Central Valley’s football team relied heavily on offensive linemen Andrue Olivas and Leonardo Monroy this season.

The Hawks piled up 1,186 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground thanks in large part to the play of Olivas and Monroy.

“When we wanted to run the ball, we went to the left side,” said Central Valley leader Derrick Goblirsch. 

Olivas and Monroy were honored, along with Hawk teammate Cesar Pimentel during the CCC year-end coaches meeting on Nov. 2 in Merced.

“To see them get honored for their hard work speaks volumes to what we’re trying to build as a program,” Central Valley leader Derrick Goblirsch.

“It’s a testament to all the hard work we put in,” Olivas added.

Olivas, Monroy and Pimentel were all selected to the CCC Second Team.

Olivas, a junior, started on Central Valley’s offensive line for the second consecutive season.

“It’s cool to be acknowledged,” Olivas said. “I felt like I held my own. I love playing the position. The most enjoyable part is when you pancake someone and put them on the ground.”

“I’m my biggest critic,” he added. “I always feel like I could do better.”

Olivas logged playing time at left tackle this year.

My sophomore year, I was learning as I was going,” Olivas said. “I’m a better player now because of the experience. I love the physicality of the position. It’s definitely a challenge. But I try to do the best I can. It’s really tough. There are guys that are four inches taller than me and 50 pounds heavier.”

“His biggest contribution is pushing the other guys,” Goblirsch stated. “He’s a vocal leader. He also leads by example. The other guys respect the fact he works his tail off. He’s going to continue to get bigger and stronger.”

Monroy, a senior, was a first-year starter on the Hawks’ offensive line.

He logged playing time at left guard.

He was a defensive lineman in the 11th grade.

“He made big strides in the weight room. And that translated onto the field. He got better and better as the year went on.”

Pimentel, a sophomore defensive back, made an impact during his first season at the varsity level.

“He’s a guy we could always rely on. He did his job. He was always in the right spot.”

Pimentel ranked first on the team in  tackles (89) and interceptions (2), second in fumble recoveries (2) and forced fumbles (1), and third in pass deflections (2), 

“It’s a big jump going from freshman to varsity football. We knew early in the season he’d be pretty special. He did his job really well.”

Surprisingly, Central Valley senior receiver Anthony Ramirez didn’t receive any conference recognition despite ranking second in the league in yards, yards per game and touchdowns, and fourth in receptions at his position.

He led the Hawks in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

Ramirez caught 38 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 125 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. 

“It was unbelievable he wasn’t voted in. I was shocked he didn’t get first or second team. I felt he earned it with his performance on the field.”