The Ceres Seahawks eight-and-under football team had a memorable finish to its spring season earlier this month in Stockton.

Ceres claimed the NorCal Football Conference Super Bowl title with a 20-14 victory over the Rocklin Bandits in overtime on May 17 at McNair High School.

The Seahawks earned a measure of redemption following their loss in the NYFL NFC championship game during the 2024 fall campaign.

“I had most of the kids in the fall,” head coach Jorge Arroyo said. “They knew what I expected and wanted this season. It took a lot of heart and hard work to win (the NorCal Football Conference Super Bowl).”

Ceres running back Dae’minion Verrett scored a pair of touchdowns against Rocklin.

“That kid is special,” Arroyo said. “You get him the ball and he flies.”

Seahawk quarterback Eli Arroyo had one TD.

Ceres and Rocklin battled to a 14-14 tie in regulation.

Verrett had a 60-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.

He raced 25 yards for a TD in the fourth quarter. 

Down 14-6, the Bandits scored a touchdown and booted the 2-point kick to force overtime.

In youth football, each team is guaranteed at least one possession in OT.

Eli Arroyo’s 3-yard TD on a QB draw gave the Seahawks a 20-14 lead.

Rocklin’s quarterback had an opportunity to tie the game but was tackled by Eli Arroyo (cornerback) and Uriah Johnson (linebacker) at the 1-yard line on fourth down.

“They had their chance to score and we were able to stop them,” coach Arroyo said. “The other team looked tired. My kids were chugging along. Our conditioning made the biggest difference.”

Ceres players and coaches celebrated on the field after the game.

Coach Arroyo was doused with water.

“It’s very special winning the game,” he said. “It was a tough game. It got pretty crazy. The fans were loud.”

The Seahawks compiled a 7-2 overall record this spring.

Ceres totaled 243 points in nine games.

“We have a solid group of kids,” Jorge Arroyo said. “I’m very proud of how far they went. They never gave up. Injuries would happen and they played through them.”

The Seahawks dominated despite their lack of depth.

Verrett, Johnson, Eli Arroyo, Atto Adams, Kash Adams, Victor De Los Rios, Giovanni Flores, Angelo Gomez, Jasiah Gonzalez, Nathaniel Rivera, Kash Sanchez and Legend Taylor made up Ceres’ 12-player roster.

“They were playing both ways,” coach Arroyo said. “They had no breaks.”

“I coached them in the fall,” he added. “I knew the talent they had.”

Ceres had just one substitute in Atto Adams, who contributed at defensive tackle and linebacker.

“My sub was only 6 years old,” Jorge Arroyo said. “He was a little monster. He liked to go in there and he wasn’t scared.”

Seahawk players remained in tip-top shape during the course of the season due to their training routine.

They did hill workouts at Roeding Heights Park to improve their stamina.

“We call it Seahawk Mountain,” coach Arroyo said. 

Ceres dedicated half of its practice to running, including jogging and sprinting.

“It helped keep them conditioned for game time,” Jorge Arroyo said.