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Bulldogs put a halt to 12-game losing streak
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Ceres High School varsity football players, coaches and fans were in a jovial mood following Friday night's 33-21 home domination of East Union.

The win ended the Bulldogs' 12-game losing streak dating back to September 2010.

Ceres High, 1-9 a season ago, improved to 1-3.

The Lancers dropped to 0-3.

"It's a confidence builder," Bulldogs head coach Bret Durossette said. "We did some good things. Hopefully, we can build on it."

Jermaine Ruffin had a memorable debut with Ceres High. The senior running back piled up 142 yards and three touchdowns on just 12 carries. He also logged playing time at safety.

"It's a great opportunity," said Ruffin, formerly of Sierra High School. "Honestly, I didn't think I'd get this much playing time. I'm still learning the plays. Our linemen did an incredible job blocking. I just did my best to help the team."

The Lancers had momentum in their favor after cutting a three-touchdown deficit to six points with 8:32 to play.

Fourteen seconds later, Ruffin silenced East Union's cheering section with a jaw-dropping 80-yard touchdown run. Nick Welsh added the PAT to make it a 27-14 game.

Bulldog running back George Arroyo scored on a 1-yard run at the 3:12 mark.

Ceres High dominated East Union for three-plus quarters.

The Bulldogs reeled off 20 straight points before the Lancers responded.

Arroyo and Ruffin had TD runs of 2 and 9 yards, respectively, in the second quarter.

Jermaine's second touchdown, a 1-yard run, came in the third quarter.

Ceres High imposed its will early in the game thanks to the play of its offensive line.

The Bulldogs' first possession didn't result in a touchdown or field goal but chewed up more than nine minutes.

Arroyo tallied 34 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Joey Longtin carried the ball 12 times for 57 yards.

Ceres High quarterback Blake Hurst completed 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards.

James Rice caught six passes for 47 yards. He extended two drives with fourth-down receptions.

Welsh hauled in four passes for 68 yards.

Tight end Devon Ruger added 41 yards on three catches.

Ceres High's first game of the Western Athletic Conference season will be staged this Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Ceres High will face first-year Pacheco (2-2). The Bulldogs plan to entertain their homecoming fans.

"As long as we stick together, we'll do more," Ruffin said.