FRESNO — The Madera Coyotes football team had three representatives in the U.S. Army California All-Star Football game and helped lead the Valley squad to a 26-20 victory over the Sacramento-Area All-Star team in Sunnyside Stadium.
Receiver Logan Wattenbarger, offensive lineman Manuel Hernandez and linebacker Adam Landero represented the Coyotes Friday afternoon.
Landero, the Madera Tribune’s Football Defensive Player of the Year, played almost every snap at outside linebacker. He had a couple of tackles and forced a fumble, which the Valley team recovered.
“It feels good to be out here with all of this talent,” Landero said. “It was a wonderful experience to get out here and continue to work. It shows what kind of player I am. It shows I compete with all of these guys out here.”
Hernandez also played most of the snaps on the offensive line, splitting his time at left tackle and left guard.
“It was a great experience, especially on a short notice,” he said. “It’s a blessing. I just kept working. It’s all about technique. Coach Campbell taught me everything.”
The Madera Tribune’s Football team’s Offensive Player of the Year, Wattenbarger, played the second series, but didn’t get to see the field until later in the fourth quarter.
For a player that was involved in almost every snap for the Coyotes, Watternbarger took it in stride. He was targeted near the end zone in the fourth quarter and made the catch, but the ball carried him out of the end zone.
“It was a great experience, especially playing with kids with a high level that are going to college next year,” he said. “It’s only going to make me better. I line up right with them. I go toe-to-toe with them.”