Damon Jenkins has stepped onto the sideline at San Joaquin Memorial, taking over as the school’s new head football coach after a four‑year run that turned Kerman High into a contender.
Championship Pedigree
During his tenure at Kerman, Jenkins compiled a 35‑18 record and guided the team to its first Central Section championship, a 42‑28 victory over Madera in the Division III title game.
The triumph marked the first section crown for the program and capped a turnaround that saw the team improve from a 2‑9 season to a championship contender.
A New Era Begins
Memorial, once a powerhouse in the Central Valley, posted a 5‑6 record in the season before Jenkins arrived, a stark contrast to the glory it enjoyed decades earlier.
Jenkins acknowledges the challenge of reviving a program with deep roots, but he embraces the opportunity to bring the school back to its former stature.
Rich Tuman, who guided Memorial through the previous 5‑6 season, will transition out of the program as Jenkins installs his vision for the future.
The community and players have responded positively to the appointment, eager to see how the new coach will blend tradition with fresh strategy.