CA Public School Football
California
Central East will not have long to settle into the season. The Bengals open Aug. 14 in Henderson, Nevada, against Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon before returning home for one of the most important games on the schedule. Grant handed Central East its only loss last season, making the Aug. 28 rematch an immediate measuring stick. Road games against Oak Ridge and Turlock follow before the Bengals close nonleague play at home against Liberty-Bakersfield. League play opens Oct. 1 at Clovis North. Central East then plays three consecutive home games against Clovis, Buchanan and Clovis West before finishing the regular season at Clovis East. That closing stretch should determine whether the Bengals repeat as Tri-River Athletic Conference champions and secure another favorable postseason position. Aug. 14: at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon, 6 p.m. Aug. 28: vs. Grant-Sacramento, 5 p.m. Sept. 4: at Oak Ridge, 7 p.m. Sept. 11: at Turlock, 7 p.m. Sept. 17: vs. Liberty-Bakersfield, 7 p.m. Oct. 1: at Clovis North, 7 p.m. Oct. 9: vs. Clovis, 7 p.m. Oct. 16: vs. Buchanan, 7 p.m. Oct. 23: vs. Clovis West, 7 p.m. Oct. 29: at Clovis East, 7 p.m.
Bayon Harris: WR, '27 - Committed to Fresno State Harris developed into one of California’s most productive receivers last season. He caught 86 passes for 1,768 yards and 26 touchdowns, giving Dippel a big and dependable target capable of taking over games. Xavior Jones: ATH/DB, '27 - Committed to San Diego State Jones contributes in all three phases and should remain one of Central East’s most versatile players. He recorded 36 tackles, four interceptions and six pass breakups last season while also producing five offensive touchdowns on limited touches. Relando Jefferson IV: WR, '27 - Committed to Fresno State Jefferson gives the Bengals another established target opposite Harris. He caught 28 passes for 508 yards and seven touchdowns at Clovis West last season and should make an already dangerous passing attack even more difficult to defend. Jontae Della: DB, '27 - Division I offer from San Jose State Della returns after intercepting five passes during Central East’s championship season. His experience and ability to create turnovers will be important for a defense facing several productive passing attacks.
