Here’s some record updates and highlights of top players & teams from the recent week as reported to us from CIF Central Section historian Bob Barnett of Fresno. This week, we are beginning to mix in some basketball updates as well. Bob has done phenomenal work on behalf of CIF Central Section schools, athletes and coaches for more than 40 years.
FOOTBALL
Senior Joseph Garcia of Strathmore became the sixth player in Central Section history to score 100 career touchdowns as Strathmore edged host Hilmar 53-52 in double overtime to stay unbeaten at (14-0) in a CIF Northern California play-in game for Division 6-AA. Garcia rushed for 239 yards on 29 carries, scored five touchdowns on runs of 23, 14, 25, 3 and had a 31-yard TD receptions. He also scored on two 2-point conversions. Garcia now has 103 touchdowns for his career, and 5,756 rushing yards.
Junior quarterback Alec Trujillo of San Joaquin Memorial was on target in leading Memorial to a 45-31 win over Tulare Western for the Division III section championship. Trujillo was 22 of 25 for 332 yards and three touchdowns for the night. Teammate wide receiver Jalen McMillan had nine receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns, one measuring 88 yards. David Alcantar of Tulare Western scored four touchdowns on a 80-yard kick-off return, 22-yard reception and runs of 7 & 14 yards.
Chris Puga of Caruthers rushed for a game high of 206 yards on 30 carries and scored four touchdowns on runs of 1, 7, 44 & 10 yards as Caruthers beat Firebaugh 49-42 for the Division V section crown. Firebaugh stayed close with the help of senior receiver Tylor PalmerHe ended his high school career with eight receptions & 192 yards and a school record of four touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Trent Tompkins led Central of Fresno to its first section championship as the Grizzliess beat visiting Buchanan 29-7 in the Division I championship game. Tompkins passed for 139 yards and one touchdown and rushed for a team high of 80 yards and scored on a 2-yard run. Central will now play 14-0 Folsom in the CIF D1-AA NorCal final.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Central of Fresno, the defending D1 section champion, opened the season with a 95-63 win over Lompoc at the Morro Bay Invitational as Cam’ron Wilson scored 40 points, the fourth best in school history. Wilson also scored 38 points in the second game, which included nine three-pointers, in a 77-40 romp past Atascadero.
