Returnees Ernie Miranda and Andrue Olivas will fill key roles on Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s football teams this fall. Olivas, a junior, will log playing time at tackle on the Hawks’ offensive and defensive lines. Miranda, a senior, will contribute at running back and defensive end. Miranda and Olivas took time from their busy schedules to chat with the Courier leading up to the 2023 campaign.

Question: What have you done over the past few months to get ready for the upcoming season?

Ernie Miranda: I’ve been hitting the weight room pretty hard and focusing on eating healthier. I stopped drinking soda and eating chips.

Andrue Olivas: Leading up to the season, I did a lot of conditioning and working out. I watched some film to learn some plays. I worked out from 7-1 at school and 2-4 at Get Better Fitness. He (personal trainer Estevan Barragan) pushed us really hard. We did a lot of conditioning, speed and agility footwork, and lifting weights. Each day, we had a different workout. It was a really good experience. A lot of us have never been pushed that hard.

Q: Have you set any individual or team goals?

EM: I want to be a leader for the team. I want people to compete with me and strive to be better than me. I’m going to try to get as many sacks and yards as I possibly can. (Team-wise) I want to get a record of at least 7-3.

AO: Individual goal, I’m trying to be a better teammate, one of the leaders on the team. Team goal, we want to grow together more. Changing the culture at CV is a big part of it.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

EM: I really enjoy the bonds that get made. It feels like I’m family with my coaches and teammates.

AO: Teammates. We do stuff together outside of school, too. We get really close with each other. Creating that brotherhood is a really good feeling.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

EM: I see myself as a very caring, helpful teammate. I really try not to let my coaches and teammates down. I’d do anything for them. I’m also very competitive.

AO: I just try to be the best player I can be for my coaches and teammates. I’m a team player. Each play, I give it my all. I try not to take plays off. I’m hardworking every single play. That’s what really matters.

Q: Central Valley has an all-time record of 14-3 versus Ceres High. Do you have a prediction for this year’s game?

EM: I think it’s going to be a dogfight.

AO: It’s going to be a really competitive game. It’s going to be really physical. Both teams will give it their all.

Q: What’s the most enjoyable part about playing in the Ceres Classic crosstown game?

EM: The amount of people that show up. It’s amazing. We’re playing for the whole town.

AO: It’s a big game. Not for just the players and coaches but for the town as well. It’s really fun to play in it and be a part of the rivalry.

Q: Pregame music?

EM: Indie. It helps me relax, focus and get in the zone.

AO: I listen to a lot of rap and country music. Country music helps me relax and focus up. Rap pumps me up and gets me ready for the game.

Q: Pregame meal?

EM: I’ve been drinking smoothies with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.

AO: I usually have teriyaki chicken and white rice.

Q: Favorite NFL player?

EM: T.J. Watt.

AO: Maxx Crosby.

Q: Favorite NFL player?

EM: Steelers

AO: Raiders

Q: Favorite movie?

EM: Step Brothers.

AO: Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious).

Q: Favorite musician?

EM: Cuco.

AO: Lil Baby.

Q: Favorite super hero?

EM: Batman.

AO: Spiderman.

Q: Favorite food? 

EM: Homemade enchiladas.

AO: That’s a tough one. I’m a lineman. I like everything. If I had to choose, it would be pizza.

Q: Hobbies?

EM: Dirtbiking. Especially when you go with your family. It’s enjoyable.

AO: I go to school and play football. That’s really all I do.

Q: Do you have any special talents other people don’t know about?

EM: A lot of people don’t know I play the guitar. I took a class in junior high and enjoyed it.

AO: I do cook a lot. I make a lot of stuff. 

Q: Dream job?

EM: I want to play the sport at the next level. I’ve also been interested in doing stocks.

AO: Being a firefighter would be pretty cool.

Q: Role model?

EM: My brother Tony.

AO: My dad Jason.

Q: College plans?

EM: I want to go to Oregon State. If I don’t make it there, I’ll probably go to Modesto Junior College and transfer.

AO: If I get an offer for football that would be great. If not, I’d probably look into being a firefighter and go to school for that.