Central Valley’s boys water polo team improved its all-time record versus crosstown-rival Ceres High to 2-1 this past week.

The Hawks edged the host Bulldogs 4-2 on Oct. 1.

Central Valley closed out the 2024 season with a 17-15 double-overtime victory over Ceres High last October.

The two teams tied for sixth place in the WAC standings with identical 3-11 records a year ago.

“I knew it was going to be another close one,” Hawks’ head coach Tyler Bolton said. 

“I was definitely expecting a competitive game,” Bulldogs’ leader Sebastian Huerta-Alvarado stated. “It was a battle of momentum. It was a challenge for both teams.”

“Without our communication, we wouldn’t have won,” Central Valley junior goalkeeper Sunny Breshears added. “We talked more.”

Breshears totaled seven saves for the sixth-place Hawks, who improved to 2-5 in the WAC standings.

“Incredible performance,” Bolton said. “He did great. He works hard. He’s a dog.”

“He’s a very strong goalie,” Huerta-Alvarado stated. “His saves were crucial.”

Breshears was converted from a field player to goalie three games into the 2024 season.

“I’m a little more confident in my position,” he said.

Breshears’ water polo IQ continues to grow with each start.

“You have to think about angles,” he said. “You have to focus on everybody. You have to be ready for anything.”

Central Valley sophomore Ari Luman scored a team-high two goals against Ceres High last week.

Caleb Beckhart and sophomore Adolfo Diaz both contributed one goal.

Freshman David Rodriguez totaled seven saves in the cage for the seventh-place Bulldogs, who improved dropped to 1-6 in league.

“He’s found a home in the goal,” Huerta-Alvarado said. “He’s eager to learn. I give him a lot of kudos.”

Sophomore Jaxon Merrill accounted for both of Ceres High’s goals.

“I was expecting the game to be close but with both teams scoring higher,” Breshears said. 

The game was competitive from beginning to end.

Ahead 1-0, the Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 3-2 during the second half.

“We had wide-open shots,” Huerta-Alvarado said. “We got to make them.”

The two teams combined for just six goals during the third crosstown showdown.

“We really focused on our defense,” Bolton said. “It always comes down to defense. We executed really well.”

“The main thing that saved us was our defense,” Breshears stated. “And we attacked (on offense) when we needed to.”

“Central Valley was hungry,” Huerta-Alvarado added. “They’re not only beating us. They’re beating other teams, too. They’re making a name for themselves. We got to do better. I’m trying to get our kids to be more aggressive.”

The Hawks will play host to the Bulldogs on Oct. 27.

The WAC regular-season finale will begin at 5 p.m.

“The kids had fun,” Huerta-Alvarado said while talking about last week’s clash. “They’re eager to get back at them.”

Central Valley and Ceres High players have a different mindset during their matchups.

“There are always nerves because it’s the crosstown rivalry,” Bolton said. “They’re definitely more focused. They look forward to this game. I wish they (my players) were that focused every game.”

“It’s more than skill when it comes to the crosstown rivalry,” Huerta-Alvarado stated. “The competition is really high. It’s a game of who wants it more.”  

“It’s stressful,” Breshears added. “You just want to make sure you perform to the best of your ability.”