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Offensive struggles cost CV
Diego Delahoya caught two passes
Central Valley receiver Diego Delahoya caught two passes for 20 yards against Pitman last week. - photo by Dale Butler

Central Valley High School’s football team dropped its first game of the 2022 season this past week due to its offensive struggles in the red zone.

The Hawks turned four trips inside the Pitman Pride’s 20-yard line into just one touchdown during Friday evening’s 26-7 home loss at CUSD Stadium.

“I thought our defense played really well,” head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “They kept us in the game for a long time. Offensively, we were able to move the ball down the field consistently. We just missed a couple opportunities that would have changed the momentum if we capitalized. We need to execute better in the red zone moving forward.”

Central Valley’s new-look offense generated just 252 yards, including 167 on the ground.

Junior Mario Gonzalez completed just 11 of 24 passes for 85 yards with no touchdowns and one interception while making his first start at quarterback for the Hawks. He rushed for a team-high 105 yards with one fumble on seven attempts.

“Mario missed a couple throws early and then he settled down,” Goblirsch said. “He had a couple big runs in the second quarter. Overall, I thought he did well. He made a lot of good reads. He’s versatile. I’m excited about what he can do for us. He’s going to continue to grow.”

“It feels good to have that first game under my belt,” Gonzalez stated. “Now, I know what to expect. It’s way different at the varsity level. People are faster and stronger. I did okay. I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I was pretty confident throughout the game. But I know I could have done better. I have to think faster and throw more accurately because windows are tighter.”

Central Valley’s Felix Arellano gained 47 yards on nine carries. He also caught one pass for 10 yards.

Elijah Jackson’s lone carry resulted in a 4-yard touchdown. He added 29 yards on three receptions.

Diego Delahoya totaled 20 yards on two catches.

Luis Munoz converted one point-after kick.

Central Valley’s defense limited Pitman to 19 points.

Munoz made four tackles on defense.

Arellano tallied seven tackles.

Junior Anthony Ramirez collected three interceptions and one tackle.

Junior Tristan Villicana racked up 10 tackles.

Junior Joshua Hale had nine tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.

David Lewis had seven tackles and three pass deflections.

Juan Casares had six tackles and one fumble recovery.

Anthony Malagon had five tackles and one sack.

Pitman quarterback Dylan Walker struggled against Central Valley’s defense.

He completed just 7 of 25 passes for 98 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. 

He was sacked twice.

Joey Stout did a little bit of everything for the Pride.

He ran for 147 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. 

He caught a 23-yard TD pass.

Stout also had a 74-yard kickoff return touchdown.

Dylan Freeman caught five passes for 65 yards and one touchdown.

The Hawks led 7-6 at intermission as Jackson scored on a 4-yard run.

Central Valley had two possessions stall in the red zone, including one at Pitman’s 5-yard line in the first quarter.

“We were in a decent spot at halftime,” Goblirsch said. “We had an opportunity to be up more points. We moved the ball great. We had a hard time finishing off drives.”

“We had chances,” Gonzalez added. “Our own failures stopped us from scoring.”

Pitman reeled off 20 unanswered points during the second half to secure the victory.

Stout returned the opening kickoff of the third quarter for a touchdown.

“It definitely deflated our energy a little bit,” Goblirsch said.

Central Valley lost despite winning the turnover battle by a margin of 4-2.

The Hawks intercepted three passes and recovered one fumble.

Central Valley (0-1) will host Pacheco (0-0) this Friday at CUSD Stadium.

The non-conference game will begin at 7 p.m.

The Hawks edged the Panthers 10-6 last season.

“It’s always going to be a grind when you play Pacheco,” Goblirsch said. “They’re physical. We got to step up to the challenge. We got to take advantage of getting points when we have opportunities.”

Mario Gonzalez
Central Valley junior Mario Gonzalez made his first start at quarterback during Friday’s season-opening 26-7 loss to visiting Pitman. Gonzalez rushed for a team-high 105 yards. - photo by Dale Butler