Head coach Jason McCloskey promoted Moses Ghiorso to Central Valley High School's varsity football team at the midway point of the 2013 season.

The sophomore contributed on offense, defense and special teams during the Hawks' final six games.

"Getting moved up to varsity is a big accomplishment," Ghiorso said. "It feels great. I was nervous for the first game against Livingston. When we played Central Catholic, my confidence went up."

Moses had 18 tackles, six pass deflections, three interceptions and one forced fumble while starting at cornerback for Central Valley, which posted a program-best 6-5 overall record and advanced to the postseason for the first time.

He caught two passes for 36 yards and one touchdown at receiver.

Ghiorso also ran back a punt 46 yards for a TD.

"We moved him up because we wanted more speed at cornerback," McCloskey said. "He's an absolute playmaker. He understands the game. He's a technician."

Moses picked off one pass and registered one tackle as 15th-seeded Central Valley suffered a 69-55 loss at No. 2 Manteca in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III playoffs on Nov. 15.

Ghiorso collected four tackles, forced one fumble and intercepted one pass in Central Valley's 48-15 playoff-berth-clinching win over crosstown-rival Ceres High on Nov. 8 at Bulldog Stadium.

Moses tallied three pass deflections and one pick during the Hawks' 35-7 upset of Los Banos on Nov. 1. He had a one-handed drive-killing interception in the end zone, broke up a fourth-down pass in Hawk territory and provided a key block on star running back Ja'Quan Gardner's 70-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

Moses hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Kendel Johnson, and accumulated seven tackles and two pass deflections during Central Valley's hard-fought 43-34 loss to reigning Division-IV state champion Central Catholic on Oct. 25.

Ghiorso had a memorable debut at the varsity level. He returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown as the Hawks rolled to a 41-8 victory over the Livingston Wolves.

"Varsity level is very fast," Moses said. "The talent went up. I'm comfortable in any situation. I was waiting for this."

Ghiorso will be used at multiple positions again next year, including quarterback. Johnson will be lost to graduation.

"It's going to be a big challenge," Moses said. "I'm looking forward to it. I have to step up. I have a lot of confidence. I've been like that since I was little."

Added McCloskey: "He's a special talent."