Madera and Kerman High Schools Set for Championship Showdown
Fresno, Calif. – This Thanksgiving weekend, the Madera Coyotes and Kerman Lions are gearing up for a highly anticipated football championship. After a foggy morning practice, the Coyotes are set to face off in the DIII championship game, marking their first return to the finals since 2014. Back then, head coach Kenny Paolinelli was a quarterbacks coach, and he couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. “It means a lot,” Paolinelli said. “This is something I always dreamed of as a high school player. We’ve always talked about trying to win a Valley title here.”
The Coyotes have been in six section finals but have yet to claim victory, holding an unfortunate record of 0-5 in those games. Quarterback Joel Arellano, who just gained the title of Player of the Week by Cal-Hi Sports, expressed his excitement, stating, “Honestly, it’s surreal, I don’t even know. I’ve never been in this position before.” Arellano shined in his last game against Kennedy of Delano, where he scored eight touchdowns and racked up 606 total yards of offense, ranking second all-time in Central section history.
To the south, the Kerman Lions are also preparing to make a mark in the championship spotlight. After falling short last year against Mission Oak, the Lions advanced after a big win over the top-seeded Porterville. Head coach Damon Jenkins, a Bay Area native and De La Salle graduate, emphasized the importance of teamwork and understanding, saying, “It’s just those little things that I’m harping on the kids.” Jenkins’ approach has brought unity to a team that is striving for their first championship title.
This Friday’s match promises to be a clash of styles, as Madera boasts an explosive offense while Kerman is recognized for its strong defense. As both teams aim for their first title, the energy in the air is palpable. This is a game that truly has fans excited, and it’s clear that history is on the line for both programs.
For more updates on the game, make sure to keep your eyes on the local sports scene.
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
