Recent Ceres High School grad Andrew Alcala played organized football for the final time this past weekend.

Alcala contributed on defense during the North’s 23-5 loss to the South at the 34th Rotary All-Star High School Football Game on Saturday evening at Veterans Stadium in Merced.

“I got one last chance to play,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity. There’s sadness. I’ve been playing football since the age of seven. It’s going to be weird not suiting up, going on the field and playing with teammates. You always look forward to the season.”

Alcala totaled four tackles at cornerback during the all-star game.

“It was really fun being on the same team with guys I heard good things about,” Alcala said. “I enjoyed the practices and getting to know them. Every player was there for a reason. They all brought something to the table.”

A two-year varsity player, Alcala starred at strong safety during his final season with Ceres High.

He earned second-team, all-Western Athletic Conference honors.

Alcala was a dual-threat player on offense.

He caught 13 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown. 

He ran for 105 yards and two TDs on 49 carries.

Ceres High amassed a 1-9 overall record and placed fifth in the Western Athletic Conference standings (1-6).

“Football is the most non-individual sport,” Alcala said. “The whole team has to work together. That’s the best part.”

“I wish I had him for another year,” Ceres High head coach Matt Chachere stated. “It will be hard to fill his shoes, not only defensively, but offensively. He had a knack for making good plays and doing things the right way.”

“It was hard always having a losing season,” Alcala added. “We just couldn’t get things clicking. It was still a memorable time suiting up on Friday nights and getting the chance to play in front of all my classmates and parents.”

Alcala will continue his education at Modesto Junior College.

He’ll major in liberal studies.

“I plan on becoming a high school or junior high teacher,” he said.