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New-look Hawks optimistic
•Tiscareno, Becerra will lead Central Valley’s football team
Roberto Tiscareno Alexis Becerra
Central Valley returns two all-league players from a season ago, including Roberto Tiscareno (4) and Alexis Becerra. - photo by Dale Butler

Central Valley’s football team reached new heights during the 2020-21 school year.

The Hawks made program history by completing their first undefeated season and claiming their second conference title.

“Guys have high expectations again,” said Derrick Goblirsch, second-year head coach of the Hawks. “Success breeds a hunger for more success.”

“It’s exciting to get back on the field and show people what we got,” Central Valley senior quarterback/defensive back Roberto Tiscareno stated. “We definitely have the potential to be as good as last year.”

Central Valley’s top returning players are Tiscareno, Alexis Becerra (Sr., FB/LB), Adrian Perez (Sr., DL/TE), Ruben Valenzuela (Sr., LB/TE), Felix Arellano (Jr., RB/DB), Omar Mendoza (Sr., RB), and Elijah Jackson (Jr., OL/DL).

Central Valley lost three-year varsity standout Isaiah Hidalgo to graduation.

Hidalgo was voted Western Athletic Conference South Division Most Valuable Player during his final season with the Hawks.

Hidalgo ran for 1,005 yards and 12 touchdowns while contributing at quarterback for the first time.

He passed for 189 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

He caught two passes for 52 yards. 

Hidalgo starred at running back as a junior and sophomore.

“Offensively, we’re going to have to find a new identity,” Goblirsch said. “It’s going to be tough to fill that void. We’ll have multiple guys taking on those responsibilities. We’ll definitely be more balanced.”

“I think teams will underestimate us because Isaiah is gone,” Tiscareno added. “It’s a big loss. But we have other options. We’re definitely going to move the ball.”

Tiscareno will start at quarterback this year. 

“If he makes good decisions and takes care of the ball, we’ll be just fine,” Goblirsch said.

The Hawks’ top newcomers are Darrius Jackson (So., WR/DB), Diego Delahoya (Jr., WR) and Luis Munoz (Jr., RB/DB).

Tiscareno earned first-team, all-conference honors for his outstanding play on defense as a junior.

He tied for first on the team with three interceptions. 

Tiscareno had 14 tackles and four pass deflections.

He completed 6 of 9 passes for 89 yards.

Becerra was also named to the WAC South First Team.

He had a team-leading 31 tackles at linebacker.

Perez had 13 tackles, a team-high five sacks and one pass deflection.

Valenzuela had 20 tackles.

Arellano had 14 tackles and two pass deflections. 

Mendoza rushed for 122 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries. He also had a 14-yard TD reception.

The 2020-21 high school football campaign was moved from the fall to spring due to safety concerns related to COVID-19. Schedules consisted of just five contests and no playoffs.

Central Valley amassed a 5-0 record and placed first in the WAC South standings (4-0).

The Hawks allowed just 10.2 points per game.

Central Valley averaged 30.6 points and 358 yards on offense.

“The offensive and defensive lines are our strengths. We’re going to be strong on both sides of the ball.”
Coack Derrick Goblirsch

“The offensive and defensive lines are our strengths,” Goblirsch said. We’re going to be strong on both sides of the ball.”

The Hawks are scheduled to play 10 games this year.

Central Valley will battle Pitman, Pacheco, Ceres High and Enochs during the preseason.

The Hawks have an all-time record of 13-2 versus the crosstown-rival Bulldogs.

Central Valley has won the last six meetings.

The Hawks pulled away for a 36-14 victory this past season.

“We have the heart and talent to keep it (the winning streak) going,” Tiscareno said.

The Hawks will face Buhach Colony, Golden Valley, Patterson, Atwater, Merced and El Capitan in Central California Conference play.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Goblirsch said. “The CCC is a tough league. If we stay healthy and execute, we’ll be successful. We expect to make playoffs.”

Central Valley will open the 2021 season on the road this Friday.

The Pitman Pride will play host to the Hawks at 7 p.m.

The game will be staged at Turlock High.

“We look at it as an opportunity to showcase what we got,” Goblirsch said. “If you get off to a good start, it builds momentum for your team.”