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Central Valley defeats West despite offensive miscues
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Chase Winchester had three tackles and one interception during Central Valleys final preseason game. The Hawks held on for a 30-20 win over West Friday night in Tracy. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Central Valley High School's varsity football team didn't underestimate West of Tracy this past week.

"We knew going into the game they were going to put up a fight," Hawks senior running back Jonathan Barragan said. "They're a Division-I school. They've had a pretty tough schedule."

Central Valley wrapped up its preseason schedule with a 30-20 road victory versus the Wolfpack Friday night.

"We led the whole game," Hawks head coach Scott Edwards said. "We just did some bad things that made it competitive."

Central Valley improved to 4-1 on the year.

West dropped to 0-5 overall.

"There's no doubt they're the second-best team we've played this year," Edwards said. "Three of the teams they lost to have a combined 14 wins."

Six different players carried the ball as the Hawks piled up 269 yards on the ground against the Wolfpack.

Jonathan Barragan totaled 124 yards and one touchdown on 20 attempts.

Carlos Rodriguez added 54 yards and one TD on six carries. Rodriguez also ran back the opening, second-half kickoff 85 yards for a score.

Nasson Sanchez rushed for 37 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries.

Gabriel Quezada led Central Valley's defense with six tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble.

Erik Mejia registered 10 tackles and two sacks.

David Serrano collected five tackles and one sack.

Estevan Barragan tallied a team-high 10 tackles.

Chase Winchester had three tackles and one interception

"Coach comes up with the game plans and we follow them," Jonathan Barragan said.

Central Valley beat West despite losing the turnover battle.

The Wolfpack recovered three fumbles and intercepted one pass.

"It's frustrating," Edwards said. "We had four red-zone turnovers that stalled scoring opportunities."

Winchester secured the victory with an interception at the 1:30 mark of the fourth quarter.

"Our defense played really well," Edwards said. "We put pressure on the quarterback all night."

Central Valley will open the Western Athletic Conference portion of its schedule on Oct. 7 at Bulldog Stadium.

The Hawks will face the visiting Wolves (1-4) on homecoming.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

"Everyone in league is trying to get better just like us," Edwards said. "We have an opportunity to be a very good football team. But we're our own worst enemy right now."