Central Valley High School varsity football standout Isaiah Hidalgo praised his teammates after turning in a career-best performance against crosstown-rival Ceres High last week.

“I want to thank my line,” the junior running back said. “You can’t do that without blocking.”

Hidalgo ran for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries as the Hawks pulled away for a 55-13 win over the Bulldogs during the 14th installment of the Ceres Classic rivalry game.

“It was definitely memorable,” he said. “I wish I could do that every Friday.”

Hidalgo also returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown versus Ceres High.

“I went into the game focused on executing and doing my job,” he said. “That’s part of being a team player. You got to be willing to do things to help others.”

For the second year in a row, Hidalgo had a big game against the Bulldogs.

He carried the ball seven times for 111 yards and two TDs in Central Valley’s 35-0 shutout of Ceres High last fall.

“I’m happy with my performance,” Hidalgo said. “But I always think I could do better.”

Hidalgo was greeted by former Central Valley star running back Ja’Quan Gardner following the conclusion of the 2019 Ceres Classic.

Gardner broke the Stanislaus District’s single-season and career rushing yard records.

He rumbled for 2,467 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior year.

He had 6,014 yards and 67 TDs in 31 career games.

Gardner rushed for 842 yards and 14 TDs in three crosstown victories.

He also had receiving (38 yards) and passing (23 yards) touchdowns.

“Ja’Quan told me this was the beginning and to keep working hard,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo piled up 663 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground at the varsity level as sophomore.

He could surpass last season’s totals in several weeks.

Central Valley still has nine games left on its schedule.

“I definitely think I can keep the pace up,” he said. “My offensive line’s work ethic is crazy.”