Julia Castiglione
Head Coach Mick Fuller returns as head coach for the Eagles, marking over 12 years.
Bright Friday night lights, fresh-cut grass, helmets clashing and whistles blowing, high school football is back. After a disappointing Valley Championship loss against Mammoth High School last year, the Eagles aim to better their 7-5 record from last year. The Fresno Christian Varsity Football team gets ready to kick off the 2025-26 season with the first home game 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, against Avalon High School, with the theme being 80s.
This game against Avalon, who defeated the Eagles last year, has been casually dubbed a redemption game and an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the season. FC football continues to compete as an independent team, taking on opponents like Priory and Sierra High School throughout the fall season. With a calendar full of intense matchups, the Eagles will face familiar rivals but also some new opponents, such as Cornerstone Christian.
The football team currently has 19 players on the roster with no junior varsity team. Roster numbers have been decreasing since the summer due to various injuries. A smaller team does not mean a weaker team; players have been working relentlessly over the past few months practicing drills, plays, pushing sleds and creating a cohesive group.
Unfortunately, the Eagles only have four home games. In past years, Fresno Christian has hosted the majority of their home games. Football fans, especially FC seniors like Jacob Mananian, wish to see more home matches for the Eagles.
“I believe that the Fresno Christian home football games give students, parents and staff a chance to come together and celebrate our school spirit,” Mananian said. “These games also create memories that we will carry with us long after high school.”
Fresno Christian is often recognized for being a family-like community among the staff and student body; the same holds true for the football team. Captain Tycen Ramirez, ‘26, has been on the team for four consecutive years. Ramirez enjoys the camaraderie of this year’s team, with his younger brother Dominic and close friends playing right alongside him.
“It is super cool to play with my little brother. Seeing him progress the way I did when I was his age is super inspiring to me as a captain,” Ramirez said. “Dom and I may seem like we bash heads sometimes, but it is all in the means of pushing each other to be better.”
At Fresno Christian, the football program is led by Christ-like, family-oriented coaches who pour into all the boys. Assistant Coach Jarod Ramirez is the father of Tycen and Dominic Ramirez, ‘28. Jarod Ramirez spends countless hours with his sons working on technique. While he does not coach their specific positions, he still cherishes the time spent on the FC field together.
“Because I know my boys so well, I do think I have an advantage when coaching them—I usually know when and how to push them, especially in the off-season,” Jarod Ramirez said. “I’ve loved every minute of it, and I thank God for all the time we spend together.”
The staff comprises several coaches, including Head Coach Mick Fuller and Statistician Bob Fuller, a father–son duo, as well as two FCS alumni, Tyler Breedlove and Mateo Pascual.
Another notable family connection of the FC football team is the Asatrian brothers. Alex Asatrian, ‘27, and little brother Adam Asatrian, ‘29, share their first year on the team. However, this looks different due to Adam tearing cartilage in his knee earlier this month. This injury has taken him out of the rest of his freshman year. Asatrian continues to watch from the sidelines and cheer on his older brother and fellow teammates.
Every snap, every drive, every cheer from the stands is a reminder that the Eagles don’t take the field alone. They carry the strength of their brothers beside them and the roar of their community behind them. This year, the Eagles fly as one and shine the Lord’s light above all else.
Continue to check The Feather and Fresno Christian Athletics for updates concerning heat cancellations for upcoming sports games.
Save the date for the 40th Annual Fresno Christian Homecoming, September 26th. More details to come.
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