As the kickoff to the 2026 high school football season arrives, The Fresno Bee is continuing to unveil its Top 25 rankings in segments.
Earlier this week, the teams in the Nos. 16-20 and 21-25 spots were announced.
Now it’s time for Nos. 11-15. The final two rankings with the top 10 teams will publish Saturday and Sunday.
The first batch of games kicks off Aug. 20-21, marking the beginning of another high school football season in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Here are the next five teams in The Fresno Bee’s preseason rankings:
11. San Luis Obispo Tigers
Head coach: Pat Johnston
2025 record: 7-5
Why this ranking: Returning is TE/MLB Matthew Milner, who had 7.7 tackles per game. QB Zion Hegg led SLO’s rushing attack with eight touchdowns. The Tigers will still be tough to dealt with.
12. Independence Falcons
2025 record: 9-5
Head coach: Paul Golla
Note: Joseph Millan steps in as QB, replacing Gunter Golla after he provided a lot of highlights last season. Independence added a transfer in WR Sekye Hodges, formerly of Centennial. RBs Ryland Denweed and Jakhai Ervin combined for 10 touchdowns. Denweed will play defense and had 87 tackles and three sacks. Damarious Johnson will play a big role on defense.
13. Hanford Bullpups
Head coach: Cannon Sanchez
2025 record: 7-4
Note: Yes, the Bullpups lost WR AJ Williams to Clovis West, but they get back QB Jerren Mao, who proved to be instrumental in leading the way for Hanford. He’ll have a few targets in senior WRs Braylen Thomas and LJ Burrell. Rajhon Newton will be the starting senior running back. Hanford’s defense features returning leaders in DL James Ellis, LB Adrian Ibarra and Carsten Gravance.
14. Bakersfield Drillers
Head coach: Cody Stone
2025 record: 10-3
Why this ranking: The Drillers lost RJ Shehee to Bakersfield Christian and coach Rashaan Shehee reportedly stepped down to spend more time with family. Bakersfield welcomes back Damir Lomax. Returning notables include RB Damir Lomax, LB Zach Wheeler, RB/LB Da’Mariae Lee. The QB is E’Lon Mackey.
15. Shafter Generals
Head coach: Jerald Pierucci
2025 record: 10-2
Why this ranking: A big loss with QB Ezekiel Osborne gone due to graduation. Now, it’s been a quarterback battle between Collyn Gillies and Dominic Lucas. Whoever the QB will be will have weapons in WRs Luis Santana, Nathan Cortez, Alex Reyna and Kyle Pitter. The defense will be anchored by Athan Benitez and Mark Ross.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/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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