It didn't take long for the Ceres Seahawks youth football program to make a name for itself in the Cen-Cal league.
Two of four teams had productive first seasons.
"We expected to be competitive," president Javier Fregoso said. "But we didn't expect that much success right away. It's the hard work of everybody. The board, coaches, players and parents."
The varsity team claimed the NFC regular season title, fell one victory shy of the Super Bowl and finished the year with a 10-5 record.
"In my eyes, we had a great year," Ceres coach Joe Borba said. "To win 10 games and take fourth in a 16-team league is pretty impressive. I don't think anybody expected us to accomplish anything close to what we did. We represented this town well. I really think if these kids stay together, they'll be successful."
The eight-and-under rookie squad went undefeated (11-0) during the regular season and finished in second place (1-1) at the National Youth Football American Division Championships in Las Vegas.
"To be as dominant as we were is pretty impressive," Seahawks coach Sonny Ogden said. "Everybody was on the same page."
Ogden's team relied on a balanced offense that featured linemen from the dissolved Ceres Falcons organization and skilled-position players from the Ceres Cowboys.
"That's what separated us," he said. "Our ability to be two-dimensional. Even at the high school level, you don't see them throwing the ball like we did."
Founded in January by Fregoso, Yvette Andrade and Mike Broderick, the Seahawks have been embraced by the community.
"We've raised close to $100,000," Fregoso said. "We have over 35 sponsors. Everything is paid for in full and we don't have any creditors. I still believe we're going to be the premiere (youth football and cheerleading organization) in Ceres. It seems everywhere we go, people have positive things to say."
Added Borba: "We're turning heads."
Two of four teams had productive first seasons.
"We expected to be competitive," president Javier Fregoso said. "But we didn't expect that much success right away. It's the hard work of everybody. The board, coaches, players and parents."
The varsity team claimed the NFC regular season title, fell one victory shy of the Super Bowl and finished the year with a 10-5 record.
"In my eyes, we had a great year," Ceres coach Joe Borba said. "To win 10 games and take fourth in a 16-team league is pretty impressive. I don't think anybody expected us to accomplish anything close to what we did. We represented this town well. I really think if these kids stay together, they'll be successful."
The eight-and-under rookie squad went undefeated (11-0) during the regular season and finished in second place (1-1) at the National Youth Football American Division Championships in Las Vegas.
"To be as dominant as we were is pretty impressive," Seahawks coach Sonny Ogden said. "Everybody was on the same page."
Ogden's team relied on a balanced offense that featured linemen from the dissolved Ceres Falcons organization and skilled-position players from the Ceres Cowboys.
"That's what separated us," he said. "Our ability to be two-dimensional. Even at the high school level, you don't see them throwing the ball like we did."
Founded in January by Fregoso, Yvette Andrade and Mike Broderick, the Seahawks have been embraced by the community.
"We've raised close to $100,000," Fregoso said. "We have over 35 sponsors. Everything is paid for in full and we don't have any creditors. I still believe we're going to be the premiere (youth football and cheerleading organization) in Ceres. It seems everywhere we go, people have positive things to say."
Added Borba: "We're turning heads."
