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CV will make season debut versus Sierra
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Danny Alvarado, pictured right, Gerardo Solorzano and Central Valleys varsity football team will travel to Manteca on Friday to face Sierra at 7 p.m. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Scott Edwards will make his head coaching debut with Central Valley High School's varsity football team this Friday at Sierra of Manteca.

"The pace has been hectic," said Edwards, who relocated from North Dakota to California with his family. "It's been a wild ride, moving from four states away."
The Hawks' roster consists of 55 players.

Moses Ghiorso (Jr., RB/DB), Gerardo Solorzano (So., QB/DB), Reuben Rodriguez (Jr., QB/DB), Danny Alvarado (Sr., OL/DL), Josh Beleele (Sr., WR/LB), Anthony Harrison (Sr., RB/LB), Robert Nieto (Jr., WR/DB) and Johnny Pittman (Jr., WR/DB) will be counted upon to produce at their respective positions against Sierra.

Solorzano and Rodriguez will both see playing time at quarterback.

"They're completely different players," Edwards said. "It's a good situation to be in. Gerardo has someone to push him."

Sierra opened the 2014 season with a 54-7 win over host Ripon last Friday.

Junior running back Mark Paule Jr. gained 198 yards and tied a program record with seven rushing touchdowns.

"It's important from a standpoint to establish a tone for our expectations," Edwards said. "Sierra has a lot of big, athletic kids on its rosters. We're going to have our hands full. It's going to be an awesome challenge."

Edwards replaced Jason McCloskey, who led the Hawks to an 11-10 overall record and one Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth in two seasons.

The Hawks accomplished several firsts in 2013.

Central Valley participated in the postseason and posted a winning record (6-5).

"We're a lot different than last year due to personnel changes," Edwards said. "But I don't want to underestimate their learning capacity. I'm going to be demanding. When I step on the field, I expect focus, care and intensity."

Scott was offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for University Mary in North Dakota this past season. His first stint with the Marauders was from 1998-2001. Scott recruited Central Valley founding head coach Tim Garcia.

Edwards was head coach of Bret Harte High School's varsity football team the previous seven years (2006-12). Budget cuts forced Edwards to find employment elsewhere.

He also filled coaching positions at Sacramento City College (2003-05), Northern State University (2002), American River College (1997) and Mendocino College (1996).

Scott played football for Chico State, Eastern New Mexico University and American River College.

Central Valley and Sierra will face off at 7 p.m.

The Hawks will unveil their revamped offense.

Central Valley will move forward without the dynamic running back-quarterback duo of Ja'Quan Gardner and Kendel Johnson.

Ja'Quan and Kendel graduated in June.

"There's been a learning curve," Edwards said. "At first, they were overwhelmed with the terminology and plays. It's a little more demanding. They're gaining confidence."