Now it\u2019s time for Nos. 11-15. The final two rankings with the top 10 teams will publish Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here are the next five teams in The Fresno Bee\u2019s preseason rankings:<\/p>\n
11. San Luis Obispo Tigers<\/p>\n
Head coach: Pat Johnston<\/p>\n
2025 record: 7-5<\/p>\n
Why this ranking: Returning is TE\/MLB Matthew Milner, who had 7.7 tackles per game. QB Zion Hegg led SLO\u2019s rushing attack with eight touchdowns. The Tigers will still be tough to dealt with.<\/p>\n
12. Independence Falcons<\/p>\n
2025 record: 9-5<\/p>\n
Head coach: Paul Golla<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
13. Hanford Bullpups<\/p>\n
Head coach: Cannon Sanchez<\/p>\n
2025 record: 7-4<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll have a few targets in senior WRs Braylen Thomas and LJ Burrell. Rajhon Newton will be the starting senior running back. Hanford\u2019s defense features returning leaders in DL James Ellis, LB Adrian Ibarra and Carsten Gravance.<\/p>\n
14. Bakersfield Drillers<\/p>\n
Head coach: Cody Stone<\/p>\n
2025 record: 10-3<\/p>\n
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\u2019Mariae Lee. The QB is E\u2019Lon Mackey.<\/p>\n
15. Shafter Generals<\/p>\n
Head coach: Jerald Pierucci<\/p>\n
2025 record: 10-2<\/p>\n
Why this ranking: A big loss with QB Ezekiel Osborne gone due to graduation. Now, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Related Stories from Fresno Bee<\/p>\n
Anthony Galaviz<\/a><\/p>\n The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0
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