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Ceres High players garner all-WAC recognition
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Senior Chris Lubinsky was the top quarterback in the WAC in 2016. Lubinsky earned first-team all-conference honors. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Quarterback Chris Lubinsky, receiver Marcellus Boykins and tight end Conner Johnson filled starring roles on Ceres High's varsity football team in 2016.

Lubinsky, Boykins and Johnson, along with fellow Bulldogs Zyier Harrison and Aiden Moore were recognized in a vote by the Western Athletic Conference's head coaches on Nov. 15 in Patterson.

"I'm proud of them," Ceres High head coach Bret Durossette said.

Added Lubinsky: "I'm happy for my teammates."

Chris, Marcellus and Conner filled the stat sheet as the fourth-place Bulldogs (2-3) averaged 30.8 points per game during the WAC season.

"It's nice to have weapons like that at your disposal," Lubinsky said. "I'm excited to see what the future holds for the two of them."

A two-year starter, Lubinsky led the WAC in touchdowns (15), yards (1,400), yards per game (280), completions (114), attempts (172) and rating (108.2) this past fall.

"Chris' numbers were fantastic," Durossette said. "He did everything we asked him to do. He was a fun kid to coach."

Chris completed 413 of 682 passes for 5,595 yards with 54 touchdowns and just 16 interceptions in 20 career games.

He was an honorable-mention WAC selection a year ago.

"When I found out I didn't make first or second team last year, it motivated me to work harder," Lubinsky said. "I knew I had to play well for us to be successful. I was fortunate to have a lot of talent around me. We worked well together."

A three-year starter at receiver, Boykins led the WAC in receptions (39), yards (569) and touchdowns (6) in 2016.

"The kid is phenomenal," Durossette said. "He's a tremendous, off-the-charts athlete. He has a combination of everything-speed, finishing and hands. He has such a great passion for the game. We'll forever remember Marcellus."

"Once he stepped into the No. 1 role, he really shined," Lubinsky added. "He has a good skillset for a receiver. He does a lot of things well. He's tough to bring down because he's so fast."

Marcellus caught 151 passes for 2,144 yards and 13 touchdowns during his three-year career.

He also earned first-team all-WAC honors in 2014.

"I've come a long way since my sophomore year," Boykins said. "There's still so much I need to improve on to be able to play at the next level. I just wish I could come back for another year. It was really fun. I learned a lot from my coaches and teammates."

"When schools start calling, we'll tell them about Marcellus," Durossette added. "He's got the body frame. He's got the temperament. He's got the passion. The sky's the limit for that kid. He'll leave a mark wherever he goes."

A three-year starter at tight end, Johnson ranked second in the WAC in receptions (31), yards (392) and touchdowns (4). Conner garnered second-team all-WAC accolades as a junior.

Johnson's career totals were 103 receptions, 1,246 yards and 10 TDs.

"He worked harder to get bigger, stronger and faster," Lubinsky said. "And it showed on the field. He's so reliable catching the ball. He has great hands. When he got the ball, he looked to punish whoever tried to tackle him."

Harrison, a senior safety, also earned first-team all-WAC honors.

Zyier had 29 tackles, one interception, two pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.

Moore, a senior offensive lineman, was named to the WAC Second Team.

Aiden split playing time at center and guard.

Senior defensive end/linebacker Wyatt Ogden and junior running back Andrew Gibson were both honorable-mention selections.

Ogden had 34 tackles and one sack.

Gibson rushed for 382 yards and five touchdowns.