Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s boys golf teams placed first and second, respectively, in the Western Athletic Conference South Division standings during the 2021 COVID-shortened season.

The Bulldogs and Hawks will compete in different leagues this year as the conferences they previously belonged to prior to temporary realignment reassembled.

Ceres High and Central Valley are members of the WAC and Central California Conference.

“It would be nice to finish in the top half as a team,” Hawks’ head coach Scott Edwards said. “That would be a success.” 

“I think we can finish in the top four,” Bulldogs’ leader Ron Edwards said. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

Ceres High’s roster consists of six players.

Erik Hott (Sr.) and Jayson Homsombath (Jr.) are returners.

Christopher Dunn (Sr.), Benjamin Larranaga (Jr.), Alejandro Plantillas Rosas (Jr.) and Zachary Chastain (Fr.) are newcomers.

“No spot is guaranteed,” Ron Edwards said. “They earn it through their play.”

Central Valley has 10 players on its roster.

Matteo Bonales (Sr.), Dylan Jacobson (Sr.), Alijah Lopez (Sr.), Dillon Brush (Jr.), Armando Guajardo (Jr.) and Brandyn Matusich (Jr.) are returners.

Victor Alvarez (Sr.), Jadon Rafatti (Jr.), Daniel Castillo (Jr.) and Gabriel Davila-Sanchez (Jr.) are newcomers.

“From top to bottom, this is the deepest golf team I’ve had,” Scott Edwards said. “My No. 3-9 players are within range of each other. Any day, they can outshoot each other. That’s a good thing. Hopefully, it pays off.”

Bonales was named Most Valuable Player of the WAC South Division as a junior.

Hott earned first-team all-league honors.

Bonales and Hott compiled identical 7-1 records in conference play.

They finished 1-1 against each other.

“Matteo works hard and loves the game,” Scott Edwards said. 

“I don’t work with Erik that much,” Ron Edwards said. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s good at everything. He has the whole package.”

The Bulldogs and Hawks compiled 8-0 and 6-2 records, respectively, versus WAC South competition a year ago.

Central Valley’s 2022 conference schedule features matches against Patterson, Atwater, Buhach Colony, Merced, Golden Valley and El Capitan.

Ceres High will face Beyer, Johansen, Grace Davis, Los Banos, Pacheco, Lathrop and Mountain House during the WAC season.

“It’s going to be tougher,” Ron Edwards said. “I’m hoping to finish at least .500 this year. I got a lot of new kids.”

“We play schools in communities that have country clubs,” Scott Edwards said. “I just want us to have a competitive season.”