2026 Tulare County Football Preview
The 2026 high school football season in Tulare County is set to begin, bringing together 18 programs that will battle across 11‑man tackle divisions.
A New Era of Competition
A major storyline is the inaugural Central Yosemite Conference, which has been split into East Yosemite and West Yosemite leagues, reshaping the traditional matchups and promising fresh rivalries.
Visalia schools are also undergoing change, with Jesse Lira taking the helm at El Diamante and Tim Adebayo assuming leadership at Mt. Whitney, bringing new offensive philosophies to the field.
Golden West, the defending East Yosemite League champions, entered the season with an undefeated league record and 19 combined wins last year, positioning them as early favorites.
Meanwhile, Tulare Union’s head coach Darren Bennett continues to dominate the Central Section, holding the active winningest record with a career tally of 257‑131‑1.
Stars to Watch
Among the players to watch, Demaje Riley of Tulare Union, a two‑time Bob Mathias Award winner, has committed to Fresno State and accumulated 3,453 career receiving yards, while Amarion Taylor of Tulare Western is drawing scholarship interest from several top programs.
Redwood’s senior lineman Landon Guenter has pledged to Washington State, establishing himself as one of the county’s premier offensive tackles, and junior Jairus Brooks burst onto the scene with 413 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.
Strathmore’s coach Jeromy Blackwell is chasing his 200th career victory, and longtime CVC mentor Don Arax, now at 191‑140‑1, has guided his team to a playoff win each year since 2016.
The Central Section’s backfield will feature seniors Ja'khari Burrell, Shondel Hogan and Josh Hilvers, who together amassed nearly 1,700 rushing yards last season, promising a dynamic ground game.