By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Heartbreak for Dawgs
chris.tif
Ceres High senior quarterback Chris Lubinsky passed for a career-high 466 yards during Friday nights 42-41 setback at Pacheco. - photo by Courier file photo

Ceres High's varsity football team suffered a heart-breaking loss at Pacheco this past week.

The Bulldogs needed to beat the Panthers to keep their Sac-Joaquin Section playoff and Western Athletic Conference title hopes alive.

Pacheco edged Ceres High by the slimmest of margins, 42-41, Friday night in Los Banos.

"Pacheco played a great game," Bulldogs senior quarterback Chris Lubinsky said. "We played a great game. Unfortunately, we came up short. It was so close. We were two yards away from winning. We all understand the magnitude of what happened. It's a tough pill to swallow. I don't know how long it's going to take to get over it."

The Bulldogs dropped to 4-5 overall and into third place in the WAC standings (2-2).

The Panthers improved to 5-4 and remained in second place in conference play (3-1).

"Even though we're going to miss out on the postseason, this is one of the better teams Ceres High has had in a long time," Lubinsky said. "We have so much faith in each other."

Ceres High lost despite generating 506 yards and six touchdowns on offense.

Lubinsky racked up a career-high 466 yards, to go along with three touchdowns, while completing 33 of 46 pass attempts.

Marcellus Boykins, Lubinsky's go-to receiver, totaled 152 yards and one touchdown on 11 receptions.

Conner Johnson hauled in eight passes for 142 yards and one TD.

Nick Jones caught six passes for 123 yards.

Wyatt Ogden grabbed five passes for 33 yards and one score.

Ogden also ran for five yards and one TD on two attempts.

Andrew Gibson rushed for 50 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

Ceres High's defense allowed 502 yards and six touchdowns.

Cody Allred gained 236 yards and scored two TDs on 22 carries.

Tk Teneng carried the ball 18 times for 177 yards and a pair of scores.

Aric Barton completed 7 of 7 passes for 58 yards and one touchdown.

Carl Schofield totaled 38 yards and one TD on four catches.

Marcus Ordunez had a 20-yard touchdown reception.

Bulldog Zyier Harrison made a team-high nine tackles.
Ogden had eight tackles.

Gibson and Andrue Olvera both collected seven tackles.

Adrian Knights and Aiden Moore chipped in with six tackles apiece.

Down 42-35, Lubinsky connected with Boykins on a 10-yard scoring play to cut the deficit to one with 10 seconds to play.

Lubinsky's potential, game-winning 2-point conversion pass to Gibson fell short in the end zone.

"I total agree with the decision to go for the win," Chris said. "I would have done the exact same thing if I was the coach. I thought Andrew got his hands under the ball and caught it. The call could have gone either way. I'm very proud of how our team fought until the very end."