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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2018

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Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

A FINAL SHOWDOWN?

• CHS-CV rivalry series could end after this year By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

The Ceres Classic—the annual crosstown showdown between Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s varsity football programs—is more than a game. It’s an experience. Larger crowds. Louder chanting, cheering and jeering. Players from both sides ratchet up the intensity as they vie for school pride, bragging rights and the highly-coveted perpetual trophy. The Bulldogs and Hawks don’t have any matchups scheduled beyond this season as of now. The future of the Ceres Classic contest is uncertain due to the Sac-Joaquin Section’s conference realignment plan, which moved Central Valley to the Central California Conference. Ceres High remained in the Western Athletic Conference. “I strongly feel the rivalry should continue,” Bulldogs’ senior running back/linebacker Felipe Martinez said. “It gives life to the little town of Ceres. Everybody is at the game. It’s a tradition.” “I don’t like the idea of it going away,” Hawks’ senior lineman Vince Bocanegra said. “It should continue for the younger generations to come. I want them to enjoy the same thing we did.” No longer in the same league, the Hawks and Bulldogs will meet for the 13th time during opening week of the 2018 season. “Win or lose, it’s a privilege to play in the game,” Ceres High junior lineman Elias Saldana said. “It’s something everybody looks forward to. It’s like Christmas.” “It’s more exciting than other games because the crowd is into it,” Bocanegra said. “You have all eyes on you. It’s an adrenaline rush. It’s a fun experience.” Central Valley owns a head-to-head record of 10-2 versus Ceres High. The Hawks beat the Bulldogs for the third year in a row last fall. Central Valley earned a hard-fought 35-33 victory. The game featured six lead changes. The two teams combined to score six touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Hawks also topped the Bulldogs in

2016 (51-10), 2015 (48-14), 2013 (48-15), 2012 (40-13), 2011 (55-11), 2010 (55-24), 2009 (28-26), 2008 (40-7) and 2007 (25-20). Ceres High won the inaugural showdown in 2006 (20-7) and eliminated Central Valley from playoff consideration in 2014 (24-7). Fifth-year head coach Scott Edwards (Central Valley) and first-year leader Matt Chachere (Ceres High) never beat their high school rivals. Edwards and Chachere graduated from Bret Harte and Princeton, respectively. Edwards had a combined record of 0-9 as a player and coach versus Calaveras. Chachere lost three times to Moeller during his varsity playing career. “Each year, you talk to me about the Central Valley-Ceres High game,” Edwards said. “I downplay it because I have to. That game means more to the players than any other game on the schedule. Hopefully, we can keep the series alive. I don’t want it to die. You don’t give a rivalry up.” “I hope Central Valley remains on our schedule from here on out,” Chachere said. “There’s something really special about a rivalry. A lot of people would be disappointed if it got discontinued.” Established 13 years ago, students, fans and members of the community have poured into Bulldog Stadium annually to watch Ceres High and Central Valley battle for the Ceres Classic perpetual trophy. It will ultimately be up to CHS and CV administrators to decide if the rivalry continues or ends. “I can’t speak for them,” Hawks’ athletic director Greg Magni said. “But we’d like to continue playing them annually. Regardless of wins and losses, it just makes sense. We’re natural rivals due to location. We’re located a couple miles apart.” “Nothing will be determined until we all sit down to discus the benefits of the game to both schools,” Bulldogs’ athletic director Shawna Nunes said. “It will be a coordinated decision.” “It’s one of the most special games,” said Estevan Barragan, a 2018 CV grad who helped lead the Hawks to three straight wins over the Bulldogs. “You don’t get to play in front of big crowds all the time. People feed off that. I hope they don’t stop it. It’s a great rivalry.”

C O N T E N T S

Vince Bocanegra................................................................3 Isaiah Hidalgo Q&A............................................................4 A New Voice......................................................................5 Elias Saldana.....................................................................6 Felipe Martinez Q&A..........................................................7 Ultimate Leader................................................................8 Team Rosters....................................................................9 Conference Realignment.................................................. 10 Publisher Editor Writing & Photography Advertisement

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Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

DRIVEN TO BE GREAT • Bocanegra will star on CV’s offense, defense By DAL E BU TLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

entral Valley’s football program has produced its share of standout linemen in recent years. Vince Bocanegra might me the next great one. The 6-foot-2 senior earned Western Athletic Conference honors for his outstanding play on both sides of the ball last season. “He still has a lot of potential,” Hawks’ head coach Scott Edwards said. “It’s just a

‘Coach showed me there’s more to football than it being a sport. Football can take you to a lot of different places in life.’ –Hawks lineman Vince Bocanegra

matter if he wants to tap into it.” Bocanegra has some big shoes to fill this fall as 2017 WAC Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman David Serrano was lost to graduation. SEE VINCE, PAGE 9

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Vince Bocanegra has the potential to be one of Central Valley High School’s next great linemen.

ISAIAH HIDALGO #26 4

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

•Fourteen-year-old sophomore earns starting running back position with Central Valley Isaiah Hidalgo CENTRAL VALLEY So. 5-7, 170

Isaiah Hidalgo will fill a big role on offense as Central Valley’s featured running back. Just a sophomore, Hidalgo celebrated his 14th birthday last November. Isaiah replaces recent Central Valley grad/ 2017 Western Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Offensive Player Estevan Barragan. QUESTION: You put up impressive numbers competing at the JV level as a freshman last fall. Do you expect to experience similar success during your first varsity season? ANSWER: I feel like I can compete at a high level. My age shouldn’t matter. Football is in my nature. This is what I was meant to do. I’m just going to go out there and play my game. I don’t feel any pressure. My hard work is going to pay off on the field. Q: Central Valley has had some great running backs over the years, including threeyear standout Ja’Quan Gardner (class of 2014). You trained with Gardner during the offseason. Did he offer you any advice? A: I met him for the first time my freshman year. Ever since then, I kept in contact with him. I look up to him. I want to get his advice because it helps me grow. We have a good relationship. He always tells me to stay focused and humble. He’s like a big brother. Q: What are your thoughts on Hawks’ head coach Scott Edwards? A: He really knows what he’s doing. His game plans are on point. He has really good speeches. He gives a lot of good advice. He’s definitely like a father figure to me. Q: What have you done over the past couple of month to get ready for the upcoming season? A: I’ve been going to BEA (Bonsu Elite Athletics). I’m lifting weights, doing footwork drills and running. Q: Have you set any individual or team goals for the 2018 season? A: Team-wise, we want to make playoffs. We’re going to work hard to be the best we

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Central Valley has a new starting running back in Isaiah Hidalgo. He’s just a sophomore.

can be. My personal goal is to be a good teammate. I’m not worried about the yards and touchdowns. I know they will come. My offensive line is going to be there for me. Q: What are some of your strengths as a running back? A: I have good vision. I read the whole field well. I can catch the ball out of the backfield. I have good speed. If I get outside, it’s a wrap. Q: What do you enjoy most about football? A: Growing up watching it, it really grew on me. Learning plays is fun to me. There’s a lot of logic behind it. I also like competition. Q: Do you model your style of play after any other players? A: I try to be myself. Q: Where do you get your athletic talent from? A: My dad and grandpa. Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team? A: Niners. Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player? A: Le’Veon Bell. Q: Favorite movie? A: Money Talks. Q: If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be? A: Marshawn Lynch. Q: Favorite musician? A: Tupac. I like old-school rap the most. Q: Any fears or phobias? A: Airplanes and elevators. Q: Favorite food to eat? A: Lasagna. Q: Favorite TV show? A: Real Husbands of Hollywood. Q: Favorite super hero? A: Superman. Q: Hobbies? A: Videos games, working out and church. Q: Do you have a nickname? A: Pookie. Q: Role model? A: My grandma (Jackie Evins). Q: Dream job? A: If I don’t go to the NFL, I have a fallback plan. I want to become a physical therapist.

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Outsider Chachere to lead CHS •New head coach Matt Chachere has no ties to Bulldogs’ football program By DALE BU TLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Ceres High brought in an outsider to rebuild the school’s varsity football program. Matt Chachere was hired on March 2. Chachere, 35, will also teach social studies and physical education at CHS. “Being a head coach has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “It’s a perfect opportunity and situation. It’s going to take some time to turn the program around. It’s not going to happen in one year. Hopefully, down the road, the wins will come. My main philosophy is trying to shape the players into becoming productive members of society.” Matt was offered the job after being interviewed by CHS principal Linda Stubbs, assistant principal Ed Pelfrey, athletic director Shawna Nunes, and Ceres Unified School District director of personnel David Viss. A total of seven people applied for the position. “He did his homework,” Nunes said. “He had a lot of questions for us. The things we like about Matt are his passion, energy and knowledge. He has a great personality. He wants to build a program from the ground up. This will be his first head coaching job.” Chachere was defensive coordinator at Modesto’s Grace Davis for the past two seasons. The Spartans had a combined record of 5-15. Matt also gained valuable experience coaching at Beyer High School (2013), Connecticut’s United States Coast Guard Academy (2010), Ohio’s Princeton High School (2009, 2008) and San Luis Obispo High School (2007, 2006). Beyer compiled a 6-5 overall record, qualified for the SacJoaquin Section Division-I playoffs and finished in second place in the Modesto Metro Conference during Chachere’s one season as defensive coordinator. “I believe in being fair,” he said. “I hold everybody to the same standard no matter what. Nobody is bigger than the program.” Chachere was born in New Orleans. He grew up in Cincinnati, where he graduated from Princeton High School in 2001. Matt played football at and graduated from Cal Poly (200106). He contributed at defensive end/outside linebacker. Chachere faces a tall task as he inherits a Ceres High program that amassed a 29-101 overall record from 2005-17. Ceres High hasn’t posted a winning record or claimed a conference title since 2004. The Bulldogs went 3-7 and finished in last place in the Western Athletic Conference standings (0-5) last fall. “We all understand programs don’t get built in a day,” Chachere said. “It takes time. Hopefully, we have good success this

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High’s varsity football program has a new head coach. Matt Chachere, 35, was defensive coordinator at Grace Davis in Modesto for the past two seasons.

year. That’s what we’re expecting.” Just three individuals have served as head coach of Ceres High’s varsity football program since 2000. Matt’s predecessors are Bret Durossette and Brett Johnson. Chachere replaced Durossette, who led the Bulldogs to a 46-86 overall record, one conference crown and two postseason appearances in 13 seasons (2011-17, 2000-05). Ceres High won a share of the Modesto Metro Conference title—its first league championship in 18 years—and secured its second straight Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth in 2004. Johnson was the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator.

Johnson was Ceres High’s head coach for five seasons (200610). The Bulldogs went 7-43 record under his guidance. Johnson will call defensive plays on Chachere’s staff. “It’s good to have a new voice out there,” Bulldogs’ senior running back/linebacker Felipe Martinez said. “He’s just as motivated as we are. He’s knows the game inside and out. His biggest strong point is being hands-on with us. He’s an active coach. He’ll show you himself how to do things.” “It’s been different,” Ceres High junior lineman Elias Saldana said. “I have a lot of faith in what he’s doing. I think he can change the way we’re looked at.”

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Ceres Football Special Section

CERES HIGH’S ANCHOR

• Saldana will be a steady force in the trenches By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

hether it’s at practice or during a game, Ceres High’s Elias Saldana always gives maximum effort. “I try to set an example for my teammates,” said Saldana, a 6-foottall 280-pound junior lineman. Nicknamed “the Hulk” because of his resemblance to actor Lou Ferrigno, Elias will anchor the Bulldogs’ offensive line for the second year in a row. “He was voted a captain by his teammates,” Ceres High first-year head coach Matt Chachere said. “It’s very evident that he deserved it. He’s a great leader. He’s always working hard. He’s very coachable.”

‘Football is a mental game. You can’t let anybody get into your head.’ –Bulldogs’ lineman Elias Saldana

Saldana’s aggressive play earned him second-team, all-Western Athletic Conference honors as a sophomore. The Bulldogs racked up 3,216 yards and 35 touchdowns on offense thanks in large part to Elias’ blocking. Saldana totaled 20 tackles and recovered one fumble on defense. “My individual goal is to be firstteam all-WAC for offense,” he said. “That would be great. I’m going to play every game like it’s my last. I’m going to be a lot more aggresSEE ELIAS, PAGE 11

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High junior lineman Elias Saldana has been voted a captain by his teammates. Saldana’s aggressive play earned him second-team, all-Western Athletic Conference honors in 2017.

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

FELIPE MARTINEZ #5

• Martinez ready to make an impact on both sides of the ball during his final season with Ceres High senior Felipe Martinez will be counted upon to produce at both running back and linebacker this fall. Felipe will start on defense for the second year in a row. He collected 71 tackles, one sack, one interception and one pass deflection as a junior. Martinez was the Bulldogs’ second-leading rusher last season. He gained 331 yards and scored four touchdowns on 87 carries. He caught 25 passes for 20 yards and one TD. Felipe Martinez CERES HIGH Sr. 5-8, 194 QUESTION: You’re going to fill a bigger role with the Bulldogs in 2018. Are you looking forward to the challenge? ANSWER: The team is going to count on me a lot more this year. I feel confident about it. I’ve been working hard all summer and offseason to make sure I’m ready for the moment. My main motivation is trying to set a good example for my little cousins that really look up to me. Q: What have you done over the past couple of month to get ready for the upcoming season? A: I’ve worked every single day on technique and being a better student of the game. Q: Have you set any individual or team goals for the season? A: One of our main priorities is to work hard every day at practice. That will lead to the success we want. Q: Ceres High hasn’t had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2004. Will either of those streaks of futility end? A: If there is a year and a time for it to change, it’s now. Q: Ceres High hired a new head coach with no ties to the school’s

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High senior Felipe Martinez will start at running back and linebacker this fall. Martinez was the Bulldogs’ second-leading rusher last year. He was also a major contributor on defense.

program. What are your thoughts on first-year leader Matt Chachere? A: “It’s good to have a new voice out there. He’s just as motivated as we are. He’s knows the game inside and out. His biggest strong point is being hands-on with us. He’s an active coach. He’ll show you him-

self how to do things.” Q: What do you enjoy most about playing football? A: You create a brotherhood with other kids. That’s one of the best parts about it. Football is also a stress reliever. You get to get away from everything else. It’s peaceful

in a different way. Q: Do you get more satisfaction playing offense or defense? A: I like both equally. You can hit from both sides. Q: How would you describe yourself as a player? A: I play bigger than what I am. If

you get in my face, I’ll end up being the one on top. I’m ruthless when it comes to football. I’ll do everything I have to do to win. Q: Why do you wear jersey No. 5? A: My dad wore the same number SEE FELIPE, PAGE 9

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Edwards changes culture at CV •Scott enjoys the grind of being a CVHS coach By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Hired to coach Central Valley High School’s varsity football program in 2014, Scott Edwards brought discipline, accountability and decades of experience to the Hawks. Edwards’ relentless attention to detail and preparation has led to desired results. “We made some strides my first four years here,” said Scott, who guided Central Valley to its firstever conference title and two playoff appearances. “Every season has been a challenge.” Edwards started coaching football 24 years ago. This is his fifth season at Central Valley. “Football has been a big chunk of my life,” he said. “I love what I do. I have a family that understands and supports that passion.” “It’s a grind,” Scott added. “Part of that’s on me. On average, I’m at the school from 6:30 in the morning to 11 at night. I have a process.” Vince Bocanegra, an all-league

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lineman on both sides of the ball as a junior, and sophomore running back Isaiah Hidalgo, heaped praise on Edwards. “I can’t explain how much I appreciate that man,” Bocanegra said. “He puts so much dedication towards us. I really look up to him. He’s the type of person who will not let you give up on yourself. You can go to him for football and personal stuff. He’s like another father figure. I’m extremely grateful to have him as a coach. He’s a good man. He got me to shape up and take things serious.” “He (Edwards) really knows what he’s doing,” Hidalgo added. “His game plans are on point. He has really good speeches. He gives a lot of good advice. He’s definitely like a father figure to me.” Vince plans to play football at the next level. Bocanegra attended summer school to raise his grades so he’d be eligible to attend a four-year college. He enrolled thanks in large part to Edwards. “Coach showed me there’s more to football than it being a sport,” Vince said. “Football can take you to a lot of places in life. It can further your education. It can be your ticket.” Central Valley has amassed a 26-16 overall record, claimed one SEE LEADER, PAGE 11

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DALE BUTLER / The Courier

The Hawks amassed a 26-16 overall record, claimed one conference title and qualified for the playoffs twice during Scott Edwards’ first four seasons as head coach.

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Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Ceres Football Special Section

CHS ROSTER

CV ROSTER 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 35 40 44 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 62 64 65 66 71 74 75 76 77 80 88

Elias Jimenez Mark Ramirez Xavier Alvarez Raymond Lopez Christian Medina Andrew Hernandez Kyle Hendrix Alexis Morales Alejandro Alvarez Derek Bolivar Jaeden Merchant Dylan Kong Christian Palomares Carlos Barajas Ryan Palecek Ivan Moran Christopher Simental Isaiah Hidalgo Mark Sotelo Christopher Villicana Roy Cabral Roman Ramirez Alexander Guzman Frankie Marquez David Martinez Julian Flores Salvador Mendoza Martin Orozco Israel Arellano Daniel Alvarez Angel Porras Gabriel Hayward Moises Galeana Ezekiel Ruiz Sahib Dhaliwal Vince Bocanegra Andrew Edmindson Keven Figueroa Juan Lezama Roberto Muneton Alfonso Hernandez Thomas Carrillo Natanael Lezama Tony Gaut Erick Stucchi Martinez Daniel Ward

Skyler Buckhanan

Fernando Sosa

Edison Jimenez

Ivan Arita

Felipe Martinez

Joshua Gonzales

Ryan Beffa

Isaac Vizcaino

Clayton Taylor

Dylan Grubeck

Jayden Panyanouvong

Gustavo Hernandez

Jacob Martinez

Mario Jimenez

Emilio Molina

Robert McCoy

Andrew Alcala

Aaron Delgado

Izriel Ramirez

Moises Montalvo

Pablo Gonzalez

Jacob Backman

Nathan Barrows

Isaias Jimenez

Xavier Perez

Argel Arroyo

David Caravalho

Isaac Garland

Angel Figeroa

Gonzalo Lopez

Diego Fernandez

Ramon Rodriguez

Elias Saldana

Joshua Garcia

Tomas Palacios Jr.

Freddy Valencia

Manuel Montiel

Joshua Ofisa

Clinton Holmes

Angel Padilla

Isaiah Alcorn

VINCE

FROM PAGE 3

“I’m open to the challenge,” Vince said. “I like the pressure. It gives me motivation. I actually learned a lot from Serrano. He was a big brother to me. He made sure I was doing everything right. I really appreciate that.” Bocanegra was a WAC First Team selection on defense as a junior. Vince registered 12 tackles, collected one sack and forced one fumble. He was a second-team, all-conference pick on offense. “Vince is a big, strong kid,” Edwards said. “His practice habits are getting better. When he wants to flip the switch, he can be a great weapon. He can play fast and nasty. His biggest challenge is not to take a down off. It’s not easy to compete at a high level on both sides of the ball. He’s shown flashes.” “It is challenging but I find a way to get through it (being a two-way starter),” Bocanegra said. “I have to take more responsibility for the team being a senior. I have to work harder.” Bocanegra has matured on and off the field thanks in large part to Edwards’ guidance. Vince shared Central Valley’s Most Improved Player award with Daniel Alvarez following the 2017 campaign. Bocanegra also attended summer school to raise his grades. He plans to continue his education and football career at a four-year college. “Coach showed me there’s more to football than it being a sport,” Bocanegra said. “Football can take you to a lot of places in life. It can further your educa-

FELIPE FROM PAGE 7 when he played football in high school. Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team? A: Niners. Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player? A: Antonio Brown. Q: Favorite movie? A: Friday Night Lights. Q: If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be? A: Denzel Washington. Q: Favorite musician? A: J. Cole. Q: Favorite food to eat? A: Taco Truck. Q: Favorite TV show?

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Vince Bocanegra earned all-conference honors on both sides of the ball during his junior year.

tion. It can be your ticket.” Vince believes his final season with the Hawks will be his best. Central Valley will be vying for its third playoff berth and second conference title since Edwards’ hiring in 2014. The Hawks compiled a 5-5 overall record and placed fourth in the 2017 WAC standings (2-3). Central Valley will compete in the Central California Conference, beginning this school year. “I have a lot of faith in my team,” said Vince, who suited up for the Hawks’ 1-9 JV squad in 2016. “We’ve come a long ways. I feel like we can handle anything put in front of us. Our biggest strength is we work really well together. You have to have a bond to be successful.” A: Friends. Q: Website you visit daily. A: Twitter. Q: Hobbies? A: Drawing. It’s another way of being able to express myself. Q: Role model? A: Both of my grandmas (Gloria and Debra). They are the strongest women I know. They took me in and treated me like I was their own kid. Q: College plans? A: I’m hoping to play football. I’m going to major in business management and minor in art. Q: Dream job? A: Opening my own tattoo shop.

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT

• CHS, CV will face

new competition in different leagues By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Ceres High School and Central Valley will compete in different leagues this fall. The Bulldogs remained in the new-look Western Athletic Conference, while the Hawks moved to the revamped Central California Conference as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s realignment plan. “It’s disappointing Central Valley had to switch leagues,” Ceres High senior running back/linebacker Felipe Martinez said. “But I like the fact that there’s new com-

petition. We’ll see different styles of football.” “We’re playing new teams,” Central Valley senior lineman Vince Bocanegra said. “It’s going to be a challenge trying to get to the top. We’re going to prove to the other teams we’re just as good. The Hawks are not going to back down.” Ceres High’s WAC schedule will include games against Los Banos, Pacheco, Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop and Mountain House. Los Banos (9-2, 4-1), Pacheco (5-5, 3-2) and Ceres High (3-7) placed second, third and last, respectively, in conference play last year. Beyer, Grace Davis, Johansen, Lathrop and Mountain House are newcomers to the WAC. Beyer (5-5, 3-3), Grace Davis (03-7, 1-5) and Johansen (0-10,

0-6) placed fourth, sixth and last in the Modesto Metro Conference in 2017. Lathrop (3-7, 2-5) and Mountain House (4-6, 0-5) placed fifth and last in the Valley Oak League. Ceres High lost 48-20 to Los Banos and 46-15 to Pacheco in WAC action a year ago. Ceres High posted a 41-23 victory over Johansen. Just one of Ceres High’s seven opponents qualified for the playoffs in 2017. Los Banos lost in the first round of the Division-III bracket. “Los Banos and Pacheco will be the frontrunners,” Martinez stated. “But my team has the motivation to take the league this year.” “I know we haven’t won a lot,” Ceres High junior lineman Elias Saldana said. “That’s something we’re working on changing. I have faith in all of my players. This

could be one of the greatest team’s we’ve had in years. We’re going to surprise people.” “It’s going to be a challenge,” Ceres High first-year head coach Matt Chachere added. “You have to play with confidence no matter who you play.” Central Valley will face Patterson, Buhach Colony, Merced, Atwater, El Capitan and Golden Valley. Patterson (11-2, 5-0) and Central Valley (5-5, 2-3) placed first and fourth in the 2017 WAC standings. Buhach Colony (7-4, 5-1), Merced (4-6, 3-3), Atwater (3-7, 2-4), El Capitan (2-8, 1-5) and Golden Valley (0-10, 0-6) placed second, fourth, fifth, sixth and last, respectively, in the CCC a year ago. Central Valley lost 62-19 to Patterson in league play. Central Valley edged Atwater

12-9 during the preseason. Just two of Central Valley’s six opponents secured postseason berths last year. Patterson advanced to the semifinals of the Division-III playoffs. Buhach Colony was beaten in the opening round of the DivisionII bracket. “Week to week, it’s going to be a little tougher,” Central Valley fifth-year head coach Scott Edwards stated. “It’s a step up in competition. But I don’t know what the other teams have. I’d say Patterson and Buhach would be the favorites going into the season. They were playoff teams last year.” Added Bocanegra: “We’d like to push for the top position. We’re ready for the challenge. We’ll see what happens.”

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Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

LEADER

FROM PAGE 8

conference title and qualified for the playoffs twice under Edwards’ guidance. The Hawks enjoyed their best season to date in 2016 Central Valley posted a program-best 9-2 overall record, annexed its first conference crown (5-0) and participated in the playoffs for the second year in a row. The Hawks topped the Patterson Tigers for the first time in seven meetings. Edwards was voted Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Central Valley finished 7-4 on the year and second in league (5-1) in 2015. The Hawks went 5-5 and tied for fourth place in the WAC during the 2017 and 2014 campaigns. “Sure, we made playoffs twice,” Edwards said. “We

Scott Edwards

always want more. We want to be a program that fights to be in every ball game.” Athletic director Greg Magni was part of the interview panel that hired Edwards. Scott beat out 29 other applicants. “He’s one of the best high school coaches in the area,” Magni said. “He’s what a football coach should be. He has a knack to get guys to believe in what he’s teaching. He’s a great motivator. We’re

fortunate to have him at Central Valley.” Scott was head coach of Bret Harte High School’s varsity football team from 2006-12. Budget cuts forced Edwards to find employment elsewhere. Edwards was offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for University Mary in North Dakota in 2013. His first stint with the Marauders was from 1998-2001. He recruited Central Valley founding head coach Tim Garcia. Scott also filled coaching positions at Sacramento City College (2003-05), Northern State University (2002), American River College (1997) and Mendocino College (1996). He played football for Chico State, Eastern New Mexico University and American River College. “I’ve had some great mentors,” he said.

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ELIAS

FROM PAGE 6 sive and nastier out there. I can’t let my teammates down. I’m playing for them, my family and friends.” Elias’ focus and intensity intensify as game time approaches. He locks in during the playing of the National Anthem. “There are two sides to Saldana,” Chachere said. “When he’s not playing, he’s laid back and very nice. He jokes around with his teammates. He’s like a big teddy bear. He’s a totally different person on the field. He gets quiet and laser focused.” “Football is a mental game,” Saldana said. “You can’t let anybody get into your

head. You need to attack them before they hit you. The fastest and lowest person always wins.” A first-year member of Ceres High’s varsity wrestling team last winter, Elias improved his stamina and quickness. “It changed me,” he said. “It’s going to make me a better football player.” Saldana and the Bulldogs will look to end years of frustration this fall. Ceres High hasn’t compiled a winning record or claimed a league title since 2004. The Bulldogs went 3-7 and finished in last place in the WAC standings (0-5) a season ago. “We’re going to be a lot better than the previous year,” Elias said “We’re not the same team.”

CV SCHEDULE Aug. 17 v. Ceres High, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 @. Sierra, 7 p.m. Aug. 31 @ Ripon, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 v. Enochs, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 v. Merced, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 @ Atwater, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 @ Golden Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 v. Patterson, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 @ Buhach Colony, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 v. El Capitan, 7 p.m.

CHS SCHEDULE Aug. 17 @ Central Valley, 7 p.m. Aug. 24 v. Lodi, 7 p.m. Sept. 7 @ West, 7 p.m. Sept. 14 @ Lathrop, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 v. Beyer, 7 p.m. Sept. 28 v. Johansen, 7 p.m. Oct. 5 @ Pacheco, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 v. Los Banos, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 @ Mountain House, 7 p.m. Oct. 26 @ Grace Davis, 7 p.m.

Ceres Football Special Section

Ceres (Calif.) Courier - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

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