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Bermudez, Williams are difference-makers
CV, CHS players will be major contributors
TWilliams.tiff
Sophomore Tyree Williams will log playing time at running back and linebacker on Ceres Highs varsity football team in 2013. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Junior Angelo Bermudez is one of the best athletes on Central Valley's roster.

Sophomore Tyree Williams has yet to prove himself but could develop into one of Ceres High's all-time greatest players.

Bermudez and Williams will showcase their versatility for the Hawks and Bulldogs, respectively, this fall.

"I'm a game-changer," Angelo said. "Some of my friends compare me to Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas."

Bermudez had 1,162 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns while logging playing time at running back, wide receiver, kickoff returner and punt returner at the varsity level as a sophomore.

Angelo registered 18 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble at defensive back.

"I don't really have a position," Bermudez said. "Whenever I get the ball, I try to make the best of it. It gets tiring but that's where all the conditioning comes in."

Bermudez went to the Fresno State camp with Hawk teammates Ja'Quan Gardner and Kendel Johnson.

He also attended the University of Oregon clinic.

Angelo spent a considerable amount of time training with Ja'Quan during the summertime.

Gardner, Central Valley's record-breaking running back, racked up 3,547 yards and 40 touchdowns the past two seasons.

"I'm grateful to have someone like that to learn from," Angelo said.

Bermudez also added 10 pounds of muscle to his 5-foot-7 frame.

He improved his 40-yard dash time as well.

"I got bigger and faster," Bermudez said. "That was my main focus."

Angelo will be utilized more on offense in 2013.

"A lot of people know who I am," Bermudez said. "It's a good feeling. It makes you want to play harder. I'm going to get more touches this year. I just want to make big plays whenever I get the ball."

Tyree's big-play ability will be needed on both sides of the ball as Ceres High strives for improvement.

The Bulldogs ranked last in both offense and defense in the Western Athletic Conference last year.

Tyree, a 6-foot 170-pound running back/linebacker, gained 640 yards and scored four times on the ground for the JV Bulldogs (6-4) a year ago. Williams tallied 62 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Can Tyree duplicate Brandon Crawford's success at the varsity level?

Crawford rushed for 954 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns as senior in 2003. A first-team all-league selection, Brandon also caught 15 passes for 205 yards. The Bulldogs posted a 7-4 overall record, placed second in the Central California Conference standings and secured a Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth for the first time in eight years.

Ceres High last participated in the postseason in 2004.

If Tyree stays healthy, Ceres High will have an opportunity to make history and return to the playoffs after an eight-year absence. Williams, who can score from anywhere on the field, injured his collarbone at the Downey full-contact camp.

"We haven't had a kid in a position like that in a while," Bulldogs head coach Bret Durossette said. "Tyree's got speed and power. He can catch the ball. He's a great athlete."