By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Air quality leads to changes
Alexis Becerra
Alexis Becerra - photo by Dale Butler

High school football teams throughout the Sac-Joaquin Section had to cancel and/or reschedule games slated for last Friday due to poor air quality as a result of smoke from wildfires in California.

Central Valley High School was supposed to travel to Los Banos to compete against Pacheco.

Hawk players were watching game film in head coach Derrick Goblirsch’s math classroom when they received the news.

“A teammate got a call from a cheerleader,” Central Valley senior quarterback/defensive back Roberto Tiscareno said. “Their bus turned around and came back from Pacheco. We knew there was a chance the game could get canceled. We got out of fifth period and it was pretty smoky.”

“There’s nothing normal about these last two years,” Goblirsch stated. “The kids have handled it very well.”

Ceres High was supposed to play host to Amador.

The game was cancelled and will not be made up.

“I found out fifth period,” Bulldogs’ senior receiver/defensive back Verlis Smith said. “I got a text from coach (Clinton Goblirsch). At first, I couldn’t believe it. I was bummed out. A lot of games got shut down. They’re being smart and keeping everybody safe. I hope we don’t have any more cancellations. We had a short season (due to COVID) last year. We just want to play.”

“We’ll be looking to fill our bye date with somebody else,” Bulldogs’ Athletic Director John Bussard said. 

The non-league game between Central Valley and Pacheco was rescheduled for Saturday evening.

The Hawks improved to 2-0 on the season with a 10-6 win over the Panthers.

“These kids have already had a season cut short,” Derrick Goblirsch said. “I want to make sure they can play as many games as possible.”

Central Valley shut out Pacheco for the opening three quarters.

“We knew it was going to be a physical game,” Derrick Goblirsch said. “The effort was outstanding.”

For the second week in a row, linebacker Alexis Becerra and kicker Edgar Garcia played key roles.

Becerra’s second interception in as many games helped the Hawks secure a hard-fought victory versus the Panthers.

Garcia booted a 20-yard field goal and converted his lone point-after kick.

He’s made all three of his field-goal attempts and four PATs this season.

Central Valley’s defense totaled three sacks and three interceptions.

Becerra had eight tackles and one pick.

Darrius Jackson had four tackles, one interception and one pass deflection.

Salvador Ochoa had three tackles and one interception.

Alejandro Hernandez had five tackles and one sack.

Ricardo Perez had one sack.

Anthony Malagon had three tackles and one sack.

Felix Arellano accounted for the Hawks’ lone touchdown. He scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter.

Arellano rushed for 71 yards on 18 carries.

Pacheco’s potential, game-winning drive ended with a turnover at Central Valley’s 20-yard line with less than four minutes to play.

Becerra tallied his second interception of the season to thwart the Panthers’ threat.

The Hawks have won seven straight games dating back to last season.