Ceres High’s football program had its Senior Night spoiled by Hughson a year ago.

Seeking to return the favor during last Friday’s season-opening matchup at Husky Memorial Stadium, the Bulldogs suffered a 44-7 loss.

“We played them tougher than the score,” Ceres High first-year head coach Debin Cowell stated. “The game got away from us in the second half. Our fitness level is not where it needs to be. We had guys dropping like flies (with cramps). We still did some good things we can build on. I’m happy.”

“We were excited to play football,” Bulldogs’ senior quarterback Anthony Santillan said. “We had one of our best weeks of practice. Obviously, we tried to make the game close. It was very competitive early on.”

The Bulldogs dropped to 0-1 on the season.

The Huskies improved to 1-0.

Ceres High has an 0-4 head-to-head record against Hughson since 2023.

Hughson claimed three straight Sac-Joaquin Section titles and a CIF State championship between 2022 and 2024. The Huskies have advanced to at least the quarterfinal round of playoffs the past four years.

“We were playing one of the premier programs in the area,” Cowell said. “They have a really good team over there. You have to play perfect to have a chance.”

The Bulldogs had 130 rushing yards against the Huskies.

Caelen Eskridge accounted for Ceres High’s lone touchdown as he scored on a 1-yard run.

“We ran the ball well all night,” Cowell said.

Anthony Santillan made his varsity debut at quarterback with the Bulldogs.

“It’s an honor to be at that position,” Santillan said. “There were a little bit of nerves before the game. But I was fired up. I was ready. I’m pretty happy with how I did. I feel I handled the pressure well.”

“I give him a lot of credit,” Cowell added. “He didn’t turn the ball over. He didn’t back down from the competition. He made some good plays.”

Santillan last played organized football at the freshman level in 2023.

He took a break from the sport the past two seasons to focus on track and field and baseball.

“The experience was great,” Santillan said. “I loved it. There’s more physicality (at varsity). It’s a lot faster-paced. Everybody knows what they’re doing.”

Hughson piled up 223 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Ceres High challenged Hughson in the first half.

Trailing 14-0, Eskridge scored on a 1-yard run and Leo Ayala added the point-after kick to cut the deicit to seven.

The Bulldogs surrendered 10 points during the final four minutes of the second quarter.

Hughson outscored Ceres High 20-0 in the second half.

“We played well in spurts,” Cowell said.

“It’s our first game,” Santillan added. “We’ll get better.”

Ceres High will return to the gridiron on Sept. 11 when it plays host to McNair (1-0) at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs will have an extra week to prepare for the Eagles.

Ceres High topped McNair 28-22 on the road last season.