Ceres High School’s varsity football team used the bye as an extra week of preparation for El Capitan.

“I saw them live against Central Valley,” Bulldogs head coach Bret Durossette said. “They got good size. They have athletes. Their quarterback is pretty talented. Their running backs are pretty good. We’re going to have our hands full.”

Ceres High will look to bounce back against the Gauchos today at 7 p.m. in Merced.

The Bulldogs suffered a devastating 64-57 loss while battling Pacheco on Oct. 10 in Ceres.

“Our guys will respond,” Durossette said. “It’s just a matter of executing. We need to not make mistakes and take care of the ball.”

Ceres High (2-6, 1-3) and El Capitan (2-6, 1-3) enter the Western Athletic Conference contest with identical records.

Quarterback Chris Lubinsky, receiver Austin Stiles and Johnni Smith-Willis will lead the Bulldogs.

Lubinsky has thrown for 2,130 yards with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.

Stiles has caught 50 passes for 787 yards and 10 TDs.

Smith-Willis has rushed for 591 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 carries.

Quarterback Chase Whitaker (1,813/18/11), running back Joshua Stewart (94/809/8) and receivers Elijah Reid (21/559/8), Marcos Dinkins (24/411/6) and Da’vonya Shepherd (20/427/4) will lead the Gauchos.

 “We’ll be able to move the ball, offensively,” Durossette said. “We got to do a better job, defensively. We’ll have our hands full.”