Promoted to Ceres High’s varsity football program as a sophomore, Elias Saldana played his best game to date this past week.

“This is my last season,” the 6-foot-tall 280-pound senior said. “I don’t want to live with any regrets. I’m going to continue to give everything I have regardless of the score. I don’t want to let my teammates down. I take pride in what I do.”

Saldana collected a career-high 14 tackles and one sack while starting at nose guard during the Bulldogs’ 35-26 Homecoming loss to Lathrop Friday night at CUSD Stadium.

“Stat-wise, it’s the most tackles I’ve had in a game,” he said.

Saldana also started at left guard on Ceres High’s offensive line.

He played the entire game.

“He was all over the field,” head coach Matt Chachere said. “He plays with a lot of intensity. He’s a great leader.”

“For the most part, I played every play,” Saldana said. “I wasn’t getting tired.”

When asked why he didn’t get fatigued during the Homecoming contest, Saldana said: “Knowing I’m running out of games fueled me. I’m playing every game like it’s my last. I know I have a lot more to give.”