Ceres High’s football team overcame a shaky start during its Western Athletic Conference matchup versus Livingston last week.

Down by 14 points, the Bulldogs outscored the upset-minded Wolves 28-7 during the second half en route to earning a 35-28 win in front of a large homecoming crowd Friday evening in Ceres.

“Our execution was better,” Ceres High running back/linebacker Caelen Eskridge said.

The Bulldogs moved to 3-4 on the season and fifth place in the WAC standings with a 2-2 mark.

The last-place Wolves dropped to 0-7 and 0-4.

Ceres High compiled a 3-8 overall record and took sixth in league (2-5) in 2025.

“As a team, we’re in a better spot (this season),” Eskridge said. “We’re in position to surpass last year’s win total because of team chemistry. This group is really united. We all want the same thing. We want to win as one.”

Ceres High relied heavily on its ground game against Livingston.

The Bulldogs totaled 267 yards and five touchdowns on 39 carries.

Eskridge and quarterback Anthony Santillan did most of the damage.

Eskridge rushed for 78 yards and a team-high three touchdowns on 18 carries.

Santillan gained a team-high 150 yards and scored one touchdown on 17 carries.

“Our offensive line did a great job executing their blocks and getting to the second level,” Eskridge said.

Alex Ramirez led Ceres High’s defense with nine tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception.

Gelo Estrada collected seven tackles.

Angel Bravo and Tyler Phongsa Chhoeum both had five tackles.

Sophomore Isaac Villa had two tackles and one fumble recovery.

Freshman Bentley Goodman had two tackles and one sack.

Jayden Carrillo had one tackle and one interception.

The Bulldogs elevated their level of play in the second half by accounting for 28 of the 35 points scored.

“We dominated,” Eskridge said. “I knew our offense would flow eventually.”

Livingston outscored Ceres High 14-0 in the first quarter on its way to building a 21-7 lead in the opening half.

“We had some trouble early on handling our (defensive) assignments individually and collectively,” Eskridge said. “We talked about it at halftime. I knew we were going to play better. We were flying around a lot more on defense. We applied some pressure.”

The Bulldogs capped off Homecoming week with a thrilling comeback victory versus the Wolves.

“It’s a game you don’t want to lose,” Eskridge said. “You want to win it for the people that are there.”

Ceres High will travel to Los Banos this Friday to play sixth-place Pacheco (2-5, 1-3).

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.