Ceres High’s football team had plenty of motivation heading into last Friday’s game against Johansen.
The Bulldogs suffered a heartbreaking 20-18 loss to the crosstown-rival Central Valley Hawks the previous week.
Ceres High rolled to a 42-16 victory over host Johansen in non-conference play at Dan Gonsalves Stadium.
“I was confident we were going to bounce back,” Bulldogs’ junior running back Tarrell Lee-Gill said. “We had some good practices leading up to the game. We were motivated. It was real important for us to turn the page.”
Ceres High improved to 2-1 on the year.
Johansen dropped to 1-3 overall.
“We’re in a pretty good position,” Lee-Gill said. “I feel we can win league this year.”
The Bulldogs piled up 411 yards of total offense versus the Vikings.
Lee-Gill ran for 165 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries.
“I do feel more comfortable on the field,” said Lee-Gill, who split carries in the backfield at the varsity level as a sophomore. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and my linemen.”
Junior quarterback Landyn Hudson completed 7 of 11 passes for 172 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Verlis Smith totaled 97 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. His one pass completion resulted in a 34-yard gain.
Junior Lebron Stallworth caught two passes for 89 yards and one touchdown.
Yahir Medina converted all six of his point-after kicks.
“The (offensive) line stepped up,” Lee-Gill said. “It was incredible blocking. It was a good game all-round.”
Austin Munguia had seven tackles, two forced fumbles and two pass deflections on defense.
Kahmi Smith collected seven tackles and recovered one fumble.
Mikey Rivera tallied seven tackles.
Lee-Gill had three tackles and one interception.
Stallworth registered three tackles and one sack.
Ceres High will begin the WAC portion of its schedule on the road this week.
The Bulldogs will face the Lathrop Spartans this Friday at 7 p.m.
Eagles 34, Hawks 14
Central Valley’s and Enochs’ undefeated football teams faced off this past week.
The Hawks contributed to their own demise by committing five turnovers en route to losing 34-14 to the Eagles on Friday at CUSD Stadium.
“Hopefully, it’s just a one-time thing,” Central Valley head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “Our M.O. has been to play mistake-free football. We capitalize on other teams’ mistakes.”
The Hawks dropped to 3-1 on the season.
The Eagles improved to 3-0.
Enochs snapped Central Valley’s eight-game winning streak dating back to last year.
“I think the kids were feeling the pressure,” Goblirsch said.
“Enochs is a good team,” he added. “There’s a reason they’re 3-0. We saw their athleticism on film. They’re big, strong and fast.”
The Hawks were limited to 256 yards of total offense.
Central Valley’s rushing attack totaled 156 yards on 40 carries.
Roberto Tiscareno completed 1 of 3 passes for 6 yards with no touchdowns and one interception prior to leaving the contest with an injury in the opening half.
Backup Yeshua Trujillo totaled 106 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while completing 5 of 15 passes.
Diego Delahoya hauled in two passes for 48 yards and one touchdown.
Joseph Alamo grabbed two passes for 47 yards.
Adrian Perez caught one pass for 11 yards.
Alejandro Hernandez carried the ball five times for 31 yards and one touchdown.
Omar Mendoza finished with a team-high 68 yards on 13 carries.
Felix Arellano gained 24 yards on five carries.
Elijah Deleon totaled 21 yards on seven carries.
Edgar Garcia made both of his point-after kicks.
Alexis Becerra racked up a team-high 11 tackles on defense.
Ruben Valenzuela registered 10 tackles and forced one fumble.
Anthony Malagon had five tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Sophomore Darrius Jackson had two tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Salvador Ochoa had nine tackles.
Joseph Alamo had seven tackles.
Juan Melgoza Jr. had five tackles.
Central Valley never recovered after falling behind 13-0 in the opening half.
Enochs scored both of its touchdowns off Hawk turnovers.
The Hawks fumbled the opening kickoff and the Eagles capitalized.
“Mentally, we were digging out of a hole from the start,” Goblirsch said. “We could never get out of it.”
Central Valley will begin Central California Conference play in two weeks.
The Hawks will travel to Atwater on Sept. 24 to compete against Buhach Colony.
“It’s a perfect time for a bye,” Goblirsch said. “We need time to regroup and get ready for Buhach.”