Sanger West tackles hunger before Fowler game

The Sanger West football players volunteer to pack bell peppers at the Central California Food Bank.

Natalie Worstein

The Sanger West High football team gave back to the community this week while preparing for its game against Fowler.

The Hornets launched the Central Valley Gridiron Challenge, calling on other football programs to join the fight against hunger.

On Aug. 26, more than 40 players volunteered at the Central California Food Bank from 8 to 10:30 a.m.

“What we’re trying to do is obviously we want to be involved in the community,” Sanger West coach Rob Thompson said. “We learned that one in every four people in the community struggles with hunger. ”

The Hornets volunteered at the food bank’s warehouse near Highway 99 and Amendola Drive, where they packed nearly 10,000 pounds of bell peppers.

Thompson said Sanger West is challenging Sanger and McLane to do the same.

“It makes a huge difference in our community,” Thompson said. “That’s more food they can get out; more people they can help. We’re trying to get the ball rolling. We’re blessed to be a part of something, so we need to make sure we give back and understand that it’s bigger than playing football.”

Sanger West 54, Fowler 6

The Hornets rolled to victory behind senior running back Khyliel Conway Muhammad, who ran for 350 yards and five touchdowns, breaking a school record.

Sanger West totaled 430 yards with an uptempo offense that wore down the Redcats.

The Hornets were coming off a 20-7 loss to Washington Union in the season opener.

“We changed up some things offensively to kind of see what we needed to do,” Thompson said. “It’s made a huge difference for us.”

The Sanger West football players volunteer to pack bell peppers at the Central California Food Bank. Natalie Worstein The Sanger West football players pack bell peppers at the Central California Food Bank. Natalie Worstein

This story was originally published August 30, 2026 at 8:38 PM.

Tags: