The 2026 Tulare County high school football season is set to open with a slate of marquee matchups that have fans and coaches alike marking their calendars.
Key Matchups and Early Predictions
Week 1 will feature Immanuel taking on Central Valley Christian, Tulare Western facing El Diamante, Tulare Union battling Mission Oak, and Dinuba going head‑to‑head with Redwood. Analysts are already pointing to Central Valley Christian, Tulare Western and Tulare Union as early favorites, largely because of returning stars such as Juju Hernandez, Nathan Peters and Demaje Riley.
Immanuel broke a seven‑game winless streak against Central Valley Christian last season, posting a 37‑0 victory that marked their first win in the series.
Central Valley Christian will rely on a three‑headed rushing attack featuring Ja'khari Burrell, Shondel Hogan and Josh Hilvers, who combined for nearly 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago.
Nathan Peters is expected to start at quarterback for the Eagles, bringing more than 2,300 career passing yards and 19 touchdowns to the fold.
Tulare Western capped the summer with tournament championships at Lindsay, Fresno State and Cal Poly, driven by Hernandez and Division I recruit Amarion Taylor.
The Tigers have also won eight straight games over El Diamante, including a 54‑28 triumph last year, and return 16 starters under head coach Derek Rosa.
El Diamante went winless in 2025, while Tulare Western’s roster remains one of the most experienced in the county.
Tulare Union lost its starting quarterback Jordan Crisp after a prolific career, opening the door for sophomore Kylan Henderson to take the snap.
Riley, a two‑time Bob Mathias Award winner, returns as the team’s top receiver after back‑to‑back West Yosemite League Player of the Year honors.
Mission Oak has opened five consecutive seasons with a win, and Union hopes to stay competitive with Henderson and Riley leading the offense.
Redwood captured an East Yosemite League championship last season under first‑year coach Curtis Allen, finishing 9‑3 overall.
Dinuba brings a senior‑heavy squad back with high expectations after a five‑win campaign under head coach C.J. Lester, whose staff now includes former Redwood coach Kevin Scharton as offensive coordinator.
Storylines to Watch
The early schedule offers a mix of revenge games, undefeated streaks and fresh quarterback dynamics that could shape the playoff picture in the weeks to come.
Coaches and players alike are feeling the pressure to translate summer success into fall victories, and the first weekend will be a litmus test for many of these teams.