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Returning, prospective Bulldog players compete at Downey High
CHS among three teams at 7-on-7 passing scrimmage
marcellus.tiff
Ceres High cornerback Marcellus Boykins defends a Downey receiver during a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage on June 23 in Modesto. - photo by DALE BUTLER/Courier file photo

Returning and prospective members of Ceres High's, Downey's and Escalon's football programs battled on FieldTurf at Chuck Hughes Stadium this past month in Modesto.

Downey hosted the 7-on-7 passing scrimmage on June 23.

"The kids were excited to go out there and throw the ball around," Bulldogs head coach Bret Durossette said. "We did okay. It's when you put on the gear, that's when it matters."

Chris Lubinsky and Wyatt Ogden split playing time at quarterback. Their primary targets were all-purpose players Marcellus Boykins and Seth Gibson. "It's anybody's job right now," Durossette said. "Both him (Chris) and Wyatt are going to push each other."

Gibson, a standout track-and-field athlete, was a role player on the gridiron at the varsity level last season.

Seth rushed for 134 yards and one touchdown on eight carries.

He caught two passes for 16 yards and one TD.
He made three tackles on defense.

Gibson will be counted upon more at receiver, running back and cornerback this fall.

"Seth will start on both sides of the ball," Durossette said.

Boykins earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors while starring at receiver at the varsity level as a sophomore.

Marcellus ranked third in the WAC in receiving yards (364) and receptions (23), and fifth in touchdowns (2).

"We expect great things from him," Durossette said. "He can be one of the best players in the area. It all depends on how our quarterback and offensive line do."

The Bulldogs lost all of their linemen to graduation, excluding Ryan Wolf.

"Offensively, we're ahead of the game because we have some returners," Durossette said. "Defensively, we have a lot of holes to fill. We got to learn how to be more aggressive."

Ceres High players lift weights, from 4:30-6 p.m. p.m., Monday through Thursday.

"We have great kids with great character," Durossette said. "We're hoping to develop great football players out of them."

The Bulldogs went 3-7 on the year and tied for fourth place with Central Valley (5-5, 2-4) during the 2014-15 school year.

Ceres High ended a seven-year losing streak against the Hawks with a 24-7 upset victory on the final day of the regular season.

The win eliminated Central Valley from playoff consideration.