The Ceres Jr. Bulldogs’ varsity youth football team had its season cut short by the Turlock Hornets earlier this month.

The fifth-seeded Jr. Bulldogs lost 18-0 to the fourth-seeded Hornets in the first round of the Central Valley Gridiron Youth Football League playoffs on Nov. 4 at Turlock High School.

“It’s a tough loss,” coach Joe Estrada said. “The turnovers really hurt us.”

Jr. Bulldog running back Rueben Garcia piled up a team-high 137 yards on the ground versus the Hornets.

He made three tackles on defense.

Aizik Alderete rushed for 76 yards.

He had two tackles.

Xavier Simonson caught two passes for 26 yards.

He had one sack.

Anthony Malagon had two sacks.

Juan Hernandez had four tackles and one sack.

Kyle Garcia had one interception.

Joseph Manriquez had five tackles.

Turlock held a slim 6-0 lead at intermission.

The Hornets outscored the Jr. Bulldogs 12-6 during the second half.

Ceres contributed to its own downfall by turning the ball over three times in the red zone versus Turlock.

“You can’t make mistakes like that,” Estrada said.

The Jr. Bulldogs compiled a 2-6 record in 2018.

“It’s been a tough season all year,” Estrada said. “Our kids didn’t quit. I’m proud of them. They improved. We taught them the right way to play football. Hopefully, they stay in the sport and help our local high schools.”