Sanger takes a photo after defeating Clovis 2-0 for the Central Section Division I title on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Brian Penner
Sanger High
Sanger High defeated Clovis 2-0 on Thursday to capture the CIF Central Section Division I title, earning the program’s first section crown since 2021.
Apaches coach Alex Gutierrez said he was proud of the work his team put in throughout the season.
“Amazing, amazing,” Gutierrez said. “I’m very proud of our boys and the hard work that they put in tonight — all season long, to be honest. We feel great.”
Gutierrez said what separated this group was its belief and unity, especially after a semifinal win over McLane.
“I think this group really believed,” he said. “When we beat McLane in the semifinal, we knew that whoever we were going to play, whether we had to go to (Clovis) North or play here at home, we were going to play with everything that we had. We were going to work together and really play as a team. That whole team mentality, the belief in each other and ourselves, that really carried us tonight.”
He credited Clovis for making it a battle.
“They were a very tough team, top to bottom,” Gutierrez said. “They made it difficult for us all night, and they had their chances as well. It was a really tough matchup and a great game between both sides.”
Sanger struck early, earning a penalty kick in the opening 10 minutes after a handball in the box. Senior forward Elijah Pimental converted from the spot to give the Apaches a 1-0 lead.
The second goal came late in the match on a free kick. Junior forward Gabriel Gutierrez corralled the ball off the volley and buried it into the corner of the net.
“Great shot. Amazing shot,” Gutierrez said.
The title marked the Apaches’ first since 2021. The Apaches fell to Reedley in the 2022 section final but have remained a consistent contender.
“I think we’ve built a program that’s competing every year,” Gutierrez said.
The atmosphere matched the moment, with both fan bases packing the stands.
“Big-time atmosphere,” Gutierrez said. “That’s one of the reasons we were excited to host. Not just for ourselves — opponents too — when they come here, it’s just a great atmosphere. It’s really second to none. Both sides brought it.”
As for the postgame message, there wasn’t much to say.
“I don’t even think we had time to talk,” he said. “Everybody knew. We’ve worked so hard, had every conversation we needed to have. Even for myself as a coach, I don’t think I’ve been this calm coming into a valley final. At that point, it was just go out there and play.”
This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 11:10 PM.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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