Clovis North picks up upset win over state-ranked JSerra Catholic. ‘Our guys believe’

Clovis North left no doubt in its nonleague high school football game against state-ranked JSerra Catholic-San Juan Capistrano.

The Bee’s second-ranked Broncos upset the state’s No. 10 Lions 23-7 at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

“The difference between this year and last year, our guys believe in themselves right now,” Clovis North coach Michael Jacot said. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence and they know what we do works.”

The Broncos celebrated, knowing they picked up a big win. Jacot wasn’t shy in saying, “We’re pretty good.”

Among what’s working is the rushing attack that the Broncos are imposing on opponents, led by Jackson Cinfel and McKay Madsen.

Clovis North’s defense is just as dominant.

After all, JSerra came in scoring 30-plus points in its past three games in a 3-1 start.

Not Friday night.

The Broncos had other ideas.

Clovis North had a fumble recovery in the first quarter that led to a Cinfel rushing touchdown.

In the second half, Clovis North had a fumble recovery and two interceptions by Andrew Chavez.

The Lions didn’t get on the scoreboard until late in the fourth quarter.

Chavez finished with five tackles. Brayden Bitter had six and a forced fumble and Ross Cinfel led the team with seven tackles and a sack.

“Probably one of the best experiences ever,” said Cinfel, who had 23 carries for 185 yards and a touchdown. “Our defense and offense executed. Our defense gave us the momentum for the offense.”

Madsen had eight carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Jacot said JSerra wasn’t even supposed to be on Clovis North’s original schedule.

The Broncos had another school scheduled, but Jacot said, “We had a team that bailed out on us.”

JSerra stepped in and made the five-hour trip to Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“They were willing to come up here,” Jacot said. “They showed enough respect to come up here.”