The Ceres Seahawks varsity youth football team exacted revenge against the Salida Steeler-Jags in the first round of the Gridiron Youth Football League playoffs this past weekend.

The sixth-seeded Seahawks advanced to the GYFL conference championship game with a 12-7 victory over the third-seeded Steeler-Jags on Saturday at Gregori High School.

“It’s very satisfying,” coach Anthony Lopez said. “I knew we’d get the win. The kids were hungry. Practice was great during the week. They were focused.”

The Seahawks improved to 2-7 on the year.

The Steeler-Jags compiled a 5-3 record this season.

“To know we’re one game away from the Super Bowl after the season we had is exciting,” Lopez said. “We had to win our last game to get into playoffs because of the forfeits. I’m proud of the kids. They buckled down and played great football.”

Ceres’ Roland Brown carried the ball 12 times for 135 yards and two touchdowns versus Salida.

Jeremiah Lopez rushed for 64 yards on eight carries.

Luis Ochoa gained 32 yards on four carries.

Adrian Porras added 10 yards on four carries.

Brown also starred on defense with three interceptions.

Lorenzo Morles, Amari Obraynt and Roylee Pruntee chipped in with five tackles apiece.

Ray Gutierrez had four tackles.

The Seahawks avenged a 6-0 loss.

“They beat us on a Hail-Mary touchdown pass during Week 3,” Lopez said. “I knew it (the rematch) was going to be competitive. But I knew we could beat them. The kids stepped up. They had something to prove.”

Ceres will face the top-seeded Lodi Jr. Flames (9-0) this Saturday at Bear Creek High School.

The Seahawks lost 20-0 to the Jr. Flames during the regular season. Ceres had four drives stall in the red zone.

The winner will advance to the Super Bowl.

“They’re beatable,” Lopez said. “But it’s going to take a perfect game. If we execute, we’ll be able to keep up with them.”