In preparation for the start of the 2019 season, Ceres High School’s varsity football team scrimmaged against Hughson Friday evening at Bulldog Stadium.

“Overall, I’d give us a C,” second-year head coach Matt Chachere. “There some glimpses of hope. We fell short in certain areas.”

“Everybody was excited to face another team,” senior receiver/defensive back Fernando Sosa said. “You could feel all the energy. We did amazing. We finished strong. I’d give us an 8 out of 10.”

The Bulldogs had two big questions marks heading into the scrimmage.

Weston Ranch transfer Montrell Block’s electric play earned him the starting running back position.

“He was a pleasant surprise,” Chachere said. “I wasn’t expecting that. Each time he was touching the ball, he was making big gains. He was explosive and fast. He broke some tackles and had some bounce to him.”

Block will fill in for Amare Padilla, a transfer from Central Valley High School.

“Amare will be our starter once he’s cleared,” Chachere said. “He has to sit out the first four games.”

Bryce Piatt edged out fellow sophomore Roberto Tiscareno for the starting quarterback position.

“He (Piatt) didn’t crumble under the pressure,” Chachere said. “He showed good command of the offense. That’s a plus. He was at every single practice during the summer. He was dedicated. For a kid his age, he has some maturity to him and a lot of confidence.”

Ceres High gained confidence during its battle with Hughson.

“We communicated very well,” Sosa said while assessing his team’s performance. “We executed plays. We had some positives and negatives. We still got to work on some stuff.”