Central Valley’s girls flag football team made program history against crosstown-rival Ceres High last week.

The Hawks earned their first-ever win against the Bulldogs with a 31-28 road victory on Sept. 29 at CUSD Stadium.

“It took us three years but we finally beat them,” Central Valley head coach Tony Cordova said. “This win is so important. I was getting (congratulatory) texts from former players.”

“We were prepared,” Ceres High leader Curtis Hulstine stated. “We didn’t follow our game plan. Central Valley played their best game of the year against us.”

“I was tired of seeing the posts when Ceres High beat us,” Hawks’ linebacker Giana Breshears added. “We’ve lost to them every year. There was a lot of pressure on us to win.”

Central Valley (10-7, 5-3) remained in a three-way tie for third place in the Western Athletic Conference standings with Livingston and Beyer.

Ceres High (10-7, 6-2) dropped to second place.

The Hawks lost their previous three games to the Bulldogs by a combined score of 117-44.

“This is the best we’ve looked in our history,” Cordova said. We’re excited. We have an opportunity to make playoffs and finish atop the league. It’s not going to be easy. We have to keep the focus.”

“We want to make playoffs and win league,” Breshears stated. “We still have a chance.”

“We still control our own destiny,” Hulstine added. “We have to step up and win out to get a league title.”

Central Valley had a balanced attack on offense during this year’s meeting.

Hawk quarterback Abigail Krauss threw for 151 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

She ran for 67 yards on 10 carries.

“It was one of her better performances of the season,” Cordova said. “She made the correct reads and extended plays with her legs.”

Central Valley had 144 rushing yards on 24 carries.

Ayleen Apreza gained 46 yards and scored one touchdown on seven carries.

Jocelyn Rivera rushed for 30 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.

Apreza also led the Hawks in receiving with 76 yards and one touchdown on three receptions.

Rivera caught two passes for 38 yards.

Airieana Martinez caught three passes for 25 yards.

Mekenzie Buenrostro caught two passes for 14 yards.

Jazmin Carmona caught one pass for 10 yards.

Bulldog quarterback Presley Vierra had four touchdown passes.

Central Valley’s defense forced four turnovers during the rivalry game, including three in the second half.

Martinez had two interceptions, including a pick-6 on the Bulldogs’ first possession.

She also had one tackle and one pass deflection.

Alicia Espinoza had four tackles and one interception.

Dulce Del Valle had one interception and one pass deflection.

Breshears had four tackles and one sack.

Ruby Medina and Alicia Torres each had two tackles.

Apreza had one tackle and two pass deflections.

Damaris Cisneros had two pass deflections.

Buenrostro and Sophia Alvarez chipped in with one tackle and one pass deflection apiece.

“Our defense is amazing,” Breshears said. “In my opinion, we have the best defense in the league.”

Central Valley trailed 22-13 at the break.

The Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 18-6 during the second half.

Central Valley led 31-22 heading into the fourth quarter.

“To watch them perform under pressure was amazing,” Cordova said. “In the past, we would start to crack when there was pressure. Not against Ceres High. Their focus was spot on. They were ready to play.”

“We came out flat in the second half,” Hulstine stated. “That’s what cost us the game.”

“Our overall performance was incredible,” Breshears added. 

Central Valley dashed Ceres High’s comeback hopes in the final minute.

Apreza’s 5-yard run on 3rd-and-2 secured the victory.

“She wanted the ball,” Cordova said. 

The crosstown rematch will take place on Oct. 22 at CUSD Stadium.

Central Valley is playing all of its home games at Ceres High this season while its school’s stadium is being constructed.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

“It’s an intense game,” Cordova said. “All of the girls have known each other for a long time, since they were kids. They really want to win this game.”

“The stakes are high,” Breshears stated. “The adrenaline is rushing. The energy is different for this game. The pressure is on.”

“Of course, we want to run it back,” Hulstine added. “We know it will be a good game.”