High school football: Sanger powers behind star player, plus Madera making case

Stopping Sanger High star Bryson Baker can be a tough task.

Just ask Bullard.

Baker had a big game for The Bee’s 13th-ranked Apaches when he scored three touchdowns in a 39-20 victory over the 24th-ranked Knights at Tom Flores Stadium.

It was the way Sanger wanted to start the County/Metro Athletic Conference after they faced a tough stretch in the nonleague schedule, facing Hanford and Clovis East, which turned into losses.

Sanger has since won three straight and hopes to continue the winning trend against Garza at Koligian Stadium next week.

Baker, though, made his mark.

He ran the ball 16 times for 127 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Arion Ciano.

Justin Garza remembered

Prior to the San Joaquin Memorial and Garza football game, the schools remembered the late football coach.

“Tomorrow, we commemorate the life and legacy of Coach Justin Garza ‘93. The relationship between SJM alumni and Justin Garza High School will eternally unite us in the sport that Coach Garza passionately dedicated himself to in inspiring young men,” the school wrote.

Garza died in 2017 after a battle with cancer.

He played football at San Joaquin Memorial and later coached at Central as well as Reedley and Sunnyside.

SJM won the game, 26-20.

Madera strong over Edison

Madera High is making a strong case to challenge for the CMAC title.

The Coyotes (5-1, 1-0) defeated Edison 59-20.

Blake Burton had four rushing touchdowns to power the Coyotes.

Madera quarterback Joel Arellano had a rushing and a passing touchdown. He was also making extra points and field goal.