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.
