Central Valley and Ceres High crossed paths at the Modesto Junior College 7-on-7 passing tournament on July 13.

The Hawks and Bulldogs finished 1-2 while competing in the same pool.

"We competed and had fun," Central Valley head coach Jason McCloskey said.

Central Valley compiled a 3-1 record on its way to a top-four finish at the 16-team event thanks in large part to the stellar play of quarterback/defensive back Kendel Johnson, running back/defensive back Ja'Quan Gardner, linebacker/running back Benjamin Anitelea, defensive back Raul Godinez and defensive back/wide receiver Milton Uti.

The Hawks lost 24-14 to eventual-champion Patterson in the semifinals.

Central Valley bested Weston Ranch (20-18), Ceres High (21-20) and Downey (28-13).

The Hawks won four of six games en route to a third-place finish at the Stagg tournament earlier this summer.

"I've been pleased with everything that's going on," McCloskey said.

Ceres High won four of its five games.

The Bulldogs knocked off Downey, Weston Ranch, Livingston and Sierra.

Quarterback Brad Bussard, and receivers Dylan Canatsy and Juan Anderson led the way.

"We did really well for only having 10 kids," Ceres High head coach Bret Durossette said. "We're trying to get better as a team. Our kids competed."

Ceres High barely lost to crosstown-rival Central Valley.
Canatsy and Gardner both caught two touchdown passes.

Bussard and Godinez each had one interception on defense.

"It was a dogfight," McCloskey said.

"They're a better team this year," added Anitelea, the recipient of one TD pass.