Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s boys golf teams had their 2020 campaign cut short last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Hawks and Bulldogs opened the 2021 season this past week.
“I’m just happy the kids get to play,” Central Valley head coach Scott Edwards said. “That’s what’s important. I’m not overly concerned with wins and losses.”
“It feels good to be out there again,” Ceres High senior Visa Homsombath said. “I missed playing the sport. I want to experience as much high school golf as possible.”
“I’m super thankful we get to play,” Hawk junior standout Matteo Bonales said. “I was happy when we got the notice. Hopefully, everything stays open.”
Central Valley has a total of five players on its roster, the minimum requirement to post team scores during conference matches.
Bonales (Jr.), Dylan Jacobson (Jr.) and Armando Guajardo (So.) are returners.
Dillon Brush (So.) and Brandyn Matusich (So.) are newcomers.
Bonales didn’t perform like an underclassman during his first season with the Hawks in 2019.
He earned first-team all-Central California Conference honors for his impressive play.
Bonales placed third at the CCC Championships.
He took second at the conference’s midseason tournament.
Bonales compiled an 8-4 record during the CCC dual season.
He finished in eighth place at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III Tournament. The top six individuals moved on to Masters.
“We have one of the best players in the area,” Edwards said. “He plays a lot of golf and he’s good. He’s just so consistent. He doesn’t get rattled. It’s fun to watch.”
“Hopefully, I can go undefeated,” Bonales said. “I think it’s achievable. I just got to stay focused and keep practicing. There’s always room for improvement in golf.”
Ceres High’s roster features six players.
Visa Homsombath (Sr.), Jayson Homsombath (So.), Jaden Borba (Sr.) and Riley Panyanouvong (So.) are returners.
Erik Hott (Jr.) and Matthew Saragoza (Fr.) are newcomers.
Hott attended Central Valley Christian Academy this past school year.
“I feel less stress this year because everybody on our team is good,” Visa Homsombath said. “We’re all at the same level.”
Visa Homsombath filled a key role while leading Ceres High to its first section title and ninth straight playoff berth during his sophomore year. The Bulldogs placed first at the Division-IV tournament.
Homsombath earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors.
“Last year, I just hit the ball without thinking,” he said. “This year, I’m focusing on making smarter decisions. I’m feeling more confident. That’s going to make me play better.”
Central Valley and Ceres High are members of the WAC South Division, along with Johansen, Los Banos and Pacheco.
The conference was split into two divisions as the North consists of Beyer, Grace Davis, Patterson, Lathrop and Mountain House.
“It’s fun to have that hometown competition,” Bonales said. “We haven’t played Ceres High the last two years.”
“We want to win league,” Visa Homsombath stated. “That’s what we’re aiming for. We just need to be confident and consistent.”
“We should be competitive,” Edwards added.
