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Raptors host NYFL round-robin scrimmage
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The National Youth Football League held its round-robin scrimmage at Central Valley High School for the second year in a row.

Approximately 28 teams from seven different organizations participated.

Varsity, junior-varsity, rookies and starts players from the Ceres Raptors, Modesto Raiders, Modesto Jets, Central Valley 49ers, Central Valley Panthers, Riverbank Trojans and Patterson Redskins scrimmaged between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The event was well attended as Central Valley's spacious parking lot almost reached full capacity.

"It was a long, busy day," Raptors President Michele Patterson said. "It was well worth it. It was a lot of fun."

"I talked with all of the other coaches," said Tom Vasquez, Ceres' varsity football leader. "They were really pleased. There were no major injuries."

Ceres' varsity squad played against the Raiders, Jets, 49ers and Panthers.

Each scrimmage lasted 20 minutes.

The Raptors competed with a 13-player roster.

"We looked sloppy when we started," Vasquez said. "We got stronger towards the end. We held our own."

Ceres' Tyree Williams starred at running back and middle linebacker.

"He was all over the field," Vasquez said. "He did everything."

The members of the Raptors' varsity cheer squad sold tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, churros, cotton candy and snow cones at the concession stand.

Ceres also rented a dunk tank.

"It was something fun for all of the kids," Patterson said.

The Raptors' first three games will be played on the road.

Ceres and the Modesto 49ers will face off at the Riverbank Sports Complex this Saturday.