Central Valley’s William Montez, Sebastian Maldonado, Caden Mendonca, Emanuel Luna, Cristian Gudino and Dominick Delgadillo excelled in football during the fall sports season. 

Montez, Maldonado, Luna, Gudino, Mendonca and Delgadillo were honored for their stellar play during the Western Athletic Conference’s year-end head coaches’ meeting this past month in Los Banos.

“Overall, I’m happy for them,” Hawks’ leader Derrick Goblirsch said. “The voting was super competitive.”

Montez, a 6-foot-2 260-pound senior offensive lineman, was named to the WAC First team.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting it.”

Montez anchored Central Valley’s offensive line. 

The senior left tackle had 10 pancake blocks as the Hawks piled up 2,847 yards and 32 touchdowns on offense this season.

Central Valley relied heavily on its rushing attack, which totaled 1,864 yards and 21 TDs.

“It was my third year playing football,” Montez said. “This was my best season. I grew in a lot of ways, especially blocking. I tried to be vocal. I understood the game more and I was able to do more for the team.”

Montez earned a roster spot on Central Valley’s varsity football team in the 10th grade.

“I’m glad we talked him into playing football sophomore year,” Goblirsch stated. “He was destined to be good. He’s got a presence about him. He’s the biggest kid out there. He’s a hard worker. He’s smart. He’s so positive. He grew into being a vocal leader.”

“I wanted to try something new,” Montez added. “I loved playing football. I enjoyed the bonds I made with my teammates.”

Montez also enjoyed performing with Central Valley’s marching band at halftime during home games.

“I got to express myself with music,” said Montez, who played the mellophone.

Maldonado, Mendonca, Luna and Gudino were selected to the WAC Second Team.

Maldonado, a senior running back, carried the ball 73 times for 704 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.

He ranked first on the team in rushing yards and yards per carry (9.6), second in touchdowns, and third in carries.

“I’m super excited for Sebastian,” Goblirsch said. “He definitely deserves it (recognition).”

Maldonado was a backup running back junior year.

He rushed for 56 yards on 15 carries in five games.

“He turned into our featured back this year,” Goblirsch said. “He really excelled. He put in a ton of work during the offseason.”

Mendonca, a senior receiver, set career-high marks in receptions (26), yards (407), touchdowns (3) and yards per catch (15.7).

He ranked first on the team in receptions and receiving yards, second in receiving touchdowns, and third in yards per catch.

“Caden made some big plays for us this year,” Goblirsch said. “He was so much more comfortable and confident.”

Luna, a senior linebacker, had 40 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.

He ranked first on the team in tackles.

“When he got on the field, you could see the difference in our defense,” Goblirsch said. “He was flying around and making plays.”

Gudino, a junior defensive back, had 23 tackles, one interception and one pass deflection at strong safety.

“Cristian had a good instinct for the ball and understanding of the position,” Goblirsch said.

Delgadillo started at right tackle on Central Valley’s offensive line. “I was a little disappointed he wasn’t First or Second Team,” Goblirsch said. “He worked extremely hard all year. He was our vocal leader. He played nearly every down for us. That’s a big accomplishment in itself.”

The Hawks finished fifth overall in the WAC (3-4).