Ceres High’s football team suffered a hard-to-stomach loss this past week.
The Livingston Wolves edged the Bulldogs 24-21 in Western Athletic Conference play on Friday at CUSD Stadium.
“We had every opportunity to win that game,” Ceres High head coach Brett Johnson said. “I’m not questioning the kids’ effort. We just need to finish. Not taking anything from Livingston, but there were so many things we gave them because of breakdowns.”
Ceres High dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the WAC standings.
Livingston improved to 1-3 and 1-0.
“You have to win the games you’re supposed to win,” Johnson said. “We should be 3-1. Our ability to stay focused for all four quarters is troublesome. We need to put together a complete game from opening kick to final buzzer. Once we play consistent and execute to the best of our ability, we’ll be okay.”
The Wolves secured the victory late in the fourth quarter following a Bulldog turnover.
Alexcito Avila booted a 33-yard field goal as time expired.
Livingston converted two fourth downs on its winning drive.
“There’s not much to say after a loss like that,” Johnson said. “I told them not to forget the feeling of losing like that and use it as fuel.”
The Bulldogs had an opportunity to break a 21-21 tie
Leo Ayala’s 29-yard field goal attempt from the left hash mark sailed wide right.
Ayala drilled field goals from 50 yards during pregame warmups.
“There’s no substitute for game experience,” Johnson said. “It was his second game kicking in his life. He lined up and did the best he could.”
Ceres High could have capped off the drive with a touchdown instead of having to settle for a field-goal attempt.
“We should have scored,” Johnson said. “That’s the frustrating part. We couldn’t finish.”
“Three breakdowns cost us the chance to win the game,” he added.
Ceres High’s offense totaled 261 yards.
Bulldog quarterback Parker Borges completed 7 of 17 passes for 124 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also gained 32 yards on six carries.
Eric De Lozada caught five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Nathaniel Macias added 40 yards on two receptions.
Alex Alvarez rushed for 22 yards and one touchdown on four carries.
Caelen Eskridge carried the ball one time for 9 yards and one touchdown.
Adrian Huesca had 39 yards on 13 carries.
Ayala made all three of his point-after kicks.
Abijah Bratton, Aashish Julka and Dakota Pickett led Ceres High’s defense with eight tackles apiece.
Mauricio Leon and Elias Phillips both collected seven tackles.
Malachi German tallied four tackles.
Adrian Carrillo and Caelen Eskridge each had three tackles and one pass deflection.
Gavin Salazar had one tackle and one fumble recovery.
Ceres High will face Johansen (2-2, 1-0) on the road this Friday.
Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
“They’re a good team,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to win. We have to have the same mindset, improve our performance and put a good game together.”
