High School Football: Madera Coyotes and Kerman Lions Prepare for Championship Showdown

Fresno, Calif. – As Thanksgiving approaches, high school football teams across the country gear up for their traditional Turkey Bowls. In Madera, the Coyotes held their final practice in the morning fog ahead of their big game for the Division III Championship. This marks the first time Madera has made it to the finals since 2014, when current head coach Kenny Paolinelli was an assistant on the team.

“It means a lot,” Coach Paolinelli shared, reflecting on the importance of this moment. “This is something I always dreamed of as a high school player. We’ve always talked about trying to win a Valley title here.” Despite reaching six section finals in their history, Madera has yet to claim a championship, carrying a tough record of 0-5 in previous title games.

Star quarterback Joel Arellano expressed the excitement felt by the team: “Honestly, it’s surreal, I don’t even know,” he admitted. Arellano was recently named Player of the Week by Cal-Hi Sports for his outstanding performance in Friday’s nail-biting overtime win over Kennedy of Delano, where he accounted for eight touchdowns and a staggering 606 total yards of offense, making it the second-most in Central section history.

Seventeen miles away in Kerman, the Lions are also focused on breaking their championship drought. Led by Coach Damon Jenkins, Kerman made it to the finals last year but fell short against Mission Oak. This year, they return to the championship after a big upset win over the #1 seed Porterville.

“It’s just those little things that I’m harping on the kids that they didn’t understand when I first got here that they understand now,” Coach Jenkins noted. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and discipline, instilling values learned from his own experiences as a player at De La Salle, where he won three national titles.

Both teams are eager to win their first title. For Madera, the matchup will also be unique, as it will be their first time hosting a Section final. With Madera boasting an explosive 8-4 record and Kerman showcasing a tough 11-2 defense, this matchup promises to be thrilling. Something has to give Friday, as both programs look to etch their names in the history books.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting championship game.