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CV entertains home crowd
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Jonathan Barragan piled up 366 yards and five touchdowns on the ground during Central Valleys last three games. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

A member of Central Valley's varsity football team since his sophomore year, Jonathan Barragan played in his final homecoming game for the Hawks this past week.

The senior running back totaled a career-high 134 yards and three touchdowns as Central Valley trounced Livingston 45-0 during Friday's Western Athletic Conference season opener at Bulldog Stadium.

"We had a great week of practice," Barragan said. "Everything finally came together. We played a complete game. We executed our game plan to near perfection."

The Hawks improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the WAC standings.

The Wolves dropped to 1-5 and 0-1.

Central Valley notched its fourth consecutive victory.

"I love where our team's headed," Barragan said. "We're hungry. I'm not surprised where we're at. We know what we have."

The Hawks totaled 328 yards-268 rushing-on 39 offensive plays.

Fullback Gerardo Solorzano rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries.

Running back Estevan Barragan had a 5-yard rushing TD.

Quarterback Willie Soriano completed a 50-yard pass to running back Gabe Campos.

"We're getting more efficient," Hawks head coach Scott Edwards said.

Livingston never posed as threat as Central Valley built a 38-7 lead in the opening half.

Jonathan Barragan scored on runs of 15, 8 and 14 yards.

Solorzano added rushing TDs of 1 and 5 yards.

Angel Lopez booted a 41-yard field goal.

"We wanted to make a statement," he said.

Jonathan Barragan had no idea he turned in a career-best performance against the Wolves until after the game.

"It was kind of shocking," he said. "I didn't think I rushed for that many yards. The offensive line did their thing. I also had a fullback (Solorzano) leading the way. The holes were huge."

"The last three games, he's rushed for over 100 yards," Edwards said. "He's showing more patience. He's not making negative plays."

Central Valley's defense posted its second shutout.

David Serrano had four tackles and one pass deflection.

Oso Fregoso had four tackles and one forced fumble.

Erik Mejia had three tackles and one fumble recovery.

Gabriel Quezada had three tackles and one sack.

Estevan Barragan, Jonny Velasquez and Nasson Sanchez all had three tackles and one pass deflection.

The Hawks have won 12 of their last 15 games dating back to Week 3 of last season.

"Coach (Edwards) is a wizard," Jonathan Barragan said. "He makes things happen. He's coached at the next level. He understands the game. He's a major key to our success."

Central Valley will compete at Los Banos (4-2, 1-0) this Friday at 7 p.m.

The Tigers opened WAC season with a 42-2 blowout of Ceres High.

"We understand what we have ahead of us," Jonathan Barragan said. "We have the talent to win the WAC title. We just have to stay focused."

Added Edwards: "It's going to be a huge test. Both teams are going to have to deal with quality opponents."