Recent Central Valley High School grads Estevan Barragan and David Serrano played in their first of two all-star football contests this past weekend in Tracy.

Barragan and Serrano represented the Hawks at the 45th Annual Central California North-South Lions Game.

Estevan and David suited up for the South team, which rolled to a 24-2 win over the North team Saturday night at Wayne Schneider Stadium.

“It was an honor to be chosen to play in the game,” Barragan said. “It got to meet some of the players I went against the last few years. It was a cool experience.”

“Getting to play in the game was one of the best moments in my life,” Serrano said. “It’s one of the best all-star games in the state.”

Barragan and Serrano helped the South extend their unbeaten streak to six games versus the North.

“It was a good feeling keeping the tradition alive,” Estevan said. “We were focused and ready. We really wanted to win. The other team was talking a lot of smack. I thought it was going to be more competitive. Our defense didn’t let them get anything. We balled out.”

“There were no weak leaks on the teams,” David added. “We just wanted it more.”

Estevan and David contributed on both sides of the ball during the all-star game.

Barragan logged playing time at linebacker, slot receiver and running back.

Estevan forced two fumbles on defense.

He carried the ball two times on offense.

“I played outside linebacker for the first time,” Barragan said. “I had a couple of tackles in the backfield. It was a lot of fun.”

David logged playing time at right tackle and center on offense.

He also chipped in at nose tackle and defensive end.

Serrano had six tackles—three for losses—one quarterback hit and two QB hurries.

“It’s the best competition I’ve faced,” said David who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 275 pounds. “Most of their linemen were my size. I didn’t see that during league.”

Barragan, Serrano and their South teammates practiced and stayed in the dorms at Stanislaus State the week leading up to the Lions All-Star Game.

Estevan roomed with Turlock’s Tyler Etharidge, Pitman’s Justin Sayers and Merced’s Garrett Egan.

David roomed with Los Banos’ Juan Bravo, Hughson’s Camron Ellak and Modesto Christian’s Nate Norton.

“It was a little teaser into how college is going to be,” David said. 

Barragan and Serrano played four seasons of football together at Central Valley, including three at the varsity level.

Estevan and David were named Most Outstanding Offensive Player and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman for the 2017 Western Athletic Conference campaign.

Barragan led the WAC in rushing yards (550) and rushing touchdowns (7).

He averaged 7.2 yards per carry.

Estevan also caught 14 passes for 238 yards and one TD.

Barragan was a second-team all-league pick on defense.

A standout safety, Estevan ranked first in the WAC in tackles (60).

Serrano anchored Central Valley’s offensive line.

The Hawks racked up 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns in five games.

Central Valley piled up 920 yards and 13 TDs on the ground.

A first-team all-conference defensive lineman, David tallied 28 tackles and one sack.

Barragan and Serrano both filled major roles as the Hawks amassed a 21-11 overall record, won one conference title and qualified for the playoffs twice from 2015-17.

“We became friends freshmen year,” David said. “We grew together. He had a big impact on my high-school football career.”

“We pushed each other very hard in the weight room and on the field,” Barragan said.

Estevan and Serrano will wrap up their prep football careers this Saturday at North-South Rotary All-Star Football Game.

The contest will be staged at Golden Valley High School’s Veterans Stadium.

“We played together for four years,” David said. “It’s coming to an end.”

“It’s going to be a sad moment,” Estevan added. “We’ve made tons of memories.”