Former Ceres Seahawks varsity youth football teammates/Whitmore Charter School classmates Estevan Barragan and Andrew Gibson both showed off their versatility while starring on their respective high school squads last Friday.
Barragan's stellar play on both sides of the ball helped propel Central Valley to a season-opening 12-9 win over visiting Atwater at Bulldog Stadium.
"He's a lot of fun to coach," Hawks head coach Scott Edwards said. "He gives you maximum effort at all times."
Gibson turned in a career-best performance on offense as Ceres High escaped with a 48-42 victory against host Weston Ranch in Stockton.
"He's a really, good player," Bulldogs offensive coordinator Brandon Moring said. "We're going to continue to showcase his talent."
Barragan made his first start at running back.
Estevan replaced older brother/2017 Central Valley grad Jonathan Barrgan, who piled up 1,731 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns.
Estevan totaled 95 yards and one TD on 10 carries against Atwater.
He also caught four passes for 36 yards.
"He improved as the game went on," Edwards said.
Barragan raced 44 yards for a TD in the third quarter.
"The offensive line and (fullback) Nasson Sanchez made key blocks for me," Estevan said. "I'm thankful."
Barragan filled the stat sheet while starring at safety.
The third-year starter racked up a team-leading 15 tackles as Central Valley's defense allowed just seven points.
"His effort is hard to mimic," Edwards said. "He's an Energizer Bunny."
Estevan earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference accolades during his first two years with the Hawks. Barragan totaled 194 tackles, two interceptions, 11 pass deflections, one sack, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Gibson, a second-year starter, ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries during Ceres High's 2017 season-opening game.
He grabbed two passes for 34 yards and one score.
Andrew was Ceres High's fourth-best offensive player in 2016.
Gibson amassed 576 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. He caught 30 passes for 241 yards and two TDs.
Andrew garnered WAC honorable-mention recognition.
"Getting a lot more touches was great," said Andrew, who garnered WAC honorable-recognition a year ago.
