In a rare Thursday night game, the Madera Coyotes will host the new-look Central-Fresno Grizzlies in Tri-River Athletic Conference play.

For years, it has been openly thought among coaches that Central had as much talent as any team in the section and was a sleeping giant just waiting to awaken.

Like the Coyotes, it was a team seemingly always on the outside looking in, while the Clovis schools continued to dominate the TRAC and Valley. Looking at the two teams over the past five seasons reveals the difficulty each has had in league play as the Coyotes are 7-18 while the Grizzlies are 6-19.

But after going 1-9 last season and 1-4 in TRAC play, the Grizzlies seem to have not just awoken but have erupted by harnessing their stable of athletes under second-year head coach Casey Quinn. They are not just competing with the Clovis schools, but whipping them soundly.

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Paul Stanford Paul Stanford is the sports editor for the Madera Tribune. You can contact Paul at 674.8134 ext. 225 or e-mail at pstanford (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.