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Shorthanded Bulldogs thumped by CC
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Ceres High School's varsity football team would've had a hard time competing against Central Catholic at full strength.

The short-handed Bulldogs struggled from beginning to end in losing 69-7 to the Raiders in Western Athletic Conference play Friday night in Ceres.

Blake Hurst, Ceres High's starting quarterback, missed the game with a left shoulder injury.

Backup QB/running back/linebacker/punter Devon Ruger was sidelined with a stomach ailment.

Lineman Jake Craig suffered a season-ending leg injury three weeks earlier.

"There's really not a whole lot to say," Bulldogs head coach Bret Durossette stated. "Obviously, they had a better team."

Ceres High dropped to 2-4 on the year and 0-2 in the WAC.

The Raiders improved to 4-2 and 2-0.

The Bulldogs were held to a season-low 178 yards in total offense.

Dominick Durossette, Damien Underwood and Jorge Arroyo split time at quarterback.

Durossette completed 6 of 11 passes for 33 yards.

Underwood finished 3-for-5 for 33 yards with one interception. He ran for 44 yards on eight carries.

Ceres High used Arroyo in its wildcat formation. He rushed for 49 yards on 17 carries. Jorge totaled 94 yards on five kickoff returns. He also handled punting chores (5-102).

Adam Welsh collected a team-high eight tackles.

Abel Anaya had one sack.

Anthony Robbins and Luis Arroyo both recovered a fumble.

"Our kids didn't quit," Durossette said.

Ceres High's defense yielded 426 yards of offense, including 296 rushing and 130 passing.

Central Catholic senior/former Ceres Cowboys youth football player Nathan Loya caught a 5-yard touchdown pass. He also had one interception.

The Bulldogs fell behind 56-7 in the opening half.

Ceres High tallied its lone touchdown in the second quarter when Luis Arroyo recovered a fumble in the end zone. Receiver Caden Johnson caught a short pass from Underwood and lost the ball while trying to score.

Ceres High will play at Los Banos (4-1, 0-1) this Friday at 7 p.m.

"We're going to try to get better," Durossette said.