Founded eight years ago, the Ceres Seahawks youth football and cheerleading organization has forged a positive identity in the community according to Willie Solorio.

"Our reputation speaks for itself," said Solorio, second-year president of the Seahawks. "Our membership is strong. We play good, competitive football. That's what makes us stand out the most."

Ceres has an enrollment size of 175 this season.

Approximately 115 football players and 60 cheerleaders, ranging in age from 7-14, signed up for the Seahawks.

Joe Borba (varsity), Randy Flanagan (junior varsity), Junior Schaeffer (pee wee) and Gary Wiseman (rookie) are the Seahawks' head football coaches.

Ceres' cheer squads will be coached by Nikki Solorio (varsity), Tammie Nester (junior varsity), Krista Salter (pee wee) and Aurelia Porras (rookies).

Practices run Monday through Friday, 6-8 p.m., at Central Valley High School.

The Seahawks compete in the Cen-Cal Jr. Football League.

Ceres will face the Atwater Falcons, Manteca Jaguars, Merced Cougars, Turlock Vikings, Oakdale Stampede, Livingston Wolves, Buhach Colony Thunder, Manteca Buffaloes, Merced Bears and Central Valley 49ers.

"I can't believe the season is here already," Solorio said. "Our numbers are good. Our teams are looking strong. We don't always have the biggest teams on the field. We're always competitive."

Ceres 37, Atwater 0
The Ceres Seahawks opened the 2014 season in impressive fashion.

The varsity youth football team pounded visiting Atwater 37-0 on Saturday at Central Valley High School.

The Seahawks racked up 271 yards of total offense.
Orlando Leon Jr. threw for 112 yards and four touchdowns.

Darin Andrews hauled in two passes for 32 yards with a pair of TDs.

David Velasquez had two catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.

Andrew Alcala caught two passes for 28 yards and one score.

Alcala ran for 75 yards on seven carries.

Velasquez rushed for 61 yards on nine attempts.

Gavin Haas recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD.

The Falcons had minus-10 yards of offense on seven possessions.

Velasquez tallied seven tackles.