By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CV will showcase playmakers on both sides of the ball
57483a.jpg
57483a
Central Valley High School's varsity football program had one of the most explosive offenses in the Stanislaus District in 2008, The Hawks averaged 28.1 points and 382 yards per contest.

This year's team could be just as productive-on both sides of the ball.

"We're fast," assistant coach Antone Lopez said. "We're athletic. We're big up front. We're more balanced everywhere. I think we'll be successful."

Abraham Navarro, Central Valley's quarterback, totaled eight touchdowns and just one interception while starting six games at the varsity level as a freshman.

"My confidence is a lot better now," Navarro said. "My teammates trust me. My goal is to get wins, then the individual honors."

Greg Mathews (WR/DB, Sr.) caught 58 passes for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns on his way to earning first-team, all-Valley Oak League honors a season ago. He had 61 tackles and eight interceptions on defense.

Tyree Jones (RB/DB, Sr.) gained 510 yards and scored four touchdowns last year. He also picked off one pass.

Hawk veterans Terrence Sadler (RB/LB, Sr.) and Chris Moscozo (LB/TE, Sr.) with both be utilized more this season.

Central Valley's top newcomers are Greg Tripp (WR/DB, Jr.), Anthony Centeno (WR/DB, Jr.) and Cristian Chavez (OL/DL, Jr.). The trio played for Lopez at the JV level last year.

"We had good pieces before but we lacked depth," Antone said. "We have two guys at each position this year. We're deep everywhere."

Central Valley's new defensive scheme, which will be run at the varsity, JV and frosh levels, features three down linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs.

The switch from 4-3 to 3-4 was made after Lopez was named defensive coordinator. He replaced Jason Avelar, who joined Pitman High School's coaching staff.

Casey Ashlock (LB, Sr.), Jamal Wessinger (LB, Sr.), Wyatt Faulkner (LB, Jr.), Cody Melton (LB, Jr.), Juan Reyes (LB, Jr.), Josh Beckhart (DL, Sr.), Mark Santos (DL, Jr.), Hector Ornelas (DL, Jr.), Gabriel Alvarado (DL, Jr.) and Brandon Viado (DB, Sr.) will all contribute.

"There's a lot more involved now," said Antone, while talking about Central Valley's revamped defense. "We're focusing on being aggressive. We're going to get better as the season goes on. If we can keep people under 14 points, I think we can win a lot of games."

The 2010 regular season gets underway this Thursday at Bulldog Stadium as the Hawks play host to the Downey Knights. The non-league game will begin at 7:30 p.m.