FRESNO – In a game filled with plenty of history, steeped in tradition and pageantry, several of the best football players from up and down the Central Valley cracked helmets for a good cause.
At the 71st Annual City/County All-Star football game, held at Koligian Stadium in Fresno on June 20, several players from the Mid Valley Times region were well-represented. The County’s best showed up to play as they ran over the City team, 37-14 in grand fashion.
This now marks the third consecutive victory for the County against the City. Coalinga quarterback Noah Tasi was named Most Valuable Player for County, and Clovis North’s Ross Cinfel was named MVP for City.
For the players on both teams, and the fans who packed the stands at Koligian, this game isn’t about rivalries or mortal foes locked in gladiatorial combat. This game represents the best players coming together, just for fun, while supporting a good cause.
“Our sponsors and I believe in giving all youth opportunity and fun. The All-Star Game is the perfect way to do that because the players have fun, knowing they are giving back to a youth serving organization,” said Sandra Dee Chaney, Director of Community Relations and Special Events for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County. “This game is as much of a staple in our community as Boys & Girls Clubs are.”
Elijah Douangdara and Jerod “Bubba” Smith represented Fowler. The Sanger Apaches sent four players to the County team, with Cody Coles, Jonathan Ybarra, Jordan Guzman and Adrian Ortiz all making the trip. As for Sanger West, Deray Bland was the lone Hornet on the team. The Selma Bears sent Jacob Hernandez, Braden Francis and Matteo Roque.
Kingsburg’s Dalyn Breckinridge joined fellow Viking John Peterson on the County squad, and Parlier’s Christian Bravo and Orange Cove’s Isaac Angulo were the lone representatives for their teams. The Reedley connection featured the lone Pirate, Chris Alvarez and Immanuel’s Rimia Numia.
The All-Star Game was hosted by The Optimist Club of Greater Fresno and, according to a press release, has raised over $750,000 dollars for Boys & Girls Clubs for this annual affair to date.
