cannon Sanchez, seen on the sidelines against Tulare Union Friday, Oct. 11, 2024 in Hanford. Final score, Hanford 33, Tulare Union 8. ERIC PAUL ZAMORA ezamora@fresnobee.com
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
