Redwood High School Starts The New School Year with A Big Win

Friday, August 21st 2026, Redwood Rangers football team started off the New School Year with a Big Win. Junior Varsity brought home a score of 39-7, winning against Dinuba.

By: Aliya Leyva

Junior Varsity players share there thoughts on their first game and big win against Dinuba.

Left guard Kevin Rosales, ’29, said that his “fellow offensive lineman put in extra work on practice drills to make this game feel like a walk in the park.”

While his Quarterback “maintains his cool to not get pressured by the defense,” said Rosales.

He said, “my goal for the week is to get a pancake” which is something Rosales did end up achieving his second play of the game.

Rosales has been playing football ever since he was little, he had many accomplishments with football, for him and his team to get a win first game back to start off the season was a very big and exciting accomplishment for him. 

Defensive Back Jonathan Mercado, ’29, said, “hard work pays off, when we watch film and practice all summer, it led us to this blowout against Dinuba.”

Mercado, was very amazed on his win, he has always had a passion for football, going after what he loves and showing his accomplishment with his team.

Defensive Lineman Ezra Bell, ‘30, recorded 3 tackles and 1 sack putting pressure on Dinuba’s offensive line.

When asked about how he will prepare for this upcoming game, Bell said he will focus on “staying healthy while maintaining good sleep and trying harder and harder every practice.”

This is Bell’s first year playing for Redwood’s Football team, he has played for many other teams but Friday night against Dinuba, he really showed off the skills he had been preparing to show off since the summer.

Bell said “I’ve been waiting to show off all my skills for my first ever game at Redwood High School.”

Center Daniel Villarreal, ‘29, said “My favorite part of the game was showing all my hard work and dedication during summer and practice paid off to make it look easy while blocking the Dinuba’s defensive line.”

Villarreal, has played many sports, he said, “football is one of my favorite sports that I’ve ever played.”

Football is one of his accomplishments that he’s been very proud of and never thought he would get this far with the sport.

Julian Alvarado, ’29, plays left tackle and shared that his position is very important since he has to protect his quarterback and show off all his hard work that he would put in for practice.

Alvarado said, “I’m very excited for this game and this is the best I’ve ever played.”

Alvarado and his team shared that prioritizing rest and making sure to have a good meal before your first game is very important.

From practicing in the hot summer days, weeks in advanced, they watched many films and practiced very hard for this season.

They all played very well, feeling proud and accomplished, the players dedication says a lot more than just the score on the scoreboard.

Tags: football, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood sports, rhs, visalia ca