DINUBA — Is this the year the Emperors return to league and section prominence?
The team believes so.
Why?
Dinuba is in a new league this season — the Tri-County Conference. That new league, which was officially realigned in the offseason, will feature Exeter, Immanuel, Kerman, Kingsburg, and Washington Union.
The Emperors were previously members of the competitive West Yosemite League, along with Hanford, Lemoore, Mission Oak, Tulare Union and Tulare Western.
Now, Dinuba is back in a league similar to the one in which the Emperors excelled when they were part of the old Central Sequoia League. Dinuba won seven CSL titles from 2006-18 and also captured two Central Section Division III championships in 2009 and 2013.
“Going into a new league has kind of made it a big change for us,” Lester said. “Getting a new schedule, they’re going from a strong strength of schedule to something that is not as heavy. I think for them, they have a lot of confidence going into that, and going into a new league is going to change a lot as well. I think we match up very well with our new schedule.”
Dinuba opens the 2026 season Friday, Aug. 21, at Redwood and also has non-league games against Reedley (Aug. 28), Sunnyside (Sept. 4), Golden West (Sept. 11) and Porterville (Sept. 18).
The Emperors kick off Tri-County Conference action against Exeter on Oct. 2 before playing Immanuel (Oct. 9), Kerman (Oct. 16), Washington Union (Oct. 23) and Kingsburg (Oct. 30).
“I think our guys are ready for it,” Lester said. “Everybody’s been giving them everything, not being as good as they used to be, but then again, they weren’t playing the same schedule that they used to play. I feel like if they had the same schedule as some of these other teams, they’d be right there with them.”
Expectations are high this year.
Dinuba is a senior-heavy team with experience, led by defensive lineman Martin Aguilar, quarterback Tony Ibarra, middle linebacker Leo Vega, defensive back Devin Lester, offensive lineman Israel Quiroz, running back Jacob Guzman and receiver Sonny Casas.
Aguilar and Quiroz will both anchor the strongest units of the team in 2026, starting in the trenches.
The Emperors will also lean on an experienced coach to call the plays on offense: former Emperors head coach Kevin Scharton.
Scharton elevated Dinuba to new heights when he was in charge of the Emperors from 2002-18, leading the northern Tulare County school to a 143-59 overall record with seven league championships and two section crowns.
Scharton’s first game as the team’s new offensive coordinator will be against his alma mater and former team, Redwood, whom he coached from 2019-2024.
The Rangers are the reigning East Yosemite League champions.
How good can the Emperors be this season?
“It’s going to come down to that game one,” Lester said. “We’re going to see where we’re at game one. That Redwood game. If you give us one, I think we can run the table. That’s what I think about this team. If we can get that first win, be 1-0 to start the season, I think these guys are very capable of running the table.”
Lester’s confidence in his squad is a result of his players’ hard work in the offseason.
The 6-foot-4 Aguilar has a scholarship offer from Western New Mexico after leading the Emperors with 80 tackles and four sacks during his junior year in 2025. That earned him first-team All-WYL honors.
Quiroz, a 6-3 offensive lineman, also earned All-WYL first-team recognition last season.
Ibarra is entering his fourth season as the team’s starting quarterback. He will also play receiver and see time at free safety on defense.
Vega, a versatile 6-3 athlete, has made the full-time transition to middle linebacker after receiving All-WYL first-team honors at tight end in 2025. He is also expected to see time on offense in key situations.
“These guys have been playing together for a long time,” Lester said. “They put the work in the offseason. They were very consistent in the offseason, probably one of my more consistent groups these last few years. I’m excited to see what they can do.”
Dinuba Emperors
Head coach: C.J. Lester, sixth season
Coaching staff: Kevin Scharton (offensive coordinator), Jose Del Rio (quarterbacks), Jeremy Gomez (receivers), Johnny Montalvo (offensive line), Bryan Rodriguez (offensive line), Aaron Rankin (defensive line), Gabriel Rivera (linebackers), Jay Acevedo (defensive backs)
Roster size: 53
Base offense/defense: West coast/4-2-5
2025 record: 5-6 (lost to Kingsburg in Central Section Division II playoffs)
Impact players: DL Martin Aguilar, QB/WR/FS Tony Ibarra, MLB/TE Leo Vega, DB Devin Lester, OL Israel Quiroz, RB Jacob Guzma, WR Sonny Casas
Schedule
Projected starting lineup
Offense
Defense
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Why Dinuba football expects a breakout 2026 season
Reporting by Vongni Yang, Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Vongni Yang, Visalia Times-Delta | USA TODAY Network
