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TIGERS USE ALL NINE LIVES TO BEAT GRIZZLIES

Edison improves to 2-0 thanks to a gritty performance.

By Chris Haynes
VSP Contributing Writer:

A battle of two of the fastest teams in the valley squared off on artificial turf at Deran Koligian Stadium, resulting in a 25-17 Edison victory over Central. Last year’s contest between the two teams was a one-sided victory for the Tigers 70-17. Central narrowed the gap but still fell short.

The first quarter was a sluggish 12 minutes. The two teams used this time to feel each other out like a first round boxing match. There was conservative play calling on both sides; both coaches did not want to let the game get out of hand early.

“Central is a good football team,” says Edison’s Coach Tim McDonald. “We are not going to see anybody who can run like them next week. They got some athletes over there. They switched a few things up on us and they did a great job executing.”

Edison struck first early in the second quarter with a 13-yard touchdown pass by Max Schuh to Tevin McDonald on 4th and six, taking a 7-0 lead. On Edison’s next possession, receiver Kenny Travis fumbled the ball after a 12-yard catch, the Grizzlies recovered it on Edison’s 48. Four plays later, Grizzlies receiver Ernest Carter took a 10-yard slant and bolted 45-yards to the house to tie it at 7-7 with 6:34 in the second quarter.

Edison kept the pressure up by eating up four minutes off the clock on nine plays, producing a 50-yard reception from Ernest Carter and a 2-yard touchdown run from DeWayne Scott, recapturing the lead 13-7.

With 2:29 left in the half, the Grizzlies made a run thanks to speedster Brendon Bigelow. Bigelow returned a kickoff 45-yards and was tackled at Edison’s own 45. Seven plays later, Central’s Michael Baker, who completed 11 of 22 passes for 180 yards, connected with receiver Aaron Cruz for an 11-yard touchdown reception taking the lead at half 14-13.

“They’re fast,” says Edison’s Dewayne Scott who rushed for 110 yards. “Our guys just had to stay home and read their keys and we’ll get them.”

Central had the home crowd loud and excited and the visiting side mute in disbelief to start the second half. Central came out with a new-found confidence, shaving five minutes off the clock with 12 plays, but had to settle for a field goal by Matthew Lea, pushing the lead up 17-13.

Edison grinded its way slowly into the game by chipping ten minutes off the clock on 18 plays, resulting in a 1-yard touchdown by Scott to recapture the lead at 19-17. Two Grizzlies penalties gave the Tigers two first downs extending their drive.

Central’s next posession ended with a crucial fumble by receiver Kameron Brooks on their third play, recovered by Edison’s lineman Wesley Flowers at Central’s own 26. Two plays later Schuh connected McDonald for a 17-yard touchdown making it 25-17. It was McDonald’s second touchdown of the game.

With 6:04 left in regulation, the Tigers defense made a stand and forced the Grizzlies to punt in hopes of their defense giving them another offensive opportunity.

It never happened. The Grizzlies twice had the Tigers at 3rd down, but the Tigers converted 3rd-and-6 and 3rd-and-5 to run the clock out for the narrow win.

“It was a good game,” says Grizzlies’ coach Casey Quinn. “We feel like we blew another opportunity. I can see it in our kids faces, we were right there, we just need to play smart football for four quarters.”

“It’s a win,” says Edison’s Coach Tim McDonald. “We wanted to slow the game down a little bit, that’s something we rarely do, we’re used to coaching against that kind of game plan. We have some football players who made plays at critical times and we found a way to win the football game.”

In week three, Central looks to break their two game losing streak on the road against El Diamante of Visalia. Edison also goes on the road to face the Bears of Merced High, hoping that the bye-week rust is now behind them.

“We made mental mistakes that could have changed the game and turned it around,” says Edison’s Tevin McDonald. “I see a lot of heart in our team and I’ve noticed we can fight, and when we’re down that means nothing. Hopefully that will carry over to our next game.”

WEEK TWO SCOREBOARD

Madera South 8 Hoover 29 (Thurs)
Reedley 13 Sunnyside 10 (Thurs)
Atwater 49 Johansen 14
Avenal 0 Mission Prep 58
Beyer 38 Buhach Colony 67
Buchanan 43 Redwood 21
Caruthers 28 Coast 0
Chavez 30 Madera 61
Chowchilla 14 Le Grand 7
Clovis 14 Bullard 48
Delano 14 North 13
Dos Palos 19 Los Banos 35
Edison 25 Central 17
El Diamante 50 Golden Valley-Bakersfield 20
Exeter 13 Taft 30
Farmersville 6 Woodlake 28
Foresthill 7 Delhi 0
Fowler 28 Sierra 35
Fresno 7 Clovis North 28
Fresno Christian 19 Strathmore 54
Frontier 43 Tehachapi 14
Garces 42 Arvin 13
Granite Hills 0 Roosevelt 41
Gustine 14 Denair 44
Hanford 30 Yosemite 35
Hanford West 12 Dinuba 22
Hughson 13 Hilmar 38
Jesuit 42 Golden Valley 28
Kennedy-Delano 13 McFarland 45
Kerman 14 Coalinga 0
Kingsburg 28 Washington Union 21
Kings Christian 18 Vacaville Christian 49
Lemoore 13 Tulare Union 35
Liberty-Bakersfield 6 Centennial 10
Mira Monte-Bakersfield 0 South 48
Mission Oak-Tulare 0 Corcoran 49
Mt Whitney 41 Monache 40
Napa 43 Merced 22
Orestimba 28 Mariposa 25
Parlier 0 Lindsay 63
Ridgeview 29 Foothill 3
Riverbank 8 Livingston 36
Riverdale 13 Mendota 18
Sanger 0 Clovis East 35
Selma 33 McLane 0
Shafter 7 Independence-Bakersfield 27
Stockdale 31 Bakersfield 32
Tranquillity 35 Laton 0
Tulare Western 20 Golden West 14
Wasco 34 Porterville 14
West 58 East Bakersfield 35
Central Valley Christian 28 Bakersfield Christian 19 (Sat)
Memorial 31 Christian Brothers-Sacramento 6 (Sat)

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FROM ALL ANGLERS

Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, a central San Joaquin Valley native and local fishing expert.

Key: 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=good, 4=excellent fishing

ROGER’S COMMENTS: A good buddy and I were fishing from shore at Millerton in the evening a few years ago, when he hooked a nice 10 pound striper that he played up to the shoreline Out of the dark, he suddenly said he needed some help- now! I ran over in the dim light and saw blood running down the stripers side as he carefully held it in the water, when he informed me all the blood I saw belonged to him! Turns out he had reached out to lip the fish before it was played out, and as the fish thrashed around, one 2/0 hook had gone deep into his right thumb. Unfortunately the hook on the other end of the lure was still connected to the fighting fish he was desperately trying to calm down. I grabbed and quickly unhooked the frenetic fish, letting it go, but by now, the barb was completely buried. I tried for ½ hour to get the big hook out, but after trying every trick I knew, as well as trying to pull it out with all my strength, after he had asked me to try, convinced me the long trek to the emergency room was where we were going next. We tried cutting off as much of the lure as we could before heading to St Agnes Hospital, but I found out big stainless hooks are almost impossible to cut off with regular sidecutters, especially when you have someone attached to it. We got out of the emergency room after midnite, and the doctor told me that it had been about the hardest hook to remove he had ever done. In fact, he said they had a collection of removed hooks to commemorate all the angler extractions they had performed over the years. As a special momento of our unforgettable fishing trip, my buddy gave me the small clear medical jar the doctor had given him -containing the tip of the big stainless steel hook he had removed from his thumb!

VALLEY
New Melones Reservoir
Bass-2 Crappie-2 Catfish-4 Trout-2 Kokanee-2
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing said the kokanee bite has dramatically turned slow with the fish as deep as 120 feet. Melanie Lewis of Glory Hole Sporting Goods reported they are developing hooked-jaws and losing their scales, as they prepare for their attempt to spawn. The best action has been in the main lake with Glitterbug Micro Hootchies in orange or pink, R and K pink hootches and Apex in pink, orange or blue. Crawdad scent has been effective in enticing strikes. Trout fishing from the banks is over until the lake turns over, but fishing under lights with night crawlers has produced rainbows to 3-pounds. Trolling for trout continues to be slow. The bass bite is fair with a good top-water bite going on at dawn and dusk with Zara Spooks, buzz baits, or Pop-Rs. When the sun is up, crawdad or shad-colored Carolina-rigged 6″ worms, rip-baits, spinnerbaits, Zoom Baby Brush Hogs, or Senkos are working along the strong mud lines that are forming on the lake right now. It is best to target main lake points and fish the edge of the mud line and on the shaded side of coves and against steep drop-offs and cliff faces during the heat of the day, as well. Night fishing with a dark colored Power Worm right now is also a good way to target bass. Catfishing continues to be excellent with fish to 6-pounds on anchovies, mackerel, sardines, chicken liver, or a ball of nightcrawlers. Crappie and bluegill action is best at night under lights at depths from 10 to 30 feet around submerged trees with live small or medium minnows, or crappie jigs with jigs in red/white, black/chartreuse or purple/white in Bear, Carson or Mormon Creeks. Glory Hole will be holding a seminar on August 30th at 3:00 p.m. with Ed Burlarley of Sierra Guide Service talking about “Catching the Elusive Brown”. The lake dropped to 966.89 feet in elevation and 49% of capacity. The Angels Cove Launch Ramp is closed with the Tuttletown on the low water ramp and Glory Hole at the mid-ramp.
Call (209) 736-4333, Monte Smith (209) 581-4734, Danny Layne -Fishn’ Dan (209) 586 2383, Sierra Sport Fishing (209) 599-2023.

San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay
Stripers-3 Catfish -2
Bass-2 Crappie-2 Ly Tu of Ly’s Fishing Goods in San Jose reported quick limits of stripers to 26-inches on mooched anchovies in the front of the Dam and the Trash Racks at depths from 60 to 80 feet. The lake levels are coming up slowly with increased pumping from the Delta. In the Forebay, the water is moving quickly as a result of the pumping, and the movement flattens down the grass, allowing bait to hide under the weeds. As a result, fishing is much slower. A few stripers of barely-legal size are landed on grass shrimp or anchovies. Catfish are hitting clams or cut baits near the Forebay Dam. Wind conditions: 800-805-4805. ; Call: Ly’s Fishing Goods (408) 629-9644; Coyote Bait and Tackle (408) 463-0711.

Eastman Lake
Bass-2 Trout-2 Bluegill -2 Catfish-2 Crappie-2
Bob Scharton of Herb Bauer’s Sporting Goods said a few quality bass to 3.5-pounds have been landed on Keeper 1082 worms at 10 to 15 feet. The surface water temperature is high with a greenish tinge to the lake. Catfishing from the banks or up the river arm has been fair with chicken livers or anchovies. The lake dropped a vertical foot to 472.12 feet in elevation and 9% of capacity and is expected to stabilize at this low level. Call: 689-3255.

Hensley Lake
Bas s-2 Trout-2 Catfish-3 Crappie-2
Overall, bass fishing is slow with the low lake levels and high surface temperatures. Catfish provide the best action from the banks upriver at the Campgrounds or in the deep holes in the river arm with chicken livers or anchovies. The lake is holding at 477.44 feet in elevation and 21% of capacity. The swimming area is closed for the season due to a steep drop off caused by low lake levels. Both ramps are open, but the Buckridge – East side – of the lake closes at dark due to recent vandalism. Boaters using this launch need to be off of the lake by closing time. Call:225-1838, 292-3474, 673-5151

McSwain Reservoir
Trout-3
McSwain Marina said the recent trout plants have turned up the bite with chartreuse Power Bait from the Brush Pile or the Handicapped Docks. Trolling has been the slower of the two options, but things are starting to improve with chrome/blue Kastmasters or green Wedding Rings tipped with a crawler from the Dam to the 2nd Fence Line. A Calaveras trout plant is scheduled for the latter portion of this week. Call: (209) 378-2534.

Delta Mendota Canal and Sloughs
Stripers-3 Catfish-3
James Mize of Valley Rod and Gun in Clovis reported most area anglers are heading to Mendota Slough for stripers or catfish with anchovies. Flukes in white on a ½ oz. jighead and Lucky Craft 128’s in American Shad or Ghost Minnow are working for the small linesides in the moving water. Pete Cormier of Bob’s Bait Bucket said the off and on water flows have confused anglers, leaving one to drop a 1-pound weight to stay on the bottom. There is a good deal of moss and debris flowing down with the rapidly moving water. A 4.25-pound lineside still leads the August Striper Derby.

Millerton Lake/San Joaquin River
Bass-2 Stripers-2 Shad-2 Trout-2
There hasn’t been much fishing pressure on this lake with high boat traffic, high temperatures and rapidly dropping water. Based on the normal patterns, small bass should be holding along deep, sloping banks with shad-patterned plastics. No striper reports. Boat traffic is still high, but this should slow down after this weekend with school back in session. The lake dropped 6 vertical feet to 543.07 feet in elevation and 70% of capacity. Upriver rocks becoming dangerous. As a result of water releases, river levels are high, making lures more effective for a reaction strike from the planted trout than Power Bait or night crawlers. Call: 225-1838, 292-3474.

Pine Flat Reservoir
Bass-2 Trout-2 Catfish-2
Bass fishing continues to be difficult as evidenced by the winning weights at the club tournaments over the weekend. There were two limits weighed in during the 31 boat Fresno Bass Club Tournament on Sunday. The lake has been dropping over a foot per day which always slows down the bass bite. Patrick Movey said deep diving crankbaits or dart-headed plastics fished near submerged trees have pulled out the best fish. On the trout scene, Bob Scharton said there are good-sized shad schools in the lake, and trout fishermen are trolling at depths to 30 feet with Cop Car Needlefish, ExCel spoons, Shasta Tackle Matrix Paddletails or 1.5-inch Berkley Grubs in shad colors for some decent fish. Finding the shad balls is still the key to success. An estimated 20-pound catfish was taken on anchovies. The lake has another 11 vertical feet to 784.48 feet in elevation to 27% of capacity. The lower Kings below the Dam is running high from the water releases. Call: 787-2387, 225-1838, 292-3474.

McClure Reservoir
Bass-3 Trout-3 King Salmon-2 Kokanee-2 Crappie-2 Catfish-4
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing took a couple of recent trips to the Spillway and Dam area with some decent action on king salmon to 2.5-pounds. On his first trip, Smith put in 6 kings, 2 rainbows and 3 kokanee to 17-inches at depths on dropper lines at 40 to 50 feet with the kings down from 85 to 120 feet. On his second trip, the bite was tougher with 6 kings in the deep water on rolled shad. Manny Basi at the Bait Barn in Waterford reported a strong spotted bass bite with shad-pattern plastics on the drop-shot or dart head, brown jigs with a short skirt cut to the base of the hook or Senkos in color 330 from the banks to 40 feet in Temperance Creek or up in the River Narrows. Top water PopR’s are working early or late. Diana Mello of A-1 Bait in Snelling said live minnows or crawdads have been hot for bass from the banks to 15 feet in depth. The Keeper 1082 plastic has been a top seller. Catfishing is excellent with anchovies or live crawdads in Piney Creek or any major creek arm along sloping banks. Crappie fishing has been slow with a few fish taken from the Houseboats. The lake has dropped four vertical feet to 779.58 feet in elevation and 52% of capacity. Call: A-1 Bait (209) 563-6505, Fishwrangler’s Guide Service (209) 604-8222, Bub Tosh (209) 404-0053.

Lake Don Pedro
Bass-3 Trout-2 Kokanee-2 King Salmon-2
Manny Basi said bass fishing is hot with live minnows from the banks near the Marina or near Moccasin. Tournament anglers are using shad-patterned plastics on a dart-head or drop shot at depths to 40 feet. The reaction bite is still very slow. A few kokanee are possible at depths to 110 feet, but for all intents and purposes, the kokanee season is over. Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sport Fishing has been working the lake on a regular basis, leading one to believe that there may be a quietly kept secret on the king salmon front. The lake is at 789.99 feet in elevation and 77% of capacity. Call: Monte Smith (209) 581-4734, Danny Layne -Fishn’ Dan (209) 586-2383, Bait Barn (209) 874-301.

HIGH SIERRA
Bass Lake
Bass-2 Trout-3 Kokanee-2
Todd Wittwer of Kokanee.net Guide Service said kokanee are still a mystery with one fish to 17-inches landed this week with his best day at 4 kokanee on a trip. Overall, the lack of adult kokanee in the lake is unprecedented, and a cause for concern. The best action has been for holdover trout with the blue RGT behind a Blue Ice dodger or the watermelon Radical Glow Tube behind the 5.5-inch watermelon dodger at depths from 25 to 35 feet. He found a few kokanee near the Dam for the first time this week. The rainbow trout have been feeding heavily on snails along the bottom of the lake. Boat traffic is expected to continue to be heavy until Labor Day with less traffic during the week with the start of school. James Mize said a few bass anglers are picking up small fish at night, as fishing during the day is next to impossible with the boat traffic. The lake is holding at 74% of capacity. Call: 642-3141, Todd Wittwer 288-8100, 642-3633, 642-3737; Mike Bieghy 642-3748.

Shaver Lake/Huntington Lake
Kokanee-2 Trout-3 Smallmouth-4
Dick Nichols of Dick’s Fishing Charters reported trout fishing improved late in the week with limits of trout from 13 to 15-inches located at 15 feet in depth near the Point, Boy Scout Island or Blackrock with homemade chartreuse/orange spinners tipped with a night crawler. The best bite is in the early morning before the jet skiers take over the lake. Captain Jack Yandell said kokanee fishing continues to be a struggle with a few fish found at 55 to 60 feet with the green Fat Bug behind a silver/green Jumbo Jack blade. The kokanee should start spawning in the next couple of weeks, and the bite should improve significantly. Smallmouth bass are found in the rocks between Shaver Lake Marina and Bikini Cove with live crickets or spinners. Dick Gomez of Young’s Sporting Goods said the trout and kokanee bite at Huntington has slowed down with up to 2 to 3 decent fish per trip on kokanee gear at depths to 35 feet. The bank trout bite in Rancheria Creek has been excellent with various colors of Power Bait. Huntington is still at 99% with Shaver dropping to 79%. Cal l: 841-2522, 841-2740, Dinkey Creek Inn 841-3435, Rancheria Marina 893-3234, Young’s Sporting Goods 841-8271, Dick’s Fishing Charters 841-5331.

Wishon/Courtright
Trout-2
Patrick Movey said Wishon continues to be slow with up to four fish a rod landed on rainbow Power Bait from the shorelines. Trollers are running from 5 to 7 colors with silver/blue Thomas Buoyants for a few fish. Courtright is the best high country option with blade/crawler combinations or red/gold Thomas Buoyants at 4 to 8 colors. Shore fishing is fair with night crawlers or Power Bait. Bob Scharton continues to receive good reports from the South Fork of the Kings River near Cedar Grove with fly fishermen working attractor patterns, stimulator or tubes. Dick Gomez at Young’s Sporting Goods reported planters in the pools in Dinkey Creek are providing good action with crickets, salmon eggs or night crawlers. This is a great place to take a kid fishing. Call: Wishon RV Park 865-5361

Edison/Florence/Mammoth Pool
Brown Trout-2 Trout-2
Local angler Dale Parrish reported mixed limits of browns and rainbows are possible at Edison, but fishermen have to be patient and work hard. The browns are at depths from 40 to 60 feet with Rapalas behind a Hyperplaid dodger with rainbows holding from 25 to 40 feet with the red/white Assassin spinner. Edison is holding at 68% with the ramp fully operational, Florence dropping to 38% with Mammoth Pool dropping to 59%. Call: 259-4000.

OCEAN
San Francisco Bay
Halibut-2 Stripers-2 Rockfish- 3 Leopard Shark – 3 Albacore-2 Sturgeon-2
Rough ocean conditions limited ocean action until the weekend, but better weather allowed The New Huck Finn and Super Fish out of Emeryville to go to the Farallons on Sunday for 25 limits of rockfish to go with a great ling count at 23 to 14-pounds. They are scheduling rockfish/ling cod trips throughout the week with an open load albacore trip on Wednesday. The weather is expected to cooperate all week, and boats are heading out for albacore from all ports. Bob Wright, second captain of the Happy Hooker, put in some of the largest halibut of the season outside the Golden Gate on Sunday with 11 fish ranging from 38 to 14-pounds with fish of 33, 31, 27 and 25-pounds in the box. The slower tides and heavy boat traffic put a hurt on the halibut counts over the weekend, but the larger tides should keep the halibut counts on the upward swing for the next couple of day with a larger window for picking the bass off of the rockpiles. Kevin Yost of Lucky Strike Fishing put in halibut to 28-pounds and 6 leopard sharks to 25-pounds on the weekend with the sharks picking up the large anchovies on the drift with the small tides. Off the San Pablo Bay shoreline, stripers to 10-pounds are hitting live bullheads on their way up into the river system.

Delta/Stockton
Bass-3 Stripers-3 Sturgeon-2
The stripers are clearly on their move up into the Delta with the first real wave of small fish starting through the system. Despite the presence of great striper fishing on the beaches this summer, and spurts of stripers at Mel’s Reef and the rockpiles and the recent fish moving into the Delta, based upon recent data from Department of Fish and Game Biologist Marty Gingras of the Stockton Office, the striped bass population is declining in California and Oregon with the lowest catch during the spring tagging. According to this report, the adult striped bass abundance in California hasn’t declined like young striped bass abundance, but the adult population includes a much smaller percentage of older fish currently compared to the pre-1970’s. The adult population will continue to decline, making catch and release a priority. Mark Wilson of Mark Wilson’s Sport Fishing put in 188 legal fish in 4 days of trolling both deep and shallow lures, primarily below the Rio Vista Bridge. He had been working deep, but he found fish in shallow water at the latter part of the week. The majority of the fish are just legal up to 8-pounds, but they are willing to strike. On one trip, they had 17 double hookups. The smaller tides have been a key in getting the fish to move up into the system, as well as providing clean water for trolling. Jeff Boyle of the Bass Pro Shop in Manteca reported fantastic action on both sides of Decker Island, both on the deep and shallow troll. The best action was at the change and on the incoming tide. They were even able to spoon up a bunch of schoolies on 1 oz, Megabait spoons in green or chartreuse. Jay Sorensen of Jolly Jay’s Guide Service boated a pair of 14-pound/34-inch fish on the incoming tide off of Decker Island on fresh shad on Sunday. The Hook, Line and Sinker in Oakley reported a good striper bite in the mornings and evenings on top water lures such as Zara Spooks or shad or rainbow-trout wake baits. Schools of stripers have been seen busting the surface in
Discovery Bay, Russo’s Marina and Sugar Barge chasing bluegill or threadfin shad. Further upriver, Dockside Bait in Pittsburg said things have been very slow over the weekend with small, bait-stealing stripers keeping sturgeon anglers from being able to keep the bait on the bottom long enough for a diamondback. Randy Pringle, the Fishing Instructor, found a large school of stripers in the 3 to 5-pound range in the upper Delta on Monday, and they hit the linesides chasing bluegill and shad with the IMA Flit rip bait in shad patterns, the IMA Rhumba or Big Stick. For largemouth bass, Pringle advised using the Persuader E-chip jig in black/red or blue/red or the Berkeley Heavyweight worm in earth tones or June Bug. Once the wind makes a ripple on the surface of the water, the Persuader Double Buzzer buzzbait in chartreuse/white is a must. Call:; Randy Pringle (209) 543-6260; Kevin Yost, Lucky Strike Fishing (707) 301-8050, Mark Wilson Sport Fishing (916) 682-1630, Fin Addict Sport Fishing (209) 367-4665, Jolly Jay’s Guide Service (209) 478-6645.

Tournament Results

Pine Flat –Kings River Bass Club– August 15: 1st –Cesar Gonzalez– 8.18-pounds (Big Fish – 5.87); 2nd –Larry Marshall– 5.24 -pounds; 3rd –Jerry Martens– 5.17.

Isabella – American Bass Association– August 15: 1st –Steven and Brett Davies– 27.17 -pounds (Big Fish – 11.63); 2nd –Randy McAbee Sr. and Jr. – 27.12 -pounds; 3rd –Jim and Carl Dobbs – 15.71.

Pine Flat – Fresno Bass Club – August 16th : 1st –Morgan Swisher– 8.20-pounds ; 2nd –Cliff Woods– 6.17-pounds; 3rd –Todd Hayes– 3.44( Big Fish – 2.44).

Upcoming

August 27th –Terry Walton–Custom Rod Building– 6:15 p.m. ––Fresno Fisherman’s Warehouse
September 3rd –Randy Pringle, The Fishing Instructor – Bass Fishing – 6:15 p.m. ––Fresno Fisherman’s Warehouse

8/29 Nacimiento – Jim’s Pro Bass
Lopez – Taft Bass

9/5 Pine Flat – Fresno Bass

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ESCOVEDO MAKES HIS RETURN AT TACHI; MARSHALL GETS THE WIN

By James Gilliland
VSP MMA Columnist

Lemoore – The Tachi Palace hosted PFC 13: Validation featuring three title fights and numerous local fighters.

In the main event, Visalia native and former WEC light heavyweight champion, Doug “The Rhino” Marshall (9-3) takes a split decision victory over Jaime “El Cucui” Jara (21-6), the current PureCombat middleweight champion.

In the first round, both fighters are in the clinch working for position. They break and go back into the clinch, Jara looking to take Marshall’s back. Rhino defends and works to a face to face clinch, they break again. Marshall lands a kick to the head that rattles Jara, seconds after the round is over.

Round two begins and both fighters work in the clinch for most of the round. The fighters go to the ground, Jara on top pounding away until the round ends.

In round three, Jara scores a takedown early and works to take Marshall’s back. Jara applies a rear naked choke but Marshall fights it off, the ref stands them up as they slug it out and clinch to finish the fight. Marshall scores the split decision. \

“That’s my first decision, I’m not disappointed in my performance at all,” said Marshall. “Now, I know why he has so many fights and he is so damn ugly.”

Marshall also called out Merced native, Phil “The Pain” Collins afterwards. “I’ll be coming to see you Phil, again.” (Note: Marshall has already defeated Collins)

Two years ago, Fresno’s Cole Escovedo (11-4) the former WEC featherweight champion, was nearly paralyzed after a staph infection tore through his body. He made his return Friday night against Michael McDonald (7-0).

In the first round, Escovedo showed no sign of ring rust as he dominated McDonald, putting on a jiu-jitsu clinic after getting the takedown. He applied an armbar but McDonald held out until the end of the round.

In round two, Escovedo scores another takedown and works to gain McDonald’s back attempting submissions. He would work to the mount and pound away at McDonald until the referee stops the fight.

Escovedo wins by knockout from ground and pound at 2:25 in the second round. As he was celebrating his win, he pointed to his mother and yelled out “Happy Mother’s Day.” She was visibly emotional as she cheered her son on.

“I’m just glad to get the W, we were just really nervous to see what was going to happen,” said Escovedo. “Is my body going to be there, is it going to do what I want it to do and it did.”

In welterweight action, the PFC welterweight title was up for grabs as Olaf Alfonso (8-10) competes against Kyle Pimentel (6-0).

Round one, Pimentel scores a takedown after being in the clinch; the referee stands them up after an exchange the round ends. In round two, Pimentel scores another takedown and works ground and pound for the rest of the round.

The fight goes into the third round; they end up on the ground the referee eventually stands them up. They go back to the ground and Pimentel continues working with punches. The ref stands them up and has the doctor check the cut on Olaf’s face. The doctor and ref call the fight at 2:48 in the third round, winner by technical knockout and new welterweight champion, Pimentel.

Fresno native and former Fresno State wrestler, Casey “The Underdog” Olson (9-2) collides with Eddie Yagin (12-3) in a featherweight bout.

In the first round, Yagin hits Olson with a hard right knocking him down. Yagin follows Olson to the ground and applies a guillotine choke submitting Olson at 1:16 in the first round.

The PFC lightweight championship is up for grabs as Dominique Robinson (14-2) goes to war with Carlo Prater (23-6).

The first round, they would clinch and break the whole round. The more effective striking would have to go to Robinson. In round two, it was the same as the first. Both fighters striking the whole round, they would clinch to finish the round. Robinson would have the better striking again.

In round three, Prater would score two takedowns but not do much else and takes the round based on takedowns. Round four, Prater striking is on point and scores a takedown but is warned for strikes to the back of the head.

In the final round, Prater would score two takedowns and show off in front of the camera. Prater would go on to win the PFC lightweight title by unanimous decision.

Phil “The Pain” Collins (7-4) was supposed to fight Leopoldo Serao (15-7) the fight was cancelled due to Serao having a Staph infection.

Fighting for the PFC flyweight championship, Team Buhawe and Visalia native, Anthony Perales (3-0) took on Pat Runez (5-0). In the second round, Runez would take control gaining the back of Perales eventually winning by rear naked choke at 2:28 in the second round.

On the undercard:

IFL veteran, John Gunderson (19-6) loses to Bryan Travers (11-1) by unanimous decision.

In the only women’s bout of the evening, Erin Toughill (9-2-1) defeats Emily Thompson (4-0) by a unanimous decision.

Gabe Ruediger (11-5) makes quick work of Lemoore native, Darren “D.C.” Crisp (6-3) submitting him by guillotine choke at 1:03 in the first round.

Scott Mcafree (7-1) wins a slugfest over Bill Thoefanopolos (3-1), knocking him out with an overhand right at 0:43 in the second round.

In the opening bout, Team Buhawe’s John Reedy (6-3) defeats Marcelo Guidici (8-1) by a unanimous decision.

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LOCAL FIGHTERS PREPARE FOR STRIKEFORCE

By James Gilliland
VSP MMA Columnist

Strikeforce Challengers will hit the Save Mart Center on May 15 but before that happens there was an open workout at Gold’s Gym featuring a few of the fighters on the card.

Ben Holscher (1-0), a health teacher at Clovis High and will be making his Strikeforce debut in only his second fight.

“I consider myself very blessed, this is a huge opportunity and I’m going to make the best of it,” said Holscher. “I’m just going to take it as it comes.”

Making his fifth appearance on a Strikeforce card, Team Buhawe and valley native, Billy Evangelista (9-0) looks to remain undefeated as he takes on Mike Aina (11-6-1).

Evangelista is excited to have the home field advantage in his upcoming bout.

“It’s exciting just because it’s going to be here,” said Evangelista. “More people know me here compared to other places, where people have to warm up to me. I’m the guy nobody likes me cause I’m not from there.”

His reputation in the valley has grown, along with the popularity of MMA.

“People recognize me and I feel kind of shocked, I don’t think I’m really popular,” said Evangelista.

Strikeforce added Chad Sutton (2-1) to the card as a late replacement.

“I got the call at 10:30 at night, I was in the gym at 11 doing cardio,” said Sutton. “I’m trying to get in shape as fast as I can.”

Chad doesn’t know much about his opponent, Spencer Herns, since he is making his pro debut against Sutton.

“I would like to submit him; I’ll do anything it really doesn’t matter to me,” said Sutton. “I’m going to leave it all in there.”

Sutton moved to the valley and began training at Fresno Kickboxing Academy with UFC and Strikeforce veteran, Jason Von Flue. Prior to moving to the valley, he trained with Sean Shrek, former UFC lightweight champion and UFC vet, Roger Huerta.

In his last fight, Sutton defeated Eli Moreno (4-6) by guillotine choke in less than a minute in the first round.

Also, at the workout was heavyweight contender and Madera native, Lavar Johnson (11-3).

“It’s exciting, it’s a chance to be on Showtime and showcase my skills,” said Johnson.

Lavar hopes that this fight will lead to more big name fights in the future. In Johnson’s last outing he beat Dave Huckaba (10-3) by technical knockout in the first round.

All the fighters I spoke with are excited about the card and having it in their own backyard.

“There’s a lot of people coming out, this is a huge event,” said Holscher.

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BEAR CLAWED

The Fresno State women’s basketball team suffers another blowout loss in the NCAA Tournament.

By George Takata
VSP Senior Writer

LOS ANGELES-Three minutes and ten seconds had elapsed on the clock without either team making a bucket. Six missed shots, three by Cal, three by Fresno State. A 24-18 Bulldog deficit for the longest time until LaShay Fears hit a layup to cut the Bears lead to four. The Red Wave went bonkers. The momemtum shifted.

For 20 seconds.

The mini hibernation ended after that. Pac-10 leading scorer Ashley Walker buried a jumper, and fourth seeded California went on a 23-3 run at the end of the first half and beginning of the second to turn out the lights on Fresno State’s upset bid, 70-47. It was the lowest scoring output for the Bulldogs this season, matching their 47 point effort at Idaho February 13.

“The bottom line was we played a very good team today,” Bulldogs head coach Adrian Wiggins said. They did a great job of executing. At the same time, we’re very proud of the season we’ve had.”

Fresno State claimed to have more confidence entering their second consecutive NCAA Tournament, using last year’s opening round loss to Baylor as a learning tool. But Cal’s perimeter defense, Walker’s offense (a game-high 21 points), 21 Bulldog turnovers and Fresno State’s inability to convert layups brought back images of 2008.

“I think we were a little nervous,” said Fears, who continued her outstanding postseason play with a team-high 18 points. “I think we just missed them (layups) on our own. They didn’t do anything to cause us to miss.”

Sophomore guard Jaleesa Ross, the Bulldogs’ leading scorer, was closed for business for most of the night. She didn’t get on the board until she hit a three pointer with 9:25 left in the game. Ross finished 3-14 from the field, with eight points, four turnovers and mass frustration. She fouled out with 46 seconds left.

“I didn’t have a great shooting day but our team did really well,” Ross said. “Shay pushed the ball really well, got to the hole. We did some things really well. It wasn’t all about my shooting.”

The misfiring was a team effort. Fresno State, the nation’s leading three point shooting team, finished just 4-18 from the land of plenty (22.2 percent). They were just 32 percent from the floor overall.

To the Bulldogs’ credit, they played decent defense, outrebounded the Bears 38-36 and had a relatively easy time driving to the basket. Converting passes and layups once they got to the paint was the issue.

“We had some great looks, some good opportunities. We just didn’t finish,” said Wiggins. “If you look at it, you remember a couple of backdoor cuts, we had four. We bobbled it. We didn’t finish. We didn’t make a layup. We turned it over. And we’ve been converting that backdoor cut. That was a lot of confidence we were missing. And it’s something that happens when you play good teams.”

The back-to back WAC champions finish their season with a 24-9 record, one of the most successful seasons in program history. Fresno State loses seniors Bailey Amundsen, LaToya Brown and LaShaunte Stephens, but with most of the team returning, including starting point guard Emma Andrews from a season-long suspension, the Bulldogs look to be one of the top teams in the conference again.

Whether they’ll be able to win for the first time ever in the Big Dance is the Big Question.

“These past two experiences in the NCAA’s have definitely showed us what we need to do in the offseason to come back and compete with teams like that (Cal),” Ross said. “We can get it done.”

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Andrew Marden

Andrew Marden knows he can never take the place of George Takata’s long-time partner at CBS 47 (and fellow valleysportspulse.com contributor) Paul Loeffler, but since he is always around the valley sports scene and he has a pulse, he figures he’ll be a good fit to work with George on his latest venture.

Andrew is an east coast guy. He grew up in central New Jersey and went to college in upstate New York. So you might be wondering what he is doing in California. He likes to say he is pursuing his dream of being a sportscaster. But so far that “dream” has taken him to South Dakota and Idaho. Some dream, eh?

Andrew’s interests include playing ultimate frisbee and collecting Superman comics. He asks that you not judge his writing based on his apparent maturity level of a 12-year-old.

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