Ceres High School Football Preview 2014

2014

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2014

The Ceres Courier

Coral ready to lead C2

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

• CHS senior a two-way standout B y D A LE BUT L ER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

H

EAD COACH Bret Durossette expects 6-foot-4 260-pound senior lineman Ramon Coral to have a breakout year with Ceres High School’s varsity football team.

“He’s going to be dominant,” Durossette said. “He’s academically strong. He has the ability to play at the next level.”

Ramon will start at defensive end and tackle.

‘We want to change the culture of Ceres High football.’

–Bulldogs veteran lineman Ramon Coral

“As a senior, I have to take on a leadership role,” Coral said. “No one wanted to last year. I’m really focusing on my team. I’m trying to help out the coaches. As the season goes on, I’ll be more vocal.

I’m getting better at it. We need everybody on the team to step up.

You’re only as good as your weakest player.”

Coral and fellow Bulldog lineman Adrian Torres (5-11, 232) feed off each other’s energy.

“We go head to head at practice to make ourselves better,” Ramon said.

Ramon Coral has embraced taking on a leadership role with Ceres High School’s varsity football team. The 6-foot-4 260-pound senior will start at defensive end and tackle. Coral, a honorable-metion Western Athletic Conference pick a season ago, tallied 46 tackles, recovered three fumbles and blocked two point-after kicks in 2013.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

Coral will also be the long snapper for point-after kicks and punts.

“It’s tiring,” said Ramon, who tallied 46 tackles, recovered three fumbles and blocked two PATs last season. “But I want to be on the field at all times. I feel like I can make a difference. My football IQ is one of my best strengths. I want to be more productive than last year.”

Coral attended camps at UC Berkeley, San Jose State and Modesto Junior College during the offseason. “I learned a lot,” Coral said. “I’m going to use my wingspan to shed off blockers.”

“He was exceptional,” Durossette added. “He turned some heads.”

Ceres Highs hasn’t compiled a winning record or made the playoffs since 2004. “We’ve been 2-8 the last two years,” said Coral, who spent the ninth grade at crosstownrival Central Valley. “You can’t give up when there are hard times.

I take football very serious. I just love the game. I’m tired of losing.

We’re tired of losing. We have a core group of seniors that have been playing since freshman year.

We want to change the culture of Ceres High football.”

A two-way starter since his junior year, Coral welcomes the challenge of being a leader for the Bulldogs.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” he said.

“Having the support of the coaches and players really boosts my confidence. We have a great group of guys. We all want to work hard.

We all want to make a difference.

We’re going to win games.”

“If he’s not an all-league player, I’ll be disappointed,” Durossette said. “He understands he has ability. He works hard. He’s more vocal as a leader. He doesn’t want to lose. He’s a great kid.”

Coral would like to continue his football career at San Jose State.

Ramon has a cumulative GPA of 3.1. “I didn’t play basketball last year so I could focus on football,” Coral said. “This is my last year.

I’m going to do my job the best I can. I want to play football for the rest of my life. I just got to get my name out there.”

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

NEW LOOK FOR WAC

By DAL E BUT L ER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Central Valley and Ceres High School will no longer have to face Central Catholic, which moved from the Western Athletic Conference to the Valley Oak League as part of Sac-Joaquin Section approved realignment.

The Raiders won State, NorCal, SacJoaquin Section and WAC titles for the second straight year in 2013.

The Hawks and Bulldogs posted a combined record of 0-8 versus the Raiders in WAC play from 2010-13.

“Playing against Central Catholic was great,” Central Valley junior all-purpose player Moses Ghiorso said. “They should have stayed in our league. They’re a really good team. We challenged them last year.

We had a chance to beat them this season.”

Central Valley lost 43-34, 38-6, 34-20 and 28-7 to Central Catholic the previous four years.

The Hawks put up a fight in 2013 as senior running back Ja’Quan Gardner rushed for 330 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries.

Gardner’s 80-yard TD run cut the deficit to 35-34 with 42 seconds left in the third quarter.

Donovin Townsend’s 15-yard TD pass to a wide-open Matthew Teixeira and subsequent 2-point conversion run gave the Raiders a 43-34 lead at the 5:55 mark of the final period.

Central Catholic’s Jared Rice thwarted Central Valley’s comeback attempt with an interception at the Raiders’ 21-yard

line.

The Raiders picked up three first downs and ran the final 4 minutes, 46 seconds off the clock.

Central Valley racked up 469 yards of total offense but committed two turnovers.

“We didn’t go into the game scared,” said Ghiorso, whose team led 28-21 early in the third quarter. “We were motivated.

Everybody wants to beat Central Catholic.

We came close.”

Ceres High lost 56-12, 69-7, 49-8 and 47-0 to Central Catholic. The Raiders outscored the Bulldogs, 221-27.

“Central Catholic has a great tradition in football,” Ceres High head coach Bret Durossette said. “Roger Canepa is one of the best coaches around, if not the best.

I have a lot of respect for him. He’s got a great staff. He’s won everywhere he’s gone. They’ll be facing tougher competition now. I’m glad they’re out of our league.”

Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s 2014 WAC schedules include games against Livingston, Patterson, Los Banos, Pacheco and varsity newcomer El Capitan.

The Hawks and Bulldogs placed fourth (3-3) and sixth (1-5), respectively, in the WAC standings last season.

Central Valley beat Ceres High (48-15), Los Banos (35-7) and Livingston (41-8).

The Hawks lost to the Raiders, Patterson (28-25) and Pacheco (29-7).

Ceres High collected its lone league win against Livingston (42-20). The Bulldogs lost to the Raiders, Hawks, Patterson (388), Los Banos (52-0) and Pacheco (58-12).

Central Catholic, Central Valley, Patterson and Pacheco represented the WAC in the playoffs a year ago.

The Raiders, 29-3 overall the past two seasons, won all 12 of their conferences games during that same time span.

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Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2014 Ceres High Roster # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 16 20 21 22 23 30 31 32 34 41 44 45 46 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61 64 65 68 70 71 72 74 79 82 83 84 95 99

Name Izaiah Hernandez Brad Bussard Austin Stiles Daniel Raya Juan Anderson Erik Collins Marcellus Boykins Conner Johnson Louis Thomas Adrian Garcia Tristan Dray Jorge Castellon Kevin Moita Alex Torres Ricky Valenzuela Nick Alcala Seth Gibson Isaac Leon Noe Alvarez Aaron Black Brent Bussard Gabriel Heredia Johnni Smith-Willis Jonathan Rodriguez David Montufar Jr. Ricardo Garfias Oscar Galindo Adrian Torres Armani Rivera Caled McDade Arnulfo Torres Sam Gonser Juan Carrillo Austin Castro Brandon Villacana Blake Tobler Chris Flores Donavan Guiriba Ryan Wolf Alvin Zarco Luis Calderon Martin Tafolla Ramon Coral Uriah Ibarra Austin Herrera Gilbert Juarez Juan Palafox Scott Osborn

Pos. RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/LB TE/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB

Yr. 12 12 11 12 12 11 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 11 11

Ht. 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-3 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-5 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-7 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0 6-4 5-4 6-0 5-7 5-10 5-11

Wt. 200 165 180 155 165 160 155 200 110 160 155 160 145 148 155 180 150 180 136 175 200 159 160 165 130 165 213 232 175 190 263 180 175 245 174 240 165 165 189 160 255 175 260 125 175 140 140 140

Hawks have a new leader

• Scott Edwards to lead Central Valley High’s varsity football B y DA L E B U T L E R Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Central Valley High School completed its search for a new head coach for varsity football in March.

Scott Edwards was named Jason McCloskey’s successor.

Edwards was also hired to teach P.E. “We got very lucky finding someone with his track record and experience,” Central Valley Athletic Director Greg Magni said. “He’s coached and taught at the high school, junior college and college levels. He has a diverse resume. Everyone speaks so highly of him. I think he’s going to do great things. He has the drive and commitment.”

Edwards beat out 29 other applicants.

“I’m fortunate to land here,” he said. “It seems like a class place. I’m excited. I have a chance to impact a lot of people every day.”

“We went in completely openminded,” said Magni, who was a part of the interview panel. “It was a pretty easy decision. He wants to be here. He’s very passionate. He has experience. He’s ready for the challenge. It’s a good fit for both sides.”

Scott was offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for University Mary in North Dakota this past season. His first stint with the Marauders was from 1998-2001. Scott recruited Central Valley founding head coach

Tim Garcia.

Edwards was head coach of Bret Harte High School’s varsity football team the previous seven years (2006-12). Budget cuts forced Edwards to find employment elsewhere.

He also filled coaching positions at Sacramento City College (2003-05), Northern State University (2002), American River College (1997) and Mendocino College (1996).

Scott played football for Chico State, Eastern New Mexico University and American River College.

He earned degrees from University of Mary and Chico State.

He graduated from Bret Harte High School.

Edwards will replace McCloskey, who led Central Valley to an 11-10 overall record and one Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth in two years.

The Hawks accomplished several firsts in 2013.

Central Valley participated in the postseason and compiled a winning record (6-5).

“He’s getting to know everyone,” Hawks junior all-purpose player Moses Ghiorso said. “It’s a fresh start for everyone. We’re learning new plays. It’s hard but we’ll catch up.”

“It was a good idea to bring him in,” Ghiorso added. “He’s a really good coach. He’s a motivator.”

Central Valley completed its first official week of practice, Aug. 11-16, under Edwards’ guidance.

“I’m happy with the progress so far,” Edwards said. “Our numbers have increased. We’ve gotten better. There’s no point in making bold predictions. The motivation is to build a system.

They’ve done things the right way since the inception of the program. I coached against them when I was at Bret Harte.

There’s a lot of potential.”

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

• Moses to fill key role with Central Valley

fumble and intercepted one pass in Central Valley’s 48-15 playoff-berth-clinching win over crosstown-rival Ceres High.

Moses tallied three pass deflections and one pick during the Hawks’ 35-7 upset of Los Banos. He had a one-handed drivekilling interception in the end zone, broke up a fourth-down pass in Hawk territory and provided a key block on Gardner’s 70-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

Ghiorso hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kendel Johnson, and accumulated seven tackles and two pass deflections during Central Valley’s hard-fought 43-34 loss to reigning Division-IV state champion Central Catholic.

Ghiorso had a memorable debut at the

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ghiorso ready to shine

By DAL E BUT L ER Sports Editor of the

J

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

UST A SOPHOMORE, Moses Ghiorso was promoted to Central Valley High School’s varsity football team at the midway point of the 2013 season.

Ghiorso contributed on offense, defense and special teams during the Hawks’ last six games.

Moses will be used at multiple positions again this year.

“There’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders,” said Ghiorso, a 5-foot-10, 150-pounder. “I have to step up big time.

I’m trying to work harder.”

Ghiorso’s main position on offense will be running back.

He follows in the footsteps of Joaquin Casas, Vince Lopez, Tyree Jones and Ja’Quan Gardner.

Gardner, a three-year starter, broke the Stanislaus District’s career and single-season rushing yard records last season.

Ja’Quan ran for 2,467 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior year.

He totaled 6,014 yards and 67 TDs in 31 career games.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time—to be a varsity running back,” Ghiorso said. “Now I got a chance.

I’m very happy. I’ll have a good line in front of me. I learned a lot from Ja’Quan.

He works hard. He runs hard. He never gives up. He was a great running back.”

Ghiorso will also log playing time at receiver.

He caught two passes for 36 yards and one touchdown last season.

Moses had 18 tackles, six pass deflections, three interceptions and one forced fumble while starting at cornerback.

He also ran back a punt 46 yards for a TD. Ghiorso picked off one pass and registered one tackle as 15th-seeded Central Valley suffered a 69-55 loss at No. 2 Manteca in the opening round of the SacJoaquin Section Division-III playoffs.

He collected four tackles, forced one

‘Some teams are going to underestimate us.

That doesn’t matter.

We’re confident. If we work harder, we can make playoffs.’

–Hawks junior all-purpose player Moses Ghiorso

varsity level. He returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown as the Hawks rolled to a 41-8 victory over the Livingston Wolves.

Ghiorso and his Hawk teammates will compete under the guidance of new head coach Scott Edwards.

Central Valley posted a program-best 6-5 overall record and advanced to the postseason for the first time in 2013.

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Moses Ghiorso will be counted upon to contribute at multiple positions during his junior year with Central Valley High School’s football team. Ghiorso was promoted to varsity midway through the 2013 season. Moses played in the Hawks’ final six games.

“Summer went by fast,” Ghiorso said.

“We had to start all over again. We’re still learning plays. Some teams are going to underestimate us. That doesn’t matter.

We’re confident. If we work harder, we can make playoffs.”

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Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2014 CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH VARSITY FOOTBALL SQUAD

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

Central Valley High School’s varsity football program will be striving for its second consecutive postseason appearance. The Hawks qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 2013.

CHATTING IT UP WITH #17 •Hawks soph quarterback Gerardo Solorzano

Just a sophomore, Gerardo Solorzano has been tapped to be the Hawks’ starting quarterback. Gerardo split time at QB and running back while leading Central Valley’s freshman football squad to a 7-3 overall record and runner-up finish in the Western Athletic Conference standings (5-1) in 2013.

GERARDO SOLORZANO CENTRAL VALLEY So. 5-10, 180 QUESTION: This is your first season playing quarterback at the varsity level. Kendel Johnson, Abraham Navarro and Trevor Mew had success at the position before you. Are you ready to make a name for yourself?

ANSWER: It’s a tremendous honor to follow in their footsteps. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m more focused on what’s to come and not what’s happened already. I want to do my own thing. I’m ready.

I’ve been working hard in the offseason and during practice. I

feel really confident. I’m going to try my hardest to be as good as I can be.

Q: Have you set any individual goals for the 2014 season?

A: I don’t try to set myself apart from everyone. Everybody takes pride in what they do and that’s how we’re going to win games. I’m just focused on how far the team can get.

Q: What kind of impact has new head coach Scott Edwards had on your development as a quarterback?

A: He’s a really good coach.

I’m going to be more successful because of him. He’s been teaching me a lot of new stuff, how to read defenses. He’s had a great impact on our team.

We’re lucky to have him.

Q: Do you and your teammates have a full grasp of the playbook yet?

A: At first it, was crazy. We were all intimidated. There were a lot of plays. Right now, we all feel confident. We’re used to all the plays. I feel like we’re going to be very success-

ful on offense because of coach Edwards.

Q: You played a different position at the youth level. Why did you decide to switch to quarterback?

A: It really wasn’t the plan.

A couple years ago I was a running back. But I really like throwing the ball. I feel like nobody thought I could be a good quarterback. I just started practicing a lot. I’m trying to follow my dreams.

Q: What do you enjoy most about football?

A: I just love everything about it. It caught my attention from an early age.

Q: Central Valley made history by qualifying for the playoffs and posting a winning record for the first time last season. Will this year’s team be successful?

A: This year’s team works really hard. We all have a similar focus. We want to win as DALE BUTLER/ The Courier many games a possible. If we Just a sophomore, Gerardo Solorzano will be Central Valley High School’s varsity execute, we can football starting quarterback this year. He follows in the footsteps of Kendel JohnSEE GERARDO, PAGE C son, Abraham Navarro and Trevor Mew.

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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2014 CERES HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SQUAD

Ceres High School’s varsity football team will be striving for improvement in 2014. The Bulldogs compiled a 2-8 overall record last year.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

CHATTING IT UP WITH #2

•Bulldogs senior quarterback/defensive back Brad Bussard

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Brad Bussard had a memorable first season with Ceres High’s football team. Bussard passed for 2,853 yards and 25 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. Bussard will be the focal point of the Bulldogs’ offense once again.

Brad Bussard had a productive first season of varsity football with Ceres High in 2013. The secondteam, all-league quarterback tossed for 2,853 yards and 25 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. Bussard had three 400-yard passing games. He totaled a program-record 437 yards and six TDs in his debut versus Modesto High. Brad attended QB camps in Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana during the summertime.

BRAD BUSSARD CERES HIGH Sr. 6-0, 165 QUESTION: This is your second season playing varsity football.

You’re a leader on the team. Do you enjoy filling that role?

ANSWER: There’s always added pressure being the quarterback and the coach’s kid. Everyone is looking for me to mess up. I ignore it. My job is to be a leader on the team and point everyone in the right direction.

Q: What have you done over the past couple of months to get ready for the upcoming season?

A: It’s been a ridiculous summer with working out, football and doing my AP homework. I don’t have much time for anything else. It’s pretty hard to hang out with friends on a consistent basis. I do that maybe once a week. But you have to sacrifice things to get to where you want to be.

Q: Your twin brother Brent (running back/linebacker) also plays football for Ceres High. Both of you started and were major contributors last year. How would you describe your relationship with him?

A: We compete against each other 24-7. We get in arguments about who the better athlete is. It makes us both work harder. We’re two different animals. He does a little bit more of the dirty work. As the quarterback, everyone is watching me. It’s a great feeling knowing you have someone in the huddle that has your back.

Q: Have you set any individual goals for the 2014 season?

A: The one thing about football is you’re not putting in the work to make yourself better. You put in the work to make your team better. You

have to have an unselfish attitude. I just want to get the team to the playoffs. Everybody is going to have to step up.

Q: Head coach Bret Durossette was a standout quarterback at Ceres High in the 1980s. What kind of impact has he had on your development as a player?

A: He’s been great for me. He runs an offense I’m comfortable with. He gives me as much freedom as I need.

He’s got confidence in me.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: Before the game right after school, I go eat with a couple of buddies. We’ll relax at my house for a couple of hours. We’ll head back to the field and watch the JV team. It will give us an idea what the other team will throw at us that night.

Q: Ceres High hasn’t had a winning season or made the playoffs since the 2004-05 school year. Will this year’s team accomplish any of those goals?

SEE BRAD, PAGE C11

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Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2014 •Smith-Willis will improve Ceres High’s rushing game

B y D A L E BUT L ER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

1.Brad Bussard, Ceres High’s varsity quarterback, will be counted on heavily again. Bussard passed for 2,853 yards and 25 touchdowns with 16 interceptions during his junior year. Brad had three 400yard passing games. He totaled a program-record 437 yards and six TDs in his debut against Modesto High. Bussard will also log playing time at defensive back. Brad starred at pitcher and on offense as the Bulldogs captured their first league title since 1991 in varsity baseball.

2. Junior all-purpose player Moses Ghiorso will be asked to do a little bit of everything for Central Valley’s varsity football team.

Ghiorso’s main position on offense will be running back as he follows in the footsteps of Stanislaus District record-breaker Ja’Quan Gardner. He’ll start at cornerback on defense. Moses will also return kickoffs and punts. Ghiorso was promoted to varsity at the midway point of the 2013 season. He caught two passes for 36 yards and one touchdown. He had 18 tackles, six pass deflections, three interceptions N H S O H U G

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and one forced fumble. Moses ran back a punt 46 yards for a TD. 3. Ramon Coral has emerged as a leader with the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-4 260-pound senior will start at defensive end and tackle for the second year in a row at Ceres High.

Coral will also be the long snapper for point-after kicks and punts.

Ramon tallied 46 tackles, recovered three fumbles and blocked two PATs his junior year.

4. Just a sophomore, Gerardo Solorzano will make his debut at quarterback for Central Valley. Solorzano won the starting position during the summertime. Gerardo split time at quarterback and running back while leading the Hawks’ frosh squad to a 7-3 overall record and runner-up finish in the Western Athletic Conference standings (5-1) a year ago.

5. Ceres High’s Johnni SmithWillis turned heads while totaling six touchdowns at the Downey full-contact camp this summer. The junior running back gained 58 yards and scored one TD on 11 carries, and returned a kickoff 82 yards for a score during the JV Bulldogs’ 34-21 upset of crosstown-rival Central Valley during the 2013-14 school year.

The Ceres Courier

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DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Junior running back Johnni Smith-Willis will give the Bulldogs some balance on offense. Smith-Willis played in two games for Ceres High School’s junior-varsity football team last year. Johnni gained 58 yards and scored one touchdown, and returned a kickoff 82 yards for a TD during the Bulldogs’ 34-21 victory over the crosstown-rival Hawks.

6. Co-captain Danny Alvarado will anchor Central Valley’s offensive line. The 6-foot-1 235-pound senior will start at center. Alvarado will also contribute on the defensive line. Danny made one tackle last year.

7. Brent Bussard, Brad’s twin brother, will be a two-way starter for Ceres High. The 6-foot-tall 195pound senior was the Bulldogs’ top rusher in 2013. Bussard ran for 394 yards and three touchdowns on 109 carries. He caught nine passes for 68 yards. A standout linebacker as well, Brent made 38 tackles, tallied 11/2 sacks and forced one fumble.

8. Josh Beleele, a 6-foot-5 188pound senior, filled the stat sheeting while shining at defensive end a year ago with the Hawks. Beleele totaled 58 tackles, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one pass deflection. Josh (tight end) will also be target on offense.

9. Ceres High returns its secondleading tackler from a year ago in 6-foot-tall, 200-pound senior safety Izaiah Hernandez. Hernandez racked up 51 tackles in seven games. He also had one interception and one pass deflection. Izaiah will see playing time at running back, too.

10. Jayden Garcia, one of Central Valley’s co-captains, will play fullback and linebacker. The 5-10 205pound senior registered 12 tackles his junior year.

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Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

C9

A ONE-SIDED RIVALRY •Ceres High will look to end seven-year losing streak versus Central Valley

By DAL E BUT L ER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

For some “mysterious” reason, the Ceres Classic perpetual trophy remained locked inside a classroom following the Central Valley High School varsity football team’s 48-15 rout of crosstown-rival Ceres High.

Hawk athletic director Greg Magni tried to retrieve the hardware for the postgame celebration.

The trophy was eventually returned to Central Valley’s campus.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of emotion involved,” said Scott Edwards, new head coach of the Hawks. “I’m not going to give you any bulletin-board material. It should be a great game.”

The Hawks will look to continue their streak of dominance versus the Bulldogs.

Ceres High has dropped seven straight games to Central Valley since winning the inaugural showdown of the Ceres Classic, 20-7, in 2006. The Bulldogs hold a decisive 291-126 scoring advantage.

“It’s the last game of the regular season,” 6-foot-4 260-pound Bulldog senior lineman Ramon Coral said. “Just talking about it right now gets me pumped up. I have a lot of confidence we’ll win that trophy.”

Central Valley and Ceres High battled for more than bragging rights last year.

Reduced to playing the role of spoiler in 2013, the Bulldogs fell well short in their bid to end the Hawks’ season.

Central Valley secured its first-ever playoff berth with a decisive win over Ceres High in front of a standing-room-only crowd.

Hawk senior running back Ja’Quan Gardner gained 320 yards and scored four touchdowns on just 13 carries. He also tossed a 23-yard TD pass to Hawk quarterback Kendel Johnson.

Johnson rushed for 100 yards and one TD on six carries.

All-purpose standout Angelo Bermudez carried the ball nine times for 158 yards and one score.

Moses Ghiorso tallied seven tackles, forced one fumble and intercepted one pass.

Ceres High’s Brad Bussard completed 24 of 39 passes for 306 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Senior Dylan Canatsy caught nine passes for 136 yards and one TD.

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Central Valley High School’s varsity football team improved its all-time record versus crosstown-rival Ceres High to 7-1 last season with a 48-15 win. The Hawks’ defense, pictured above, limited the Bulldogs to two touchdowns in 2013.

Juan Anderson totaled 58 yards and one score on three receptions.

“I think we can beat them this year,” Bussard said. “They lost some key players (Gardner and Johnson). Everyone wants to turn the tide. Our whole school. All the players. We want to hold that trophy over our heads. It

would mean everything to our team. We’re going to be the class to change everything around. That’s a game we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives.”

Ceres High has endured nine straight losing seasons.

Central Valley accomplished two firsts in

2013 as it qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs and posted a winning record.

“I talked with coach Durossette,” Edwards said. “We want what’s best for both programs. It would be awesome if both teams made the playoffs.”

C10

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2014 CV Roster #

Our thanks...

This 2014 Prep Football Preview was produced by Sports Editor Dale Butler & Editor Jeff Benziger.

The Courier extends thanks to coaches, players and staffs offering assistance for this project.

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Ceres Football 2014

GERARDO FROM PAGE C6 make it to the playoffs. I see us going really far.

Q: Central Valley will no longer have to face Central Catholic, which relocated from the WAC to the Valley Oak League as part of conference realignment. Will you miss those annual showdowns?

A: I’m not upset. But I wish they were in our league still so we could play them. I think it would be competitive.

Q: Central Valley has won seven straight games versus Ceres High since dropping the inaugural showdown of the Ceres Classic in 2006. Do you have a prediction for this season’s meeting?

A: I think we’ll continue the streak. It’s just a matter of executing our game plan.

Q: Central Valley opens the 2014 season at Sierra on Sept.

BRAD

FROM PAGE C7 A: We have a really good shot at making playoffs. We have experience. We’re putting in a lot more work this year compared to last year. We have the tools to compete with teams we didn’t compete with last season. Everyone knows we can score. I have a good feeling our defense is going to surprise some teams. If we don’t make playoffs, we’ve basically had an unsuccessful year.

Q: Ceres High will no longer have to face Central Catholic, which relocated from the WAC to the Valley Oak League as part of conference realignment. Will you miss those annual showdowns?

A: I’m so happy they left. It was about time they went up to a better league. They beat up on a lot of teams. Everyone in the WAC is satisfied with them leaving. It’s one less team we have to worry about.

Q: Ceres High has dropped seven straight games to Central Valley since winning the inaugural showdown of the Ceres Classic in 2006. Will the Bulldogs end that streak this year?

A: I think we can beat them

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 5. What are your expectations for your first start?

A: I’m not really nervous. I’m excited. We’ve been watching a lot of game film. We’ll be ready.

We’re going to go out there and be confident in what we do. A win would boost our confidence a lot.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

A: I listen to music. I like Eminem. His music pumps you up.

Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team?

A: Niners. My family has liked them since I was little.

Q: Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?

A: Hopefully, the Niners.

Q: If you could meet any pro athlete or celebrity, who would it be?

A: Tom Brady (quarterback for New England). He’s a player that I admire and look up to.

He’s faced all sorts of adversity.

Everybody overlooked him and

that’s how I feel.

Q: What’s your favorite movie and why?

A: Draft Day. I enjoyed it.

It’s about college players getting drafted to the NFL. Hopefully, I can go through that process one day.

Q: What would your dream job be?

A: NFL quarterback. My mentality is anything is possible.

Q: Web sites you check every day?

A: I’m always on YouTube looking at all the quarterbacks. I do that at least a couple hours a day. It’s going to really help me.

I’m just trying to get better. I’m striving for perfection.

Q: Who’s your favorite super hero?

A: Superman because he’s able to fly and he’s super strong.

Q: Any fears/phobias?

A: Heights. I guess everyone gets nervous when they jump off something really high.

this year. They lost some key players (Ja’Quan Gardner and Kendel Johnson). Everyone wants to turn the tide. Our whole school. All the players. We want to hold that trophy over our heads. It would mean a lot.

Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player?

A: I ‘m a big Aaron Rodgers fan. We play the same position.

You always see how much work he puts into playing his position. His mechanics are flawless. He’s a great guy to look up to. I try to copy what he’s doing.

Q: Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?

A: I got to go with the Niners. Jim Harbaugh is a great coach. He knows how to turn programs around. They’ve been to the NFC Championship the last three years and Super Bowl once. I have a feeling this year is going to be their year. Coach Harbaugh is going to push his team to a whole new level.

Q: If you could meet any pro athlete or celebrity, who would it be?

A: Buster Posey. He plays for the San Francisco Giants.

That’s my team. Posey is a hardworking guy. He’s the heart and soul of that town. He carries that team. He’s a great overall athlete and leader for the Giants.

It would be cool to meet him.

Q: What’s your favorite movie and why?

A: I’m a big fan of the new Batman movies. Christian Bale’s turned those movies into something special.

Q: Web sites you check every day?

A: I go on Instagram a lot. I always got to check my fantasy teams, whether it’s for baseball or football. That’s through ESPN. Q: Food you refuse to eat?

A: I’m not the biggest fan of vegetables. It’s never been my thing. I’m a picky eater. That’s what my parents say.

Q: Any fears/phobias?

A: I hate snakes.

Q: What are your college plans?

A: I’m debating if I want to focus on school or play sports and live that experience. I do want to play football. I’ve had some contact with some schools but nothing official. I guess we’ll see how the season goes.

I’ll make a decision at the end of the season.

Q: What would your dream job be?

A: I’d love to be a trainer or doctor for a pro team. That would be pretty cool.

C11

TEAM CAPSULES CENTRAL VALLEY HAWKS

Coach: Scott Edwards (first year) 2013 record: 3-3 Western Athletic Conference (fourth place), 6-5 overall, Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth Key losses: RB Ja’Quan Gardner; QB Kendel Johnson; OL/DL Matt Smith; DL/OL Jose Medina; DL/OL Alex Medina; LB/FB Ben Anitelea; DB Raul Godinez Key returners: OL/DL Daniel Alvarado; OL/DL Gurvak Dhami; OL/DL Andres Romo; FB/LB Jayden Garcia; RB/DB Moses Ghiorso; TE/DL Joshua Beleele; LB/FB Anthony Harrison Key newcomers: QB/DB Gerardo Solorzano; RB/DB Jamarea Lumpkin; WR/DB Josh Sidhu; WR/DB Robert Nieto; OL/DL Adrian Badillo; TE/LB Emani Anitelea; OL/DL Noah Postley Outlook: Central Valley accomplished several firsts in 2013 as it qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs and posted a winning record for the first time. The Hawks expect to be just as competitive this year despite losing a host of talent to graduation, including the dynamic running back-quarterback duo of Ja’Quan Gardner and Kendel Johnson. Gardner broke the Stanislaus District’s career and single-season rushing yard records. Junior Moses Ghiorso and sophomore Gerardo Solorzano will fill key roles in 2014. Solorzano replaces Johnson. Gerardo split time at quarterback and running back while leading the Hawk’s frosh football squad to a 7-3 overall record and second-place finish in the Western Athletic Conference standings (5-1) a year ago. Ghiorso’s main position on offense will be running back as he follows in the footsteps of Gardner. He’ll start at cornerback on defense. Moses will also return kickoffs and punts. Ghiorso was promoted to varsity at the midway point of the 2013 season. He caught two passes for 36 yards and one touchdown.

He had 18 tackles, six pass deflections, three interceptions and one forced fumble. Ghiorso ran back a punt 46 yards for a TD.

CERES HIGH BULLDOGS all

Coach: Bret Durossette (10th year) 2013 record: 1-5 Western Athletic Conference (sixth place), 2-8 over-

Key losses: WR/DB Dylan Canatsy; TE/DL Harman Chung; OL/DB Pietro Puducay; WR/DB Domingo Bermudez; DB/QB Dominic Durossette Key returners: QB/DB Brad Bussard; OL/DL Ramon Coral; OL/LB Adrian Torres; OL/DL Caleb McDade; OL/DL Blake Tobler; RB/DB Brent Bussard; RB/DB Izaiah Hernandez; WR/DB Juan Anderson Key newcomers: RB/DB Johnni SmithWillis; WR/LB Seth Gibson; OL/DL Ryan Wolf; WR/DB Austin Stiles; WR/DB Marcellus Boykins; RB/LB Aaron Black; TE/LB Connor Johnson Outlook: Ceres High has nowhere to go but up in 2014. The Bulldogs, 2-8 a season ago, haven’t compiled a winning record or qualified for the playoffs since 2004. Brad Bussard, Ramon Coral, Adrian Torres, Caleb McDade, Brent Bussard and Izaiah Hernandez will lead the way this year. Brad and Caleb both earned second-team all-conference honors as juniors. Brad threw for 2,853 yards and 25 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. McDade, Ceres High’s top offensive lineman from last season, will provide protection and run block again. Coral will start on the offensive and defensive lines for the second year in a row. Brent led the Bulldogs in rushing last year with 394 yards and three touchdowns on 109 carries. A standout linebacker as well, Brent made 38 tackles, tallied 11/2 sacks and forced one fumble. Newcomers expected to contribute include Ryan Wolf, Johnni Smith-Willis, Austin Stiles and Marcellus Boykins. Smith-Willis totaled six touchdowns at the Downey full-contact camp this summer. The junior running back gained 58 yards and socred one TD on 11 carries, and returned a kickoff 82 yards for a score during the JV Bulldogs’ 34-21 uspet of crosstown-rival Central Valley during the 2013-14 school year.

C12

Ceres Football 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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