Central Valley’s varsity football program eked out a 30-23 win over Golden Valley Friday evening at CUSD Stadium.
“That’s what happens when you play together as a team,” senior quarterback Andrew Hernandez said. “It’s always special winning on Homecoming. It (the support of the fans) makes you want to play even harder.”
The fourth-place Hawks improved to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the Central California Conference.
The third-place Cougars dropped to 3-3 and 1-1.
Central Valley remained in the hunt for a playoff berth.
“The CCC isn’t a joke. You got to be serious and ready to work. Very few mistakes can be made. The win gives us some confidence going into our next game.”Quarterback Andrew Hernandez
“The CCC isn’t a joke,” Hernandez said. “You got to be serious and ready to work. Very few mistakes can be made. The win gives us some confidence going into our next game.”
The Hawks piled up 327 yards of total offense versus the Cougars.
“We executed what coach told us to do,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez posted a QB rating of 134.4.
He completed 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Indy Hothi caught two passes for 54 yards and one TD.
Chris Simental had 46 yards and one touchdown on four receptions.
Erick Martinez-Stucchi totaled 59 yards on three catches.
Dylan Kong added 31 yards on two receptions.
Hawk junior Isaiah Hidalgo racked up 225 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
He ran for 96 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries.
Hidalgo also returned a free kick after a safety 80 yards for a TD.
Alexys Jimenez made 2 of 3 point-after kicks.
“The offensive line did great this week,” Hernandez said. “They were moving people. I got a lot of weapons to throw to.”
The Hawks trailed 14-13 at intermission.
Simental hauled in a 3-yard TD pass from Hernandez in the first quarter.
Hidalgo had a 2-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Central Valley outscored Golden Valley 17-9 during the second half.
Hernandez tossed a 48-yard TD pass to Hothi with 9:43 to play in the third quarter.
Hidalgo’s 80-yard free-kick touchdown gave the Hawks a 30-23 lead at the 5:43 mark of the fourth quarter.
The Hawks preserved the victory with a goal-line stand at their own 1-yard line with 3:15 left in regulation.
“The defense got the stop to win the game,” Hernandez said. “They did their job. We played well in all three phases.”
Central Valley will face fourth-place Patterson (4-3, 1-2) on the road this Friday at 7 p.m.
