Ceres Football Tab 2017

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The Ceres Courier WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2017

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

NEW YEAR BRINGS HOPE

•Bulldogs, Hawks begin 2017 season this Friday

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Hit hard by graduation, Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s varsity football programs will strive to prove doubters wrong during the 2017 season.

“We’re pushing harder because people say we suck,” Bulldogs running back/linebacker Andrew Gibson said. “It will feel better when we take down other teams and prove we’re good competition.”

“I know we’re going to have a successful season,” Hawks fourth-year head coach Scott Edwards said. “The kids work hard and want to get better.”

Central Valley is coming off its most successful season to date.

The Hawks posted a program-best 9-2 overall record, annexed their first conference crown (5-0) and participated in the SacJoaquin Section playoffs for the second year in a row.

Central Valley set a team record with eight straight victories and beat Patterson for the first time in seven meetings.

The Hawks also improved their head-tohead record versus the crosstown Bulldogs to 9-2.

“To be honest, we haven’t talked about last year at all,” Edwards said. “That team ended the night we lost to Antelope in the playoffs.

We’re better off trying to figure out how to use the guys we have. We just want to get better each week. We know we have our work cut out for us.”

The Bulldogs fell two victories shy of advancing to the postseason.

Ceres High finished 4-6 on the year and fourth in the Western Athletic Conference standings (2-3).

“It’s the most games we’ve won since 2006,” said Bret Durossette, 13th-year head coach of the Bulldogs. “We want to improve on that.”

The Hawks and Bulldogs graduated a combined 12 all-WAC players.

Central Valley lost standout linemen Erik Mejia, Oso Fregoso and Gabriel Quezada, kicker Angel Lopez, and running backs Jonathan Barragan and Gerardo Solorzano.

Mejia, Fregoso, Quezada and Lopez were voted the WAC’s Most Valuable Player,

Outstanding Defensive Player, Outstanding Defensive Lineman and Outstanding Special Teams Player, respectively, in 2016.

Barragan earned first-team all-league honors.

Solorzano was selected to the WAC Second Team.

Ceres High lost WAC First-Team selections Chris Lubinsky (quarterback), Marcellus Boykins (wide receiver), Conner Johnson (tight end) and Zyier Harrison (safety), second-team all-conference selection Aiden Moore (offensive lineman), and honorablemention pick Wyatt Ogden (defensive end/ linebacker).

“We have a lot to figure out in regards to see who is playing where,” Durossette said.

“We’re going to put the best 11 guys on the field.”

Central Valley has amassed a 21-11 overall record (12-5 WAC), captured one conference title and advanced to the playoffs twice during Edwards’ tenure.

“We’ve had some success the last three seasons,” said Edwards’ whose team has won 16 of its last 20 games dating back to Week 3 of the 2015 campaign. “We just want to get better each week. We know we have our work cut out for us.”

The Bulldogs haven’t posted a winning record or qualified for the playoffs since 2004.

Ceres High has endured 12 straight losing seasons.

“We’ve been a passing team for a long time,” coach Durossette said. “In order for us to be successful, we have to be more balanced. If we’re able to run the ball, it’s going to give us better field position. That’s huge.

We also have to improve on defense.”

Central Valley’s top returning players are lineman David Serrano (Sr.), safety/running back Estevan Barragan (Sr.), linebacker/running back Nasson Sanchez (Sr.) and lineman Brandon Kearney (Sr.).

Ceres High’s top returning players are Gibson, linemen Fernando Salgado and Caden Hoback, and defensive back/receiver Isaac Santana.

Central Valley and Ceres High will open the 2017 campaign against visiting Atwater and host Weston Ranch, respectively, this Friday. Both games will get underway at 7 p.m.

C O N T E N T S Dalton Durossette..............................................................3 Estevan Barragan Q&A.......................................................4 Crosstown Battle...............................................................5 David Serrano....................................................................6 Andrew Gibson Q&A...........................................................7 Players To Watch...............................................................8 Team Rosters....................................................................9 WAC Competition............................................................. 10 Publisher

Hank Vander Veen

Editor

Jeff Benziger

Cover

Harold L. George

Writing & Photography Advertisement

Dale Butler Charles Webber

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Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

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THE FUTURE IS NOW • CHS has a new quarterback in Dalton Durossette

By DAL E BU TLER Sports Editor of the

D

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

alton Dalton Durossette is a fourthgeneration Bulldog athlete.

Father Bret, grandfather Ron and greatgrandfather Howard all played varsity football at Ceres High.

Just a sophomore, Dalton will follow in Bret’s footsteps by starting at quarterback for 2017 Bulldogs.

Bret will also be Dalton’s head coach.

Sophomore Dalton Durossette will start at quarterback on Ceres High’s varsity football team this year. Durossette passed for 1,390 yards and 16 touchdowns with 12 interceptions while leading the JV Bulldogs to a 7-3 overall record in 2016.

‘I’ve been around the high school since I was born. I paid attention to everything they ran. I know the offense. It’s an advantage.’

–Bulldogs quarterback Dalton Durossette

“He’s excited about the opportunity,” said Bret, Ceres High’s 13th-year leader. “He knows what he’s going to get from me. I’m going to be a coach first and a parent second. At times, he’s not going to want to hear what I have to say. If he does something wrong, I’m going to tell him. I hold him to a higher standard.”

“I’ve been around the high school since I was born,” said Dalton, who stands 6 feet 3

and weighs 213 pounds. “I paid attention to everything they ran. I know the offense. It’s an advantage. Playing for my dad is going to be awesome. He always tells me to keep working hard. One day, it will all pay off.”

Dalton passed for 1,390 yards and 16

touchdowns with 12 interceptions while leading the Bulldogs’ junior-varsity football team to a 7-3 overall record last fall.

He also experienced individual and team success in baseball at the varsity level with Ceres High as a freshman. Dalton earned

first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors. He batted .410 from the plate with one homer, three doubles, 22 RBIs, 34 runs and 11 stolen bases for the Bulldogs, who went 23-7, qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs and finished second in the conference standings (12-3). Durossette compiled a 7-4 record at pitcher with a 2.53 ERA, one no-hitter, one shutout, three complete games and 56 strikeouts.

“We know what he did in baseball,” Bret said. “He’s got a lot to prove in football. He hasn’t taken a varsity snap. There are going to be a lot of ups and downs. As a coach, I’m going to coach him as I would everyone else. As a parent, I’m going to encourage him to do the best he can.”

Chris Lubinsky, Dalton’s predecessor, threw for 5,595 yards with 54 TDs and just 16 interceptions in 20 career games.

Lubinsky had a 7-13 record as Ceres High’s starting quarterback.

Chris led the WAC in TDs (15), yards (1,400), yards per game (280), completions (114), attempts (172) and rating (108.2) in 2016.

He totaled 2,918 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight picks for the muchimproved Bulldogs, who went 4-6 and finished fourth in conference play (2-3).

Ceres High fell two wins shy of qualifying for the postseason.

“Filling Chris’ spot is going to be hard,” Dalton said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge. People have high standards for me. I have a high standard for myself.”

Dalton grew up around Ceres High’s football program in elementary school and junior high.

He oftentimes served as a ball boy and water boy during Friday night games.

“I’d walk to the high school,” Dalton said. “I’d watch practice. Sometimes, I’d do drills with them. When I was on the sidelines, and we’d lose, I’d get upset. I wished I could help the team but I was too young.

I’m part of the program now.”

Dalton always envisioned playing quarterback at Ceres High.

He’ll make his debut with the Bulldogs at Weston Ranch this Friday.

Dalton will direct a program looking to end years of frustration this season.

Ceres High hasn’t posted a winning record or advanced to the playoffs since 2004.

Bret earned conference-Most Valuable Player honors while guiding the Bulldogs to the Golden Valley League championship SEE DALTON, PAGE 9

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Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

ESTEVAN BARRAGAN #29 •Third-year varsity standout looking forward to helping CV continue its run of excellence Estevan Barragan CENTRAL VALLEY Sr. 5-8, 175 Central Valley senior Estevan Barragan will be a major contributor on both defense and offense this fall. Barragan earned firstteam all-Western Athletic Conference honors for the second year in a row in 2016. A standout at safety, Estevan totaled 91 tackles, six pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one sack in 10 games. He rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries.

QUESTION: This is your third season playing varsity football. You’re a leader on the team. Do you enjoy filling that role?

ANSWER: I’m a team captain this year.

I’m not the type of guy that yells and demands things. I lead by example. But I’ve been more vocal the whole summer. I’ve been working with our defensive backs so much. I’m trying to get them better. I need to help all of my teammates.

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

A: I’ve been working out three times a day since June 1. I’ve been going to my uncle’s studio, Get You Fit, and the Performance Lab. I also go to football practice. If we don’t have practice, I work out at the park. I love working out. I’m competitive. The passion I have for football is crazy.

Q: Your older brother Jonathan Barragan (class of 2017) had a breakout season with Central Valley last fall. He rushed for 1,148 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was selected to the Western Athletic Conference First Team.

You’re finally going to get a chance to follow in his footsteps and be a major contributor on offense. Do you feel any added pressure to perform at a high level?

A: I get to play the same position my brother played. I’m not going to disappoint him. I can’t wait to show my coaches and other coaches in the league what I can do on offense.

Q: Have you set team and individual goals for the 2017 season?

A: We want to win another Western Athletic Conference title and go back to the playoffs and get our first win. I want to try to get 1,000 rushing yards.

Q: Central Valley has qualified for the SacJoaquin Section playoffs three out of the last

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Estevan Barragan earned first-team all-conference honors while starring on defense during his junior and sophomore years at Central Valley. Barragan will get more touches on offense this year as the Hawks lost their top two running backs to graduation.

four years. The Hawks posted a program-best 9-2 overall record and claimed their first-ever conference title (5-0) in 2016. Central Valley also set a team record for victories in a single season and consecutive wins. Will this year’s team be just as competitive despite losing eight starters on both offense and defense to graduation?

A: A lot of guys graduated. It’s making us work twice as hard. We want to defend all that we’ve done. We’ll keep winning. We can’t wait to prove people wrong.

Q: Central Valley has an all-time record of 9-2 versus crosstown-rival Ceres High. The Hawks battled back from a two-score deficit en route to winning last season’s game,

51-10. You’ve been on the winning side the last two years. How much fun do you have competing against the Bulldogs?

A: When we play against Ceres High, the passion is really high. You want to show them you’re the best team in Ceres. It’s a cool experience to perform in front of a bigger crowd. You also get to play against some of your youth teammates.

Q: Central Valley’s football program has improved its overall and conference records the past two seasons. What do you attribute that success to?

A: We have the best coach in the league.

He (Scott Edwards) is always working in the office. He lives and breathes football. That’s

all he does.

Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team?

A: Los Angeles Chargers.

Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player?

A: I have a couple. My favorite defensive player is (Kansas City Chiefs safety) Eric Berry. He’s really good. He has a big heart and his story is crazy. I don’t know how you can come back from cancer and play in the NFL. On offense, I have to go with (Pittsburgh Steelers receiver) Antonio Brown.

He’s not that tall. He’s very fast. His dances are hilarious.

Q: Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?

A: Patriots. They’re going to keep winning until Tom Brady retires. He’s the best quarterback ever.

Q: Favorite sports movie?

A: My All-American. The main character proves everybody wrong because one coach believed in him. It’s a great movie.

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

A: Jennifer Lopez.

Q: Favorite musician?

A: J. Cole.

Q: Favorite cereal?

A: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Q: Favorite drink?

A: Blue cherry Gatorade.

Q: Wallpaper on cellphone?

A: Picture of my girlfriend and me at Knights Ferry on a rock.

Q: Website you check out every day?

A: I’m on Hudl.com a lot.

Q: Any fears or phobias?

A: I hate spiders.

Q: Food you refuse to eat?

A: Tuna.

Q: Favorite food to eat?

A: In-N-Out. Q: Favorite TV show?

A: NCIS. Q: Hobbies?

A: Being with my family, hanging out with my friends, working out and playing football.

Q: Dream job?

A: Play football in the NFL. Q: College plans?

A: I want to go to a four-year school, play football and get my degree in sports science.

I want to own my own gym and train people.

Q: Role model?

A: My dad (Jose Luis Barragan). My work ethic comes from him. He motivates me. He works 12 hours a day doing construction to provide for us.

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

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CERES CLASSIC: Final chapter?

•CHS, CV will face off for the last time in Western Athletic Conference play

By DALE BU TLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Crosstown-rivals Central Valley and Ceres High have faced off 11 times since 2006.

The Hawks and Bulldogs will battle for the final time as members of the Western Athletic Conference this year.

Ceres High will remain in the WAC and Central Valley will move to the Central California Conference as part of the SacJoaquin Section’s league realignment plan for 2018-19.

“We want to play the game every year,” Hawks’ fourth-year head coach Scott Edwards said. “The kids want it. The community wants it. When you’re that close in proximity, attempts should be made to keep the rivalry alive.”

Central Valley holds an all-time record of 9-2 versus Ceres High.

The Hawks beat the Bulldogs in 2016 (51-10), 2015 (48-14), 2013 (48-15), 2012 (40-13), 2011 (55-11), 2010 (55-24), 2009 (28-26), 2008 (40-7) and 2007 (25-20).

Ceres High won the inaugural matchup in 2006 (20-7) and defeated Central Valley in 2014 (24-7).

The Bulldogs prevented the Hawks from making the playoffs on the final day of the 2014 regular season.

“I wasn’t a part of the first eight years,” Edwards said. “My first taste of it was bitter. I think that’s what sold me on the rivalry. I know how much it means to the kids. It’s important to them so it’s important to me.”

Seniors Estevan Barragan (Central Valley) and Andrew Gibson (Ceres High) will play in the crosstown game for the third and second time, respectively.

Barragan and Gibson were classmates in grades 4-8 at Whitmore Charter School.

Estevan and Andrew were also teammates for several seasons with the Ceres Seahawks youth football program.

“When we play against Ceres High, the passion is really high,” Barragan said. “You want to show them you’re the best team in Ceres. It’s a cool experience to perform in front of a bigger crowd. You also get to play against some of your youth teammates.”

“I know a lot of people at Central Valley,” Gibson said. “It’s fun competing against them. At the end of the game, there are no hard feelings.”

Central Valley scored seven unanswered touchdowns en route to closing out the 2016 WAC campaign with a 51-10 win over Ceres High at Bulldog Stadium.

The Hawks pestered Bulldog quarterback Chris Lubinsky for most of the night.

Lubinsky, who entered the game with 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions, threw four picks and got sacked five times.

Chris managed to complete just 21 of 44 passes for 188 yards and one TD. Barragan racked up eight tackles and one sack.

Gabriel Quezada collected two sacks.

Oso Fregoso totaled five tackles and one sack.

Erik Mejia added one sack.

Chase Winchester, Nasson Sanchez, Jacob Guerrero and Adrian Espinoza all chipped in with four tackles and one inter-

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

The Barragan brothers, Estevan (pictured left) and Jonathan, helped lead Central Valley to a 51-10 win over crosstown-rival Ceres High last fall. The Hawks and Bulldogs will battle for the final time in WAC play this year.

ception apiece.

Bulldog tight end Conner Johnson caught eight passes for 89 yards and one touchdown.

Marcellus Boykins, the Stanislaus District’s top pass catcher, was limited to 27 yards on four catches.

Gibson mustered 27 yards on five attempts.

Central Valley piled up a season-high 409 rushing yards versus Ceres High.

The Barragan brothers, Jonathan and Estevan, combined for 248 yards and four touchdowns.

Jonathan totaled 159 yards and two TDs on 15 carries.

Estevan gained 89 yards and scored twice on six carries.

Fullback Gerardo Solorzano rumbled for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Quarterback Willie Soriano ran for 23 yards and one score on six carries.

Kicker Angel Lopez converted six point-after kicks and a 30-yard field goal.

Ceres High’s Aiden Moore tallied a game-high 10 tackles.

Johnson hauled in a 6-yard TD pass from Lubinsky and senior Austin Crain booted a 27-yard field goal while helping Ceres High build a 10-0 lead in the opening five minutes of the game.

The Hawks outscored the Hawks 51-0 during the final three quarters.

“It will be interesting,” Edwards said while talking about the 2017 rivalry contest. “A lot of changes for both teams. I know what they lost. They know what we lost. It’s a crazy game, emotionally. The tension is greater. The kids put a lot of pressure on themselves.”

“It would mean a lot to our whole team to win the game and get the trophy back,” Gibson said. “It’s like a brother thing. You want to do better than them.”

The Ceres Classic perpetual trophy has been in Central Valley’s possession for the past two years.

The Hawks have won the crosstown showdown nine times.

Central Valley and Ceres High have yet to finalize an agreement to meet in non-conference play in future years.

“There are certain games that should be played,” Edwards said. “When I coached in the hills, there was Bret Harte and Calaveras. Ceres High is our rival. We don’t want the rivalry to die.”

“This is the last year we’re going to play in league,” Serrano said. “It’s going to be an intense game. We’re not going to doubt them.”

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

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A MAN AMONG BOYS •

CV’s Serrano drawing interest from D-I colleges

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

D

avid Serrano’s size, strength and athleticism have peaked the interest of a handful of NCAA Division-I football programs, including Nevada, San Diego State, Fresno State, San Jose State and UC Davis.

“It’s like fishing,” Central Valley head coach Scott Edwards said while talking about the recruiting process. “When you get one on the line, you start getting more bites.”

“I’m not used to the attention,” said Serrano, a 6-foot-3 285-pound senior lineman. “I don’t let it overwhelm me. I’ll just keep doing what I do. Even before the colleges showed interest, I knew I had to go 120 percent. My work ethic is my strength.”

David Serrano has improved each season since being promoted to Central Valley’s varsity football team as a sophomore. The 6-foot-3 285-pound senior will be one of the top linemen in the Stanislaus District for the second year in a row this fall. Serrano earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors for his outstanding play on both defense and offense in 2016.

‘I don’t get tired.

I have a lot of energy. I’ll keep going until the whistle blows. ’ –Hawks lineman David Serrano

Promoted to varsity as a sophomore, Serrano has improved each season.

David will be one of the top linemen in the Stanislaus District for the second straight year this fall.

“He’s been playing varsity football since the age of 15,” Edwards said. “We’ll see a more mature person this year. The biggest thing he has going for him is his natural ability. He plays fast and hard. He’s a competitor. He’s the most athletic

big man we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

“The switch is flipped once I put on the gear,” Serrano said. “I don’t get tired. I have a lot of energy. I’ll keep going until the whistle blows.”

Central Valley fielded its greatest football team to date in 2016 thanks

in large part to the dominant play of its four starting defensive linemen, including Serrano, Erik Mejia, Oso Fregoso and Gabriel Quezada.

Mejia, Fregoso and Quezada were voted WAC Most Valuable Player, Outstanding Defensive Player and Outstanding Defensive Lineman,

respectively.

Serrano earned first-team all-conference honors for his contributions on both sides of the ball.

David, Erik, Oso and Gabriel led a Hawks defense that allowed just 11.8 points per game.

They combined for 29 sacks and

201 tackles.

Serrano collected 43 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, one recovered fumble and one pass deflection.

David will fill a bigger role on this year’s team as Mejia, Fregoso and Quezada were lost to graduation in June.

Quezada and Fregoso earned scholarships to Humboldt State and Occidental College, respectively.

“This year is going to be a lot different because I’m the only returning starter for the defensive line,” Serrano. “I know how to handle the pressure because of the last couple of years. All of the experience is going to help me this year.

I’m going to encourage and push my teammates. I feel we can do the same if not better.”

Added Edwards: “There’s no doubt he’s going to see a lot of double teams. He’s had to fight that the last two seasons already. He’s respected.”

Central Valley will be vying for its third consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth under Edwards’ guidance.

The Hawks will also try to defend their conference title during their final season in the WAC. Central Valley compiled a program-best 9-2 overall record and finished first in conference play (5-0) in 2016.

The Hawks set a team record for consecutive victories in a season with eight. “Just because we won the league championship last season, it doesn’t mean we’re automatically going to win it this year,” Serrano said. “We just need to make sure we don’t take any team for granted.

Each win will get us closer to our goals. We want to go undefeated and win WAC. We haven’t won a playoff game. We want to be the first team to do that. To add that to our resume would be amazing.”

David attended football camps at Fresno State and San Diego State during the summertime.

“Playing in college has been my dream ever since I was a little kid,” Serrano said. “Hopefully, I get a full-ride scholarship.”

“He’s really young,” Edwards said. “He’s going to graduate high school at 17 years old. That tells recruiters there’s more potential in there.”

ANDREW GIBSON #23 Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

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•Senior running back working harder as Dawgs strive to end years of gridiron disappointment Ceres High senior Andrew Gibson will be the focal point of Ceres High’s offense this fall. A standout running back, Gibson totaled a team-leading 576 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. He also caught 30 passes for 241 yards and two TDs. Andrew earned Western Athletic Conference honorable-mention recognition.

Andrew Gibson CERES HIGH Sr. 5-6, 185 QUESTION: This is your second season playing varsity football.

Do you enjoy being a leader on the team?

ANSWER: I’m just going to play my hardest and do whatever I can to help out. One thing I hope to change is I want to be more vocal.

I’ll feel weird doing it but I’m more than glad to step up. I don’t feel any added pressure.

Q: Head coach Bret Durossette mentioned you’re going to get a lot more touches on offense this year.

Are you prepared to shoulder the load for the Bulldogs?

A: I’m definitely working harder because I’m going to have a bigger role on the team. I’m going to enjoy playing a lot more. I like competition. That’s what really drives me.

Q: Your older brother Seth Gibson (class of 2016) had a memorable season with Ceres High in 2015. He was named the Western Athletic Conference’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player. He racked up 1,274 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns, and averaged 29.8 yards per touch on 26 kickoff returns. What kind of impact has he had on your development as a player?

A: We’re pretty competitive. If I don’t do well, he makes fun of me.

He does what older brothers do. He

Courier file photo

Ceres High returns several key players from last year’s team, including dual-threat running back Andrew Gibson.

Gibson rushed for 576 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. He grabbed 30 passes for 241 yards and two TDs.

definitely motivates me. He does everything he can to help me out. He helps me to not be lazy.

Q: Have you set team and individual goals for the 2017 season?

A: My personal goal is to get 1,000 rushing yards. For team, we want to win WAC and make it to playoffs.

Q: Ceres High hasn’t enjoyed a winning season or made the playoffs in varsity football since 2004.

The Bulldogs went 4-6 and placed fourth (2-3) in the Western Athletic Conference in 2016. Do you have a

prediction for the 2017 campaign?

A: We’re going to do a lot better this year. I’m pretty confident in our group. If we play hard every game, we’ll have a positive record.

Q: Ceres High has an all-time record of 2-9 versus crosstown-rival Central Valley. You were on the losing side this past season. The Bulldogs squandered a 10-point lead en route to losing 51-10 to the Hawks.

Are you looking forward to playing against Ceres High for the second and final time?

A: I know a lot of people on

Central Valley. It’s fun competing against them. At the end of the game, there are no hard feelings.

Q: Ceres High has a new starting quarterback in sophomore Dalton Durossette. He passed for 1,390 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading the JV Bulldogs to a 7-3 overall record last year. How do you think he’s going to do this season?

A: Everybody has confidence in him. He throws the ball well and isn’t afraid to run when he needs to.

I think he’s ready for the challenge.

He has the talent to have success at

the varsity level.

Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team?

A: Oakland Raiders.

Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player?

A: David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals running back). I really like him as a player and person.

Q: Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?

A: I’m hoping the Raiders. But I think it’s going to be the Patriots again.

Q: Favorite sports movie?

A: When the Game Stands Tall.

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

A: David Johnson.

Q: Favorite musician?

A: Thomas Rhett.

Q: Favorite cereal?

A: Cocoa Dyno-Bites.

Q: Favorite drink?

A: Gold Peak Sweet Tea. Q: Wallpaper on cellphone?

A: Top of a football.

Q: Website you check out every day?

A: Netflix.

Q: Any fears or phobias?

A: Heights.

Q: Food you refuse to eat?

A: Broccoli.

Q: Favorite food to eat?

A: Burritos.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: The 100.

Q: Hobbies?

A: Fishing. Camping. Doing stuff with my friends.

Q: Dream job?

A: NFL player.

Q: College plans?

A: I plan to go to Sacramento State to study criminal justice. I’d love to play football.

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

8

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2017 •Ceres’ versatile running back Andrew Gibson to get more touches on offense this fall

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

1. A starter on Central Valley’s varsity football team since his sophomore year, 6-foot-3 285-pound senior lineman David Serrano will be in the running for one of the Western Athletic Conference’s major individual awards this fall. He will play nose tackle on defense and left tackle on offense. Serrano earned first-team all-WAC honors for his dominance on both sides of the ball last season. David collected 43 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection. Serrano tallied 69 tackles, four sacks, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery while garnering second-team allleague recognition in 2015.

2. Senior Andrew Gibson will be Ceres High’s featured running back for the second consecutive year. A WAC honorable-mention selection in 2016, Gibson amassed 576 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

He grabbed 30 passes for 241 yards and two scores. Andrew collected 29 tackles, one sack and one fumble

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recovery at linebacker.

3. A standout at safety the last two seasons, Central Valley senior Estevan Barragan will be utilized more on offense this year as Hawk standout running backs Jonathan Barragan and Gerardo Solorzano were both lost to graduation. Estevan averaged 6.2 yards per carry this past fall. He rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll continue to be a force on defense. The two-time first-team all-WAC honoree led Central Valley with 91 tackles as a junior. He also had one sack, six pass deflections and one fumble recovery.

4. Ceres High has a new starting quarterback in sophomore Dalton Durossette. Durossette passed for 1,390 yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading the Bulldogs’ junior-varsity football team to a 7-3 overall record last fall.

Dalton earned first-team all-WAC honors while starring on Ceres High’s varsity baseball team his freshman year. He batted .410 from the plate with one homer, three doubles, 22 RBIs, 34 runs and 11 stolen bases for the Bulldogs, who went 23-7, SEE TALENT, PAGE 11

T H S O U

10 CE 19 S SIN CERE RING 0 17 ST 16 , 2 COVE Y, A U G U

The Ceres Courier

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DALE BUTLER / The Courier

LInebacker Nasson Sanchez had a breakout junior campaign with Central Valley’s football team. Sanchez will play a bigger role on this year’s team as eight of 11 defensive starters from a season ago were lost to graduation.

Your Ceres hometown news connection since 1910!

The Ceres Courier • P.O. Box 7 • Ceres CA 95307 138 S. Center Street • Turlock CA • (209) 537-5032 Fax: (209) 632-8813 • www.cerescourier.com

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

CHS ROSTER

CV ROSTER 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 40 42 44 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 62 63 64 65 66 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 80 84 89

Gabe Campos Mark Ramirez Angel Soto Miguel Jimenez Anthony Ocanas Ryan Palecek Phil Jackson Taj Dosanjh Nasson Sanchez Gabriel Story Angel Arellano Efrain Garcia Derek Bolivar Daniel Barrios Trenton Craig Rojelio Casillas Carlos Rodriguez Luis Ramirez Gabriel Rodriguez James Murphy Ryan Miceli Angel Rico Estevan Barragan Mark Sotelo Alejandro Saucedo Anibal Duran Brandan Cordeiro David Martinez Julian Flores Daniel Alvarez Martin Trujillo Martin Orozco Jesus Villa Daniel Germann Angel Porras Eduardo Tovar Tyler Beckhart Reggie Seals Brandon Kearney Roberto Muneton Vincent Bocanegra Franky Marquez Robert Garcia Keven Figueroa Rocky Fisher Alphonso Hernandez Epilidio Rocha Abel Velasquez Enrique Macedo Angel Lopez David Serrano Moises Galeana Michael Saaty Eduardo Gonzalez Michael Duran

1 2 3 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 20 21 23 30 31 32 34 40 41 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 60 61 63 64 67 70 71 72 74 76 82 83 84 95

Johnny Hutson David Ruelas Isaac Santana Felipe Martinez Israel Oregel Marco Fathi Jorge Tiscareno Dylan Grubeck Joe Aguilera Dalton Durossette Josh Gonzales Javey Gomez Cody Carpenter Daniel Hadwick Andrew Gibson Zach Baker Brock Dewitt David Nichols Jose DeLeon Nicholas Santana Skyler Buckhanan Andrew Alcala Nathan Barrows Angel Arroyo Cristofer De la Riva Fernando Salgado Shane Bell David Caravalho Caden Hoback Jaime Topete Eddie Chavez Eric Espinosa Elias Saldana Brock Moore Josiah Keys Darshwak Dhami Freddy Valencia Elijah Hughes Hector Villa Clint Holmes Angelo Marino Gavin Andres Angel Padilla Pablo Gonzalez

DALTON

FROM PAGE 3

and an appearance in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-II title game in 1985.

“There’s added pressure,” Bret said. ”He’s more than ready for the challenge.

9

He has the ability and size. He likes playing and competing. He knows the terminology for the offense. He’s motivated and wants to learn. This is the start of a journey. He’s got nowhere to go but up.”

Added Dalton: “We got to keep getting better every year.”

D a l t o n Durossette is a fourth-generation Ceres High football player.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound sophomore will follow his father’s footsteps and play varsity quarterback for the Bulldogs this fall.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

10

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

NO CLEAR FAVORITE IN WAC

•Hawks made team

history by winning first title in 2016

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Central Valley enjoyed its best season to date last fall.

The Hawks compiled a perfect 5-0 record en route to winning the Western Athletic Conference crown.

Central Valley made history by claiming its first-ever conference during its 11th year of competition.

“They had a great year,” Ceres High head coach Bret Duros-

sette said. “I’m glad a Ceres team won a league championship. I respect (Hawks head coach) Scott Edwards a lot.”

Central Valley and crosstownrival Ceres High will compete with revamped rosters during the 2017 WAC campaign.

The Hawks must replace linemen Erik Mejia (WAC Most Valuable Player), Oso Fregoso (WAC Outstanding Defensive Player) and Gabriel Quezada (WAC Outstanding Defensive Lineman), kicker Angel Lopez (WAC Outstanding Special Teams Player), and running backs Jonathan Barragan (WAC First Team) and Gerardo Solorzano (WAC Second Team).

“We’re up for the challenge to defend our WAC title,” Central Valley senior safety/running back

Estevan Barragan added. “We’re going to work twice as hard.”

The Bulldogs are moving forward without WAC First-Team selections Chris Lubinsky (quarterback), Marcellus Boykins (receiver), Conner Johnson (tight end) and Zyier Harrison (safety), second-team all-conference pick Aiden Moore (offensive lineman), and honorable-mention selection Wyatt Ogden (defensive end/linebacker).

“We lost a lot of people,” Durossette said. “We’re rebuilding. I like being the underdog.”

The WAC features six teams: Central Valley, Ceres High, Los Banos, Pacheco, Patterson and Livingston.

Los Banos (4-1), Pacheco (3-2), Ceres High (2-3), Patterson (1-4)

and Livingston (0-5) placed second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in 2016.

The Hawks won by scores of 45-0, 16-8, 37-16, 21-7 and 51-10 versus Livingston, Los Banos, Pacheco, Patterson and Ceres High.

The Bulldogs edged Patterson 48-41 and pulled away for a 48-28 victory against Livingston.

Ceres High lost 42-41 to Pacheco. The Bulldogs’ potential, game-winning 2-point conversion pass fell short in the end zone.

Ceres High stormed out to a 10-0 lead before allowing seven unanswered touchdowns to Central Valley.

Central Valley and Los Banos were both awarded berths to the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

“The WAC is a quality league,” said Edwards, the conference’s Coach of the Year in 2016. “We have good coaches. Everybody does a good job utilizing the talent they have. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them and I respect them.”

The Hawks will compete in the WAC for the eighth and final year this season.

Central Valley will relocate to the Central California Conference as part of the section’s league realignment plan in 2018-19.

“Our league is pretty balanced,” Edwards said. “We’d love to defend our title and go out as back-to-back winners.”

“We’re going to have a target because we beat everybody last year,” Edwards said.

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Ceres Football Special Section

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TALENT

FROM PAGE 8

qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs and finished second in the WAC standings (12-3). Durossette compiled a 7-4 record at pitcher with a 2.53 ERA, one no-hitter, one shutout, three complete games and 56 strikeouts.

5. Nasson Sanchez starred at inside linebacker during his junior year at Central Valley. Sanchez was selected to the WAC First Team. Nasson filled the stat sheet with 63 tackles, one sack, one interception, five pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

He also contributed at running back, totaling 170 yards and four TDs on 27 carries. Sanchez averaged 6.3 yards per attempt.

6. David Nichols transferred back to Ceres High after spending his junior year at Waterford. Nichols racked up 717 all-purpose yards and

David Nichols

nine touchdowns during his lone season with the Wildcats.

He passed for 611 yards and four TDs with seven interceptions. He rushed for 191 yards and three scores on 87 carries.

He caught 13 passes for 406 yards and two touchdowns.

David tallied 49 tackles, one sack, one interception and two pass deflections at defensive back.

7. Central Valley senior running back/defensive back Carlos Rodriguez was limited to six games due to a knee

injury during his second season with the Hawks last year.

Rodriguez gained 147 yards and scored two TDs on 24 carries. He registered 13 tackles and recovered one fumble.

Rodriguez had 39 tackles, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery as a sophomore at the varsity level.

8. Isaac Santana had a productive junior season with the Bulldogs. Santana collected 58 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries at defensive back.

9. Senior Brandon Kearney will log playing time on Central Valley’s offensive line for the second year in a row. Kearney’s physical play at center helped the Hawks’ rushing attack pile up 2,843 yards and 40 touchdowns versus its 11 opponents last season.

10. Ceres High’s top returning lineman is senior Fernando Salgado. Salgado will contribute on offense and defense for the second year in a row.

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Senior lineman David Serrano and Central Valley’s football team will compete against the Ceres High Bulldogs on Nov. 3.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

CV SCHEDULE Aug. 25 v. Atwater, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 v. Sierra, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 @ Grace Davis, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 @ Enochs, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 v. West, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 6 @ Livingston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 v. Los Banos, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 v. Pacheco, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 @ Patterson, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 @ Ceres High, 7 p.m.

CHS SCHEDULE Aug. 25 @ Weston Ranch, 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 @ East Union, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8 v. Hughson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 v. Johansen, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21 @ Atwater, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 v. Los Banos, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 @ Patterson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 @ Livingston, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 v. Pacheco, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 v. Central Valley, 7 p.m.

11

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