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Ceres High coaches direct North All-Stars
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The Ceres High football team had a lot of success this past season because they had a stellar defense, explosive offense and competent coaching staff.

Ceres' coaches directed the North team at the 19th annual Rotary All-Star Football Game at Chowchilla High School's Henry Massaro Stadium Friday night. The South edged the North, 20-14.

"It was quite an honor to be selected to coach it," said Brett Johnson, defensive coordinator.

Three 2004 Ceres High graduates suited up for the North, including Brandon Crawford, Isaiah Beard and Matt Venema.

Crawford and Beard logged a significant amount of playing time at running back and guard, respectively. Venema played the entire game at middle linebacker.

Crawford, a first-team, all-CCC selection during his senior year, gained 35 yards in eight carries and caught one pass for 29 yards.

Beard, a three-year starter at Ceres High who earned first-team, all-league honors on offense this past season, blocked for a rushing attack, which gained 164 yards on 21 carries.

Venema was a defensive standout for the past two seasons at Ceres High.

"They all performed just like we thought they would," Johnson said. "They played hard and represented themselves and the city of Ceres well."

Johnson enjoyed coaching his former players.

"To get to be around them in a different setting was neat," he said. "It was fun."

The North limited the South to just 88 yards of total offense and six first downs in the first half. The South punted three times and turned the ball over on downs on its first four possessions.

"We shut them out in the first half," Johnson said.

Down 7-0, the South outscored the North 20-7 in the second half.

The South, which gained 133 yards on the ground in the final two quarters, scored 14 points off two turnovers. - By DALE BUTLER / Staff Reporter of The Ceres (Calif.) Courier