Bronco Football

BISHOP TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS IN KERN VALLEY

The Bishop Broncos traveled to Kern Valley Friday night and completely dominated the Kern Valley Broncs with the final score 54-0.

The first half was one of the strangest we have seen. The Kern Valley Broncs were doing their best to cheap shot the Broncos, to throw them off their game and it seemed to be working for a while. There were multiple personal fouls on both sides. There was one KV player finally ejected for collecting a few personal fouls by himself. It looked like it took the Bishop boys a ton of self restraint to not let the foul play of KV to get the best of them. The Broncos went into halftime with a 18-0 lead.

Then the second half started.

Coach Palu and the staff made sure their team knew that these cheap tactics would not work and the Broncos responded with one of the best defensive effort of the season. Kern Valleys offense never got going…all game!

The entire Bishop defense was on point. 7 sacks and 2 interceptions for the Bronco defense. The defensive line dominated KV all night. Cheap shots and hostile territory didn’t faze these boys. KV never had good field position during the entire game with many drives going backwards. That would allow the Bishop offense some of the best field position all year.

Senior QB Jakob Redmond was solid completing 15 of 20 passes for 322 yards with 5 touchdowns. Kruger, Frigerio (2), Omohundro and Arndal all catching TD’s from Redmond. Bishop Broncos and an excellent passing game just sounds so strange! Years of just pounding the football is what Bishop does and now they have both passing and running.

It’s a great day to be a Bronco fan!!!

Bronco stats at Maxpreps!!

https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-15-2021/football-fall-21/bishop-union-vs-kern-valley.htm?c=GA3UbdXTBUeFMMro4jny4g#tab=box-score&schoolid=11128c05-a8be-4bca-ac63-b48c620a7cd7

Next up, Rosamond comes to Bishop for Homecoming

Friday, October 22nd at 7pm.

 

Photos courtesy of Gary Young Photography

Hawthorne’s Vacant Property Owners Will Pay Higher Fees

The Hawthorne, NV Utilities District announced that under an ordinance passed in 2006, homes and business owners that haven’t used  water or sewer services in the last seven years, will have to install up-to-date water and sewer connections in order to re-activate their property. And they’ll be paying higher, current rates.

Contact the Hawthorne Utilities District: www.minerialcountynv.us

Thank you Hawthorne for listening to KIBS on 102.3 FM.

 

Bishop Bronco Football is Back!

Friday Night Lights are back for the Bishop Union High School Bronco’s.

Friday, April 30, the team will travel to Orosi High School in Tulare County to face the Panthers. It will be a rematch of the 2019 CIF Division 6 title game.

The 6:00 p.m. game will be heard live on AM 1230 KBOV, with play-by-play announcer Adam Gonzalez, joined for the half-time show and the game wrap up with KIBS/KBOV’s Sport Director Ken Harrison.

Bronco Coach Arnie Palu stated he is trying to line up other opportunities for the Bronco’s to play under the quickly-changing COVID conditions on April 16 and 23.

STEVEN PACO OUT FOR BISHOP BRONCOS FOOTBALL SEASON

(Edited 10-21-20 @ 12:30 p.m.) Two weeks ago, in what was supposed to be a fun pick up game of football with friends in Bishop City Park, turned into a high school sports-ending injury. Two weeks ago,  Broncos star running back, Steven Paco suffered a major ACL ligament tear.

The senior varsity running back had surgery at Mammoth Hospital on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, to show their support, love, and help in his healing process, friends, family, and fans held a “Paco Parade” past his home in west Bishop, with honking horns, signs, and hugs.

While he was all smiles at the surprise parade, of his injury, he said “It just really hurts.” His mom Shelly says he will start recovery therapy on Friday.

Paco started playing football in the 6th grade. He played for the varsity Bishop Broncos in his freshman year.

With his sports future uncertain for now, Steven said he will perhaps attend a two-year community college that has a football program. Then he might be able to transfer to a four-year college, hopefully with a scholarship.

 

 

CIF Postpones All Sports Until Winter

Release from CIF:

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has determined, in collaboration with our 10 Sections, that education-based athletics for the 2020-2021 school year will begin with a modified season of sport schedule (see below for 2020-21 sports calendar). Our calendar reflects the season for each CIF sport and the last date for Section Championships and Regional/State Championships in those sports where a Regional/State Championship is currently offered. Following this announcement, each CIF Section Office will release their own calendar to reflect regular season starting and ending dates and Section playoffs. It is anticipated that most Section start dates will commence in December 2020 or January 2021.

We are continuously monitoring the directives and guidelines released from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health, and local county health departments and agencies as these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools/school districts with student health and safety at the forefront. As these guidelines change, CIF Sections may allow for athletic activity to potentially resume under the summer period rules of the local Section. Also, given this calendar change, the CIF has temporarily suspended Bylaws 600-605 (Outside Competition) in all sports for the 2020-21 school year (see below for more specific information related to these changes).

Bishop Union Win Third CIF Championship in School History

Photos by Gary Young

Defense wins championships. However cliché it sounds, the Bishop Bronco’s defense is what won them the championship against the Orosi Cardinals on Saturday night.

Midway through the first quarter, the Broncos forced their first turnover of the game, when Jaydan Braithwaite stole Orosi Quarterback, Evan Lara’s screen pass, which was intended for star running back, Dominic Martinez inside the red zone. Braithwaite knew the ball was going to be thrown to Martinez before Lara could even react.

Later on, Orosi had another opportunity to score inside the red zone. Lara tried to throw a ball off of his back foot. The wayward throw was intercepted in the middle of the field by Darren Dondero, who recorded his fourth interception of the season.

Right before halftime, it appeared as though Orosi would score some much needed points trailing 13-0. Dominic Martinez received the hand off, shifted to the left and headed toward the goal line. That’s when a host of Bronco defenders stormed toward Martinez, who was on the one yard line and fumbled before scoring.

The ball looked like it had a mind of its own, inexplicably shooting out of the hands of the junior tailback toward the touchdown marker as defenders closed in on Martinez. The officials determined the Orosi Cardinal did not cross the goal line, therefore the Broncos would take possession on their 20 yard line.

Later on in the game, Lara would fumble the ball for the team’s fourth turnover on the night near midfield.

Turnovers weren’t the only facet of the game in which Ricky Beal’s defense thrived. Sophomore, Kennedy Bachelder led the team with ten tackles and two sacks. Cornerback, Joe Weaver had five pass breakups along with two tackles, and Tristan Valle recorded seven tackles and one sack.

Although Bishop’s defense is it’s strength, the Broncos offense isn’t too shabby either. Led by Luke McClean and Steven Paco, James Ferrell’s offense has scored fifty-five total touchdowns this season. Five of those touchdowns were scored in the championship.

Going into the second quarter, the game was tied 0-0. Steven Paco turned the tide in favor of Bishop with a one yard scamper into the end zone, making it 7-0. The first score of the game was Paco’s 14th rushing touchdown of the year.

Later on in the second quarter, Luke McClean found Johnny Torres, affectionately known now as “Johnny Playoffs” for his stellar performances in the post season for a twenty yard reception, which put the Broncos at the one yard line. McClean finished off the drive with a one yard rushing touchdown.

With 10:30 to go in the third quarter, McClean hooked up with the player of the game, Joe Weaver for a twenty yard touchdown pass over the middle. Bishop converted the two-point attempt to give them a three score lead against Orosi.

Luke McClean would get his second touchdown of the game when he kept the ball for a three yard touchdown right before the fourth quarter began. The rush was the star quarterback’s eighteenth touchdown on the ground this season.

Bishop’s offense would finish off the night with a twenty yard sweep to “Johnny Playoffs.” Torres went in motion from the right side, took the ball up the left, and blew past the Cardinal defenders. The game would finish 34-7.

The CIF title is the first for Head Coach, Arnie Palu and the third in school history. The team’s last championship came in 2010. Before that, Bishop had to wait fifty-three years to see a title, which happened in 1957.

Bishop Win a Thriller to Advance to the CIF Championship Game

Photos by Gary Young Photography

Resilience is a word that comes to mind when describing Bishop’s effort Friday night.

The first half belonged to the Cardinals. Lindsay controlled the tempo on their first possession, with a methodical march down the field that lasted nearly seven minutes. Star running back, Danny Trujillo, who came into the game with more than 2,100 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, was dragging Bishop’s front seven forward on what appeared to be nearly every play.

Nearly every time the standout halfback was hit, he would fall forward, or break a tackle, until Lindsay found themselves on Bishop’s doorstep. Lindsay scored on a one yard run, but it was Danny’s brother, Israel who punched it in.

Down 7-0, the Broncos quickly responded. Lindsay put all of their eggs into one basket by trying to stop the run the subsequent drive. With 2:40 to go in the first quarter, Luke McClean threw a strike down the middle of the field to Jaydan Braithwaite for a 55 yard touchdown.

After tying the game up at seven a piece, Bishop didn’t do much else in the first half. The Trujillo brothers were running rampant on the Bronco’s front seven. It seemed like every time a linebacker or defensive lineman had a good angle for a tackle, the Trujillo brothers were able to slip by the defense.The ground and pound formula paid dividends yet again for Lindsay, when Danny Trujillo scored a six yard touchdown to make it 16-7 Cardinals. Bishop looked tired, beaten, and battered.

Bishop got the ball to start the second half. The waters did not calm for the Broncos during the first drive. Star quarterback, Luke McClean threw an interception on the near sideline, giving the ball back to the Cardinals in Bishop territory. The interception could have been the moment where head coach, Arnie Palu’s team folded, but it wasn’t.

Instead, the turnover was a moment which appeared to galvanize the team. Bishop forced a three and out after the turnover, and for the rest of the game defensive coordinator, Rick Beall had his defense dialed in.

Those Grand Canyon sized holes Danny Trujillo was running through in the first half turned into narrow crevices. All of those missed tackles in the first half were a thing of the past. The Broncos were able to get to Trujillo before he had any steam and nullified most of his rushing attempts.

The offense followed the defense’s example, playing inspired football. In the third quarter, the Luke McClean found wide receiver, Johnny Torres for a thirty yard touchdown to pull within two.

In the fourth and final quarter, McClean went back to Torres, who was wide open for a fifteen yard touchdown. The crowd erupted as Bishop had finally taken the lead. McClean then scored the two-point conversion on a direct snap. Bishop were up 22-16.

After the score, it was time for the Bronco defense to hold the line. On a crucial third down, Sophomore, Kennedy Bachelder sacked quarterback, Randon Gomez resulting in a fourth down and long for Lindsay. The Cardinals were bailed out on what would have been Lindsay’s final play, when Sophomore, Luis Cruz got called for pass interference.

With about two minutes left in the game, Gomez threw up a prayer with hopes of trying to convert a first down. That prayer was not answered. The ball was thrown near Steven Paco, who came up with the game-winning interception.

The final score in this one was 22-16. Bishop will now match up against Orosi in the CIF Championship Game for Division Six.

Bishop Advance to the D-6 CIF CS Semifinals

Photos by Gary Young

The Bishop Broncos have advanced to the semi finals of the CIF Central Section playoffs after knocking out the eight-seeded Foothill Trojans.

Early in the first quarter Junior running back, Steven Paco snapped his two game scoreless skid when he ran in the ball from inside the five yard line.

The play was set up by Luke McClean, who passed the ball to Jon Torres for a gain of forty yards. Two plays later, Jaydan Braithwaite tried to score off of a sweep, which Foothill were able to stop after a fourteen yard gain. The prior play set up Paco’s easy touchdown making it 7-0 in favor of Bishop.

Foothill quickly answered back thanks to the impressive running of Bryan “Pony” Diaz. The senior ran the ball up the middle three times in a row, putting the Trojans inside Bronco territory. Diaz’s next run was quite impressive. “Pony” took the ball up the middle, then cut outside until he was finally dragged down at the one yard line thanks to a Luke McClean tackle. Foothill’s running back gained thirty yards on the play, setting up a one yard score from Diaz.

Late in the first quarter, McClean’s number was called on a direct snap. Bishop’s most dynamic weapon was able to run the ball in from twelve yards away to put Bishop ahead 13-0. Kicker, Dan Sudki was unable to tack on the point.

With a minute left in the second quarter, Bishop relied on McClean to get into the endzone yet again. McClean got the ball off of another direct snap and scored easily thanks to some solid blocking up front. Bishop now led the game 20-7 going into halftime.

Perhaps one of the best plays of the game occurred in early in the third quarter. With 9:46 to go in the quarter, Luke McClean was flushed out to his right side. Three defensive lineman were pursuing Bishop’s quarterback. While trying to escape, McClean was able to blow past the defenders and dive past the goal line for the score. The Broncos went up 27-7.

Bishop’s lead would be tested with eleven minutes left in the game, when McClean tried to find a receiver on a slant route and threw an interception to Foothill linebacker, Jeff Cuevas. The Trojan returned the ball for a pick-six, which cut into the Broncos lead twenty point lead.

The Broncos were then able to ice the game thanks to a Joe Weaver touchdown reception. McClean had three receivers to his left and Weaver to his right. At first, it appeared as though McClean was going to throw to the left side, however, at the last second he looked right and found Weaver, delivering the killing blow.

Bishop are now in the semifinals, and will be playing the Lindsay Cardinals on Friday 6:00 pm.

Bishop Advance to the Second Round of CIF CS

Photos by Gary Young

The Broncos advanced to the second round of the CIF Central Section Division Six playoffs Friday, beating Boron 13-0.

This was not the same game that took place just three weeks ago in which the High Desert League Champions won 56-6. Boron were better prepared for Bishop this time, and did a good job containing the team’s dangerous rushing attack.

On Friday, Bishop had 178 total yards rushing with one touchdown, compared to the 307 yards and six touchdowns the Bobcats surrendered back in late October.

Nearly two quarters in, the game remained scoreless until Luke McClean punched in a touchdown on a run up the middle inside Boron’s five yard-line with a minute left before the half. The easy score was set up by a beautiful pass from Luke McClean to Steven Paco which was caught for thirty yards and put Bishop deep into enemy territory .

Later on in the game, McClean demonstrated his ability to throw yet again, when he found team receiving leader, Joe Weaver on a pass up the middle for fifty-two yards, making it 13-0 in favor of Bishop. The Junior finished the game with three receptions for ninety-five yards and one touchdown.

The senior quarterback would finish the night with 180 yards passing and one touchdown.

Bishop’s defense had another outstanding performance, shutting out their opponent for the second straight game. Kennedy Bachelder led the unit in tackles with a total of ten along with seven tackle-assists, while the defensive line plugged up Boron’s running lanes.

The Bobcats were able to get ninety yards on the ground on thirty-nine attempts. Tristan Valle led the defensive line in tackles with six. Three of his tackles were tackles for a loss.

Up next for Bishop is a match-up against the Foothill Trojans, who are the number eight seed in the playoffs.

Bishop Win Defensive Battle to Claim First League Title Since 2012

Photography by Gary Young Photography

It wasn’t easy, but the Bishop Broncos got revenge on the California City Ravens. The game was a rematch of last year’s High Desert Championship which finished 28-14 in favor of the Ravens. Big plays were rampant in that game, however, this year that was not the case.

Both teams found themselves in a defensive slug-fest with just seven measly points scored between the two highest scoring teams in the league.

Although there may not have been much that happened offensively, that does not mean it wasn’t an entertaining game. Neither team was giving an inch defensively, with the opening first down coming late in the first quarter.

Just like last year, Cal City dared the Broncos to throw the ball. Stacking the box proved to be effective against Bishop early on. Standout running back, Steven Paco along with quarterback, Luke McClean discovered that there were no lanes to run through.

Midway into the second quarter, the deadlock was broken after Cal City had to punt from deep in their own territory. The kick was a poor one, which went high in the sky, but just ten yards. The Broncos took over at the Ravens twenty-five yard line. After having good starting position, Bishop were still having trouble moving the ball. Things got even worse for Arnie Palu’s team, when a penalty moved the chains back to put them twenty yards away from the sticks.

However, McClean proved to the Ravens that he could throw the ball when he threw a 25 yards pass on the near sideline to Junior wide receiver, Joe Weaver who snagged the fifty-fifty pass out of the air to get Bishop inside the five. Two plays later McClean punched it in for the three yard score, which made it 7-0 after the Dan Sudki .

Going into the second half, Bishop relied heavily on their stout defense to win the game. Defensive coordinator, Rick Beall had his side prepared for anything the Ravens had to offer. The Ravens offense amassed just sixty-nine yards of total offense. California City quarterback, Jeremiah Neal who came into the game with ten passing touchdowns and 1,270 yards threw for negative-six yards on the day.

Bishop kept High Desert League receiving-leader, Kwamain Ross in check as well. Ross had just three catches and negative yardage on the day.

Defensively, the Broncos finished with one sack, fifty-eight tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and one interception.

Perhaps the best play the defensive unit made was to end the game, when Neal fired a ball twenty yards down the middle of the field to Marquis Mackenzie. However, the ball did not reach it’s target, as Luke McClean was able to intercept the ball with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

With the victory, Palu’s team has clinched the number one overall seed for the CIF Central Section Division Six playoffs. Bishop will be squaring off against Boron for the second time this year in the first round of playoffs on Friday.

VARSITY BRONCO FOOTBALL LETS LOOSE ON BORON

Bishop High School Homecoming 2019…..

Photos by Gary Young

Story by Arnie Palu

 

We played a complete game in our homecoming win over Boron.

Senior Luke McClean accounted for 6 touchdowns, rushing for 4 scores and throwing 2 touchdown passes. Luke went over 100 yards passing and rushing. Luke was named our offensive player of the game.

Steven Paco keyed the rushing attack that rolled up over 300 yards on the night. Paco ran for 125-yards and a touchdown.

Joe Weaver caught a touchdown and ran in a score. Defensively Kennedy Batchelder made a team high 9 solo tackles and played great on the offensive line earning the overall player of the game award. Jaydan Braithwaite picked off two passes and made 5 solo tackles including a tackle for a loss. JB was named defensive player of the game.

Zach Mojarro came up from the JV team and played great on special teams. Mojarro was named our special teams player of the game. Every Bronco got playing time including the JV players who moved up this week. A big credit to Coach Rich Miears and the JV staff for doing a great job developing their athletes.

I would also like thank my varsity staff for their efforts. Defensive coordinator Rick Beall, linebacker/defensive line coach Chris Matteson, and defensive backs coach Carl Olson are doing a great job of preparing our kids to play. Offensive coordinator James Ferrell and quarterbacks coach/special teams coordinator Jake Evangelist continue to do great work.

This week we travel to California City for the High Desert League Championship game. Both teams are 4-0 in HDL play. The winner has the inside track to the #1 seed in the CIF central section division 6 playoffs. After two weeks off, the JV are expected to have a game with California City. Thanks for the coverage and have a great week. Coach Palu

SENIORS WIN IN POWDER PUFF

A defensive battle was the theme in the 2019 Powder Puff matchup between the Senior girls and the Junior girls.

It was a fun game to watch. I have never seen Football players smile so much on the gridiron !

Talking with Junior coach Clay Omohundro, Clay says ” This coaching thing is going to give me gray hair”!

The funniest play on the night was delivered by the Seniors on their first drive. More like a scrum then a play but it was effective to the tune of about 20 yards.

At the half the Seniors were clinging to a 2-0

The Seniors added to their score in the 3rd quarter with a TD run to make the score 8-0.

That was the final score in this defensive battle, Seniors 8 Juniors 0. Bragging rights to the team in Blue, Congrats Lady Broncos!