Pacheco’s football team executed its offensive game plan to perfection against Ceres High last week.
The Panther rushed for 325 yards and five touchdowns in a 36-24 win over the Bulldogs in Western Athletic Conference play Friday evening in Los Banos.
“It’s disappointing that we lost,” Ceres High all-purpose player Leo Ayala stated. “We couldn’t stop their run.”
The Bulldogs dropped to 3-5 overall and sixth place in the WAC with a 2-3 record.
The Panthers improved to 3-5 on the season and climbed to fifth place in the league standings (2-3).
“Right now, we’re focused on Lathrop,” Ayala said. “We’re going to watch film and practice.”
Ceres High totaled 296 yards of offense versus Pacheco.
The Bulldogs managed to rush for 149 yards and score two touchdowns despite competing without Caelen Eskridge for most of the game.
He exited the contest in the first half with an injury and did not return.
Eskridge ran for 480 yards and nine touchdowns through Ceres High’s first seven games.
“I’m happy with how we responded,” Ayala said. “Our offense was solid. We moved the ball well.”
Bulldog quarterback Anthony Santillan completed 12 of 20 passes for 147 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
He rushed for 101 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries.
Gelo Estrada had a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Ayala caught seven passes for 94 yards.
He made all three of his point-after kicks.
He booted a 28-yard field goal.
Ayala also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.
Jonathan Marquez totaled 33 yards on two receptions.
Ayala had three tackles, one interception and two pass deflections while logging playing time at cornerback on defense.
Angel Bravo made nine tackles.
Ayala’s 100-yard kickoff return touchdown and extra point evened the score at 7-7 in the first quarter.
“I saw the opening and took it,” he said. “We were all really excited. It brought up everybody’s energy.”
The Bulldogs were outscored 29-17 during the final three quarters.
Pacheco ended a three-losing streak in beating Ceres High.
“I feel we should have won the game if we played harder on defense,” Ayala said. “I guess they wanted it more than us.”
Ceres High will face Lathrop (5-3, 4-1) on the road this Friday at 7 p.m.
Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Established in 2008, the Hughson Supercross Invitational has grown exponentially in size and popularity.
Just six high schools participated at the inaugural meet, including host Hughson, Ceres High, Pitman, Downey, Turlock and Waterford.
Approximately 49 high schools raced at the 20th edition of the Supercross Invitational earlier this month.
The 2.5 mile course features obstacles, including a 20-yard mud pit and sections of hay bales.
“The team always looks forward to competing on that course,” Ceres High head coach Marco Villamarin said. “It’s a fun experience.”
“The mud pit is very challenging,” Central Valley leader Horacio Garcia stated. “It takes a lot of energy going through that. The mud gets in your shoes and you’re uncomfortable the rest of the race.”
Hawks and Bulldog runners competed at the 20th Hughson Supercross Invitational on Oct. 17.
The top 20 individuals in each division were awarded medals.
“The kids had fun and competed,” Garcia said.
“I’m very happy with the results,” Villamarin stated. “Everybody’s progressing.”
Central Valley placed seventh overall with a team score of 147 in the Boys Gold Division.
North Monterey County (60), Hughson (63) and Pleasant Grove (82) took first, second and third, respectively.
“Overall, I’m very happy with the results,” Garcia said.
Enoc Reyes paced the Hawks with a 22nd-place finish.
He posted a time of 14 minutes, 48 seconds on the 2.5-mile course.
“Enoc has been very consistent throughout the season,” Garcia said.
Hawk teammates Armando Gutierrez (15:01), Diego Gutierrez (15:14), Edgar Reyes (15:18) and Julian Botero (15:28) placed 29th, 37th, 38th and 41st, respectively.
Unable to post a team score due to a thin roster, Ceres High’s boys program experienced individual success in the Black Division.
Jayden Jaimes led the Bulldogs with a sixth-place finish. He posted a personal-best time of 14 minutes, 22 seconds on the 2.5-mile course.
“Jayden was 10 seconds away from breaking the school record on the course,” Marco Villamarin said.
Bulldog teammates Jonathan Estrada Ochoa (15:47) and Elija Villamarin placed 37th and 48th, respectively.
Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s girls programs didn’t post team scores because of a lack of numbers.
Clarissa Rivera led the Bulldogs with a 14th-place finish. She posted a personal-best time of 17 minutes, 21 seconds on the 2.5-mile course.
“Clarissa has been doing outstanding this year,” coach Villamarin said. “She’s been working really hard.”
Ceres High teammates Isabella Sabala (21:27) and Fernanda Robles (30:24) placed 87th and 108th, respectively.
Karen Magallon led the Hawks with a 15th-place showing (17:25).
“She’s been our top distance runner this year,” Garcia said. “She has improved a lot.”
Central Valley teammates Camila Urena (20:09) and Simran Bain (20:10) placed 76th and 78th, respectively.
Hawk Vanessa Morales turned in a record-setting performance while placing first overall during the frosh-soph girls race.
The freshman posted the seventh fastest in Hughson Supercross Invitational history.
Morales finished the 2.5-mile race in 16 minutes, 59 seconds.
“Vanessa was running by herself most of the race,” Garcia said. “Nobody was pushing her. It’s not a surprise. She’s very competitive. She doesn’t like to lose.”
