Ceres Football Tab 2019

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The Ceres Courier WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2019

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Ceres Special Section Section Ceres Football Football Special

Wednesday, AugustCourier 21, 2019 - Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Ceres (Calif.)

A FINAL SHOWDOWN? TRENCH WARRIORS

•Offensive line plays bigcould partend in team’s success • CHS-CV rivalry series after this year

“You to get aggressive 2016 need (51-10), 2015 (48-14), and 2013serious.

(48-15), Sports You can’t take any plays off.

You need to be SportsEditor Editorofofthe the 2012 (40-13), 2011 (55-11), 2010 (55-24), CCeerreess ( (CCaalli iff. ). ) CCoouurri ieerr focused.”

2009 (28-26), 2008 (40-7) and 2007 (25-20).

Offensive lineman is inaugural arguably one of the Ceres High won the showdown Ceres High’s Josh Ofisa and Thomas The Ceres Classic—the annual crosstown in 2006 (20-7) and eliminated Central Valley most important positions on the field.

Carrillo tookbetween time from theirHigh’s busy schedules showdown Ceres and Central from playoff consideration in 2014 (24-7).

The following qualities are needed to play atValley’s 9:30 in varsity the morning on programs—is Aug. 13 to attend football morea Fifth-year head coach Scott Edwards (Centhe position: toughness, discipline, football photo than ashoot game.at the Ceres Community Center. tral Valley) and first-year leader Matt ChachThe broke from an annual tradition IQ, heart and trust.

It’s Courier an experience. ere (Ceres High) never beat theirtogether high school Offensive linemen must work as a of featuring mainly skilled positions players, Larger crowds. rivals. including running and cohesive unit.

Louderquarterbacks, chanting, cheering andbacks jeering.

Edwards and Chachere graduated from Bret receivers, the both coversides of itsratchet football Playerson from up tab. the Sacrificing personal recognition is another Harte and Princeton, respectively.

We felt as thatthey it was spotlight intensity vie important for school to pride, bragrequirement.

Edwards had a combined record of 0-9 as a offensive linemen. ging rights and the highly-coveted perpetual Weak-minded, glory-seeking individuals player and coach versus Calaveras.

“Of any major sport out there, offensive trophy. aren’t fit for the job.

Chachere lost three times to Moeller during lineThe is the ultimate team position,” Ceresany Bulldogs and Hawks don’t have “Itvarsity takes aplaying specialcareer. individual to play his High second-year leader Mattthis Chachere matchups scheduled beyond season said. as of offensive line,”you Chachere “It’s the a very “Each year, talk to said. me about Cen“As a coach, you hold those players in high now. tral Valley-Ceres Highposition.” game,” Edwards said. physically, demanding regard.”

The future of the Ceres Classic contest is “I“I’m downplay it because I haveonto.my That game big, strong and quick feet,” Ofisa anddue Carrillo a lot of pride in uncertain to the take Sac-Joaquin Section’s meanssaid. more to the players thanisany otherfor Ofisa “That combination perfect what they do.realignment plan, which moved conference game on the schedule. Hopefully, we can It’s a thankless Central Valley tojob—pass the Centralprotecting, Californiarun Con- being on the line.” keep the series alive. I don’t want it to die.

“You don’t have to be a star to contribute,” blocking ference. and battling in the trenches.

You don’t give a rivalry up.”

“Being a lineman, you in have be selfless,” Carrillo stated. “As long as the team wins, Ceres High remained the to Western Ath“I hope Central Valley remains on our said a 6-foot-1 205-pound senior. “We leticOfisa, Conference. that’s all that schedule frommatters.” here on out,” Chachere said. do the dirty work. dictate should the wayconthe “I strongly feel We the rivalry “I’m a team player,” Ofisa added.

“There’s something really special about a game will go.” tinue,” Bulldogs’ senior running back/line“Whatever benefits the team the that’s rivalry. A lot of people would bemost, disappointed “YouFelipe flip a switch on said. the football backer Martinez “It givesfield,” life to what I’ll do.” if it got discontinued.” said Carrillo, 5-foot-10 215-pound is senior. the little towna of Ceres. Everybody at the Established 13 years ago, students, fans game. It’s a tradition.” and members of the community have poured “I don’t like the idea of it going away,” into Bulldog Stadium annually to watch Ceres Hawks’ senior lineman Vince Bocanegra said.

High and Central Valley battle for the Ceres “It should continue for the younger generaClassic perpetual trophy. tions to come. I want them to enjoy the same It will ultimately be up to CHS and CV thing we did.” administrators to decide if the rivalry continNo longer in the same league, the Hawks ues or ends. and Bulldogs will meet for the 13th time dur“I can’t speak for them,” Hawks’ athletic Ceres High’s ingJosh opening Ofisaweek of the 2018 season. director Greg Magni said. “But we’d like to “Win lose, it’s a privilege to play in the (52) or and continue playing them annually. Regardless Central game,” Ceres High junior lineman Elias Salof wins and losses, it just makes sense. We’re Valley’s danaThomas said. “It’s something everybody looks natural rivals due to location. We’re located a forward Carrillo to. willIt’s like Christmas.” couple miles apart.” anchor their exciting than other games “It’s more “Nothing will be determined until we all respective because the crowd is into it,” Bocanegra said. football sit down to discus the benefits of the game “You team’s have all eyes on you. It’s an adrenaline to both schools,” Bulldogs’ athletic director offensive rush.

It’s a fun experience.”

Shawna Nunes said. “It will be a coordinated lines this fall.

Central Valley owns a head-to-head record decision.” of 10-2 versus Ceres High.

“It’s one of the most special games,” said The Hawks beat the Bulldogs for the third Estevan Barragan, a 2018 CV grad who DALE BUTLER/ yearThe inCourier a row last fall. Central Valley earned a helped lead the Hawks to three straight wins hard-fought 35-33 victory. The game featured over the Bulldogs. “You don’t get to play in six lead changes. The two teams combined to front of big crowds all the time. People feed score six touchdowns in the fourth quarter. off that. I hope they don’t stop it. It’s a great The Hawks also topped the Bulldogs in rivalry.”

By E BUTLER

By DAL DALE BUTLER

C O N T E N T S

Isaiah Hidalgo...................................................................3 Vince Bocanegra ...............................................................3 Andrew Hernandez Q&A.....................................................4 Isaiah Hidalgo Q&A ...........................................................4 Ceres ................................................................5 A NewClassic Voice XIV. .....................................................................5 Fernando Sosa.....................................................................6 ..................................................................6 Elias Saldana Elias Q&A. .............................................................7 FelipeSaldana Martinez Q&A .........................................................7 AUltimate FamiliarLeader Voice Returns....................................................8 ...............................................................8 Team Rosters....................................................................9 Players To Watch In 2019.................................................

Conference Realignment ................................................. 10 Publisher Editor Writing & Photography Advertisement

Hank Vander Veen Jeff Benziger Dale Butler Charles Webber

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Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

3

CHASING GREATNESS •CV’s Hidalgo striving for improvement

By DAL E BU TLER Sports Editor of the

C

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

entral Valley High School has had some talented running backs suit up for its football program over the years, including Estevan Barragan, Jonathan Barragan, Moses Ghiorso, Jamarea Lumpkin, Ja’Quan Gardner, Tyree Jones and Vince Lopez.

Isaiah Hidalgo showed flashes of excellence carrying and catching the ball as

‘There’s pressure.

I want to prove everybody right. I want to make a name for myself. I want to leave a legacy behind.’

–Hawks running back Isaiah Hidalgo

a sophomore at the varsity level last fall.

“I’m striving every day to be the best player I can be,” the 5-foot-8 185-pound junior said. “There’s pressure. I got to prove everybody right. I want to make a name for myself. I want to leave a legacy behind.”

Gardner (class of 2014) tops Central Valley’s list greatest running backs.

He broke the Stanislaus District’s career (6,014) and single-season (2,467) rushing SEE ISAIAH, PAGE 9

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

Isaiah Hidalgo will start at running back for the second year in a row for Central Valley. He totaled 563 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018.

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Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Andrew Hernandez #8 •Central Valley returns experience at quarterback in second-year signal caller Hernandez Andrew Hernandez CENTRAL VALLEY Sr. 5-11, 190

Andrew Hernandez will start at quarterback at Central Valley for the second year in a row. Hernandez completed 112 of 210 passes for 1,393 yards with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2018. He also had three rushing TDs. QUESTION: What have you done over the past couple of months to get ready for the upcoming season?

ANSWER: I went to a quarterback camp in San Jose. I learned some new things. I talked with some coaches. Me and a couple of Central Valley’s receivers got some extra work in at Neel Park. I also ran a couple miles and went to the gym every day.

Q: Have you set any individual or team goals?

A: I’m not worried about individual stats.

We just want to win games. We hope to make playoffs.

Q: What’s the most enjoyable part about the Central Valley-Ceres High crosstown game?

A: The whole town is there. It’s loud. The school spirit all week is awesome, too.

Q: Central Valley struggled to a 2-8 overall record, finished in sixth place at 1-5 during its first season in the Central California Conference and failed to qualify for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the second year in a row last fall. Will the 2019 Hawks experience a bounce-back season?

A: It was a huge wake-up call for us. We’re really looking forward to flipping the record back around. We have more experience.

We believe in ourselves. We should make playoffs.

Q: What do you enjoy most about football?

A: Meeting new people, bonding and making friends.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

Hawk quarterback Andrew Hernandez passed for 1,393 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018.

Q: Do you model your style of play after any other players?

A: I watch a lot of Steve Young videos. I like him.

Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team?

A: 49ers.

Q: Who’s your favorite NFL player?

A: Jimmy Garoppolo.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Forrest Gump.

Q: If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be?

A: Tom Brady.

Q: Favorite musician?

A: Russ.

Q: Any fears or phobias?

A: Spiders.

Q: Favorite food to eat?

A: My girlfriend’s mom makes good Tacos.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: The Office. That show is the best.

Q: Favorite super hero?

A: Hulk.

Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be?

A: The ability to read minds.

Q: Favorite website?

A: NCSA. It’s a (student-athlete) recruiting page. You make your own profile and can look at colleges.

Q: Hobbies?

A: Riding dirt bikes. I don’t do it during the season.

Q: Role model?

A: My uncle (Shane Holton). I’ve learned a lot of things from him. He was in the Army.

Respect is a huge thing.

Q: College plans?

A: I haven’t thought that out yet. I do want to play football.

Q: Dream job?

A: I want to be an electrical engineer.

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

5

CERES CLASSIC XIV •Rivals Ceres High, Central Valley will play Friday at Bulldog Stadium

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

As long as Scott Edwards and Matt Chachere are coaching football at Central Valley and Ceres High, the crosstown game will be staged.

“As a coach, you treat it like another game,” Edwards said. “But you see how important it is to the kids and parents. It’s a big deal for both schools.”

“It’s important we continue the rivalry,” Chachere said. “It would be a shame if it ended.

The players, students and town enjoy it. It’s awesome seeing everybody get involved.”

“Every game is important,” Bulldogs’ thirdyear lineman Elias Saldana said. “But the CHS-CV game is a personal thing. You’re not playing against random strangers. You’re playing against friends and former youth teammates. Everyone is watching, cheering and having a good time. That’s what makes it fun.”

“You got to keep the game in perspective and think about the big picture,” Edwards said.

“It’s got to be played like any other game. In a perfect world, CV gets the win and as the season goes on you get to write about two teams battling for conference championships.”

The Hawks have won four of five meetings versus the Bulldogs under Edwards’ guidance.

“You always remember the losses more than the wins in rivalry games,” Edwards said.

“I never beat Calaveras as a player or a coach when I was at Bret Harte. But I would want to play that game every week.”

Established in 2006, Central Valley owns an 11-2 head-to-head record versus Ceres High.

The Hawks bested the Bulldogs in 2018, 2017 (35-33), 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).

The Hawks topped the Bulldogs for the

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Josh Ofisa and Ceres High will battle Thomas Carrillo and Central Valley on Friday at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

fourth year in a row last fall.

Central Valley prevailed by shutout, 35-0.

Andrew Hernandez completed 14 of 15 passes for 132 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Isaiah Hidalgo rushed for 111 yards and two TD on seven carries.

He totaled 35 yards on four receptions.

Erick Martinez-Stucchi hauled in TD passes

of 9 and 21 yards.

The Hawks limited the Bulldogs to 93 yards of total offense.

The Ceres Classic perpetual trophy—the hardware awarded to the winner of the rivalry game—was hoisted into the air by Central Valley players and coaches for the 11th time.

“It felt like the whole town of Ceres was there,” Hidalgo said. “You couldn’t hear any-

thing on the field. It was loud.”

The 2019 crosstown game will be played at 7 p.m.

“If we win, we have bragging rights for the rest of the year,” Saldana said.

“There’s a little pressure,” said Hernandez.

“You can’t be the team to lose.”

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

6

Ceres Football Special Section

LEADING BY EXAMPLE •Sosa will be counted upon more this year

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

A

year ago at this time, Fernando Sosa was a newcomer on Ceres High School’s varsity football team.

Sosa will fill key roles on both offense and defense this fall.

“A lot of people are depending on me,” the 5-foot-8 120-pound senior slot receiver/cornerback said. “I get a chance to show them what I can do.”

“We’re expecting him to be a big playmaker for us,” head coach Matt Chachere said.

Sosa led the Bulldogs in receptions (19) and receiving yards

‘A lot of people are depening on me. I get a chance to show them what I can do’ –Bulldogs’ receiver/ cornerback Fernando Sosa

(248) as a junior.

He ranked second in touchdowns (1).

“He had some success last year,” Chachere said. “We’re hoping he’s more consistent catching balls and does a better job running routes this season. He worked on his skills during the offseason. He’s gotten faster and stronger. He’s more confident.”

Sosa will also be counted upon to be a leader.

SEE SOSA, PAGE 11

Fernando Sosa will contribute at receiver and cornerback for the second year in a row.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

ELIAS SALDANA #63 Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

7

• Senior will fill a major role on Ceres High’s offensive line for the third consecutive season Promoted to Ceres High’s varsity football team as a sophomore, Elias Saldana will start on the Bulldogs’ offensive line for the third year in a row. He will be a second-year starter on the defensive line. A standout wrestler, Saldana compiled a 28-11 record in the heavyweight division this past winter.

Elias Saldana CERES HIGH Sr. 6-0, 280 QUESTION: This is your third year playing varsity football. You were voted a captain by your teammates. Do you relish being a leader?

ANSWER: I love having the privilege of being in this position.

I have a selfless job and do it to the best of my ability. I don’t get the spotlight but that doesn’t matter. I’m not there for the jersey. I’m there for the team.

Q: What have you done over the past few months to get ready for the upcoming season?

A: A lot of weight lifting and conditioning.

Q: Have you set any individual or team goals?

A: It’s a team sport. You’re not playing for yourself. You’re playing for each other. Winning half of our games would be a step in the right direction. We want to help change Ceres High for the better.

Q: Ceres High hasn’t had a winning record or made the playoffs since 2004. Will either of those streaks of futility end?

A: I’m not going to sit and wallow. I go into every game with a positive attitude. You always hope to have a better season than your last. As long as everybody gets their job done, everything will work out.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Ceres High’s football team returns three key linemen from last year’s team, including third-year member Elias Saldana.

A: I really do love the sport because of what it’s done for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t play football. It helps keep you focused. You get challenged a lot. I’ve met people through the sport that have changed my life.

Q: How would you describe

yourself as a player?

A: I’m a hard worker. There’s a certain zone I get myself into when I’m on the field. I’m aggressive.

Football is the only thing on my mind. Anything you do, you got to take pride in it.

Q: Why do you wear jersey No.

63?

A: I wore No. 66 with the Ceres Seahawks. I got the closest number I could in high school.

Q: Do you have a favorite NFL team?

A: Raiders.

Q: Favorite NFL player?

A: I don’t have one. I look at the entire line while watching.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Anchor Man 2 Q: If you could meet a celebrity, who would it be?

SEE ELIAS, PAGE 9

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

8

A FAMILIAR VOICE RETURNS and touchdowns. That gets the home crowds excited. But I’m only as good as my spotter. If I don’t get the right information, it will affect what I do.”

Lanser called Modesto Christian football games for 19 years (19992018).

“I did it on a whim back in 1999,” he said. “That’s when Chuck Hayes was playing. Everybody was so supportive. At that time, it was a volunteer gig.”

A resident of Modesto, Lanser grew up in Seattle.

He earned degree in communications from Washington State in 1977.

Lanser’s career in the radio industry spanned 40-plus years.

He was the voice of “Flying Blind Traffic” for Sunny 102.3 for five years (2006-11).

He also did traffic reports for five years (2014-18) for Kat Kountry 103, The Hawk 104.1 and KJOY 99.3 up until this past September.

“My goal was to get into radio,” he said. “It took me a while to find a job.

A lot of people felt I couldn’t do it. I wanted to prove them wrong.”

Lanser’s hobbies include reading and bowling.

“Once in a while, I’ll be in the zone and the ball will do what I want it to do,” said Lanser, who’s frequented McHenry Bowl in Modesto since 1989. “My best game is 177. I tend

•Lanser will call CV home games for second year

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Marty Lanser lost his eyesight not too long after being born premature.

“I got too much oxygen and it created scar tissue on the retina of my eyes,” said Lanser, who weighed just 3 pounds. “I wouldn’t have lived if they didn’t put me in the incubator.

I can’t complain.”

Lanser, 65, has accomplished a lot since his life was changed forever in May of 1954.

He’ll be the public address announcer for Central Valley High School’s football games for the second year in a row. The 2019 home opener will be staged at Bulldog Stadium on Aug. 30.

“I’ll keep doing it as long as they want me,” Lanser said. “I really enjoy it.”

Lanser had a wealth of experience calling football games to prior to becoming Central Valley’s P.A. announcer last fall.

“I developed my own style,” he said. “I always like to put an emphasis on first downs, big plays

E S C E R

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N H S O H U G

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E S K E Y

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SEE MARTY, PAGE 11

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DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

Longtime radio personality Marty Lanser will be the public address announcer for Central Valley’s home football games for the second straight season.

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Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

CHS ROSTER

CV ROSTER

Miguel Alvarado Xavier Alvarez Martin Avila Konnor Bailey Carlos Barajas Angat Batth Alejandro Becerra Thomas Carrillo Jonathan Chhoeum Richard Dennison Sahib Dhaliwal Nathan Diaz Jacinto Farias Jacob Gomez Omar Gomez Marcos Gonzalez Guillermo Guerra Alexander Guzman Kyle Hendrix Andrew Hernandez Isaiah Hidalgo Eindveer Hothi Isaiah Hurt Jr. Jacob Ingraham Albert Iniguez Alexys Jimenez Elias Jimenez Dylan Kong Juan Lezama Natanael Lezama Raymond Lopez Favian Lopez-Garcia Erick Martinez-Stucchi Salvador Mendoza Alexis Morales Evaristo Moreno Julian Padilla Jayden Palma-Alvarado Roman Ramirez Ezekiel Ruiz-Young Christopher Simental Sergio Solis Andruw Valencia Ruben Valenzuela Angel Vega Jonathan Vierra-Pena Christopher Villicana Eduardo Viramontes

Aaron Delgado

Adrian Martinez

Amare Padilla

Andres Ramirez

Alejandro Gonzalez

Bryce Piatt

Daniel Romo

Diego Fernandez

Eli Beltran

Elias Castillo

Elias Saldana

Elian Acevedo

Emilio Molina

Felipe Galindo

Fernando Gonzalez

Fernando Sosa

Gabriel Newton

George Medina

Heriberto Castillo

Isaias Jimenez

Izzy Ramirez

Jacob Rodriguez

Joshua Ofisa

Joshua Adams

Joshua Dominguez

Matthew Aveytia

Misael Rodriguez Rivera

Moises Montalvo

Montrell Block

Nicolas Anguio

Nathen Magallon

Ping Homsombata

Roberto Tiscareno Ryan Beffa Thomas Palacios Verlis Smith Victor Hurtado Terrell Lee-Gill

ISAIAH

FROM PAGE 3

yard records.

Gardner also tallied a program-best 63 TDs. He won the 2013 USA Today/Asics Ultimate Athlete of the Year award.

Etevan Barragan (2018) was voted WAC Most Outstanding Offensive Player as a senior.

He gained 1,111 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

He caught 31 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns.

Estevan Barragan is currently a member of the Fresno State football team Ghiorso was named the WAC’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player during his final season with the Hawks. He racked up 2,639 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns. Ghiorso ran for 1,515 yards and 21 touchdowns. He totaled 411 yards and two TDs on 27 receptions.

Jones previously held Central Valley’s team records for rushing yards (1,717) and touchdowns (14) in a single season.

“It’s a lot of pressure following in Ja’Quan’s footsteps,” Hidalgo said. “He’s a role model I look up to. He makes me want to work harder.”

“The type of season he has really is up to him,” head coach Scott Edwards said.

“He has the ability. If he has the want and desire to be an every down player, he’ll do some good things. He went through stages last year when he matured and got better. If he’s consistent, that’s where he’ll have more strides. That’s his challenge.”

ELIAS FROM PAGE 7 A: Steve Carrell.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: The Office.

Q: Favorite food?

A: In N Out Burger Q: Favorite super hero?

A: Iron Man. Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be?

A: Telekinesis. You can move things with your mind.

Q: Any fears or phobias?

A: Clowns.

Q: Favorite social media?

A: Instagram.

9

Hidalgo piled up 1,624 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

He ranked first on the team in rushing yards (563), rushing TDs (8) and carries (145).

He ranked second in receiving yards (300), receiving touchdowns (2) and receptions (20).

Hidalgo had a team-high 761 yards on kickoff returns.

“Sophomore year was all new to me,” he said. “The pace of the game was a lot faster. This year, I’m ready. I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s important for me to do my job and be a leader on the team. Each year, I want to be better than how I was the year before.”

“He’s done a good job in the offseason as far as developing his strength, improving his numbers and getting into better shape,” Edwards said. “He just needs to do his piece (on the field). He doesn’t have to carry us.”

Hidalgo will fill a vital role as the Hawks try to return to their winning ways.

Central Valley amassed a 2-8 overall record, finished sixth in the Central California Conference (1-5) and missed the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the second year in a row last fall.

The Hawks struggled during their first season in the CCC. “Last year was a learning experience,” Hidalgo said. “We know what to expect this year. We know the teams and what they run. I think every game is going to be competitive. I see us going to the playoffs.”

Q: Hobbies?

A: Besides football and wrestling, watching movies and hanging out with my friends.

Q: Role model?

A: Luis Magana. He’s been my coach for football since freshman year. I’ve always looked up to him. Any time I’ve had a question, he’s been there to help. He’s a great person. I try to make him proud.

Q: College plans?

A: I start applying to colleges in October.

If I play a sport, it will be football. I want to keep playing as long as I can.

Q: Dream job?

A: When I was really young, I wanted to be an actor. Then I got into football and I wanted to be an NFL player. Now, I’m not exactly sure what I want to do.

10

Ceres Football Special Section

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2019

•Martinez-Stucchi will lead CV’s receiving corps

By DAL E BUTLER Sports Editor of the

Ceres (Calif.) Courier

1. Senior Josh Ofisa will be a two-way lineman for Ceres High. Ofisa earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors for his outstanding play on the Bulldogs’ offensive line as a junior.

2. Isaiah Hidalgo will start at running back for the second straight season for Central Valley.

The junior gained 563 yards and scored eight touchdowns, both team-highs, as a sophomore.

He also hauled in 20 passes for 300 yards and two TDs. Hidalgo racked up 1,624 all-purpose yards and 10 TDs. 3. The Hawks return their starting quarterback from a year ago in Andrew Hernandez.

Hernandez completed 112 of 210 passes for 1,393 yards with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as a junior. He also scored three rushing TDs. Hernandez earned Western Athletic Conference honorable-mention recognition.

4. Speedster Fernando Sosa will play slot receiver and cornerback during his final season with the Bulldogs. Sosa led Ceres High in receptions (19) and yards (248), and ranked second in touchdowns (1) as a junior. He was voted a captain for this year’s team.

5. Senior receiver Erick Martinez-Stucchi could have a breakout season with Central Valley. The WAC honorablemention pick caught 29 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns last fall.

6. Senior captain Elias Saldana will start on Ceres High’s offensive line for the third year in a row. He’ll be a second-year starter on the defensive line. A

DALE BUTLER / The Courier

Erick Martinez-Stucchi could have a breakout year for the Hawks. He caught 29 passes for 467 yards and three touchdowns last season.

heavyweight wrestler, Saldana posted a 28-11 overall this past winter.

7. Senior Thomas Carrillo will be a major contributor on Central Valley’s offensive and defensive lines for the second straight year.

He collected 32 tackles and one sack in 2018. Carrillo earned honorable-mention conference accolades.

8. Montrell Block, a junior

transfer from Weston Ranch, earned the Bulldogs’ starting running back position thanks to an impressive showing at the Ceres High-Hughson scrimmage.

9. Central Valley senior linebacker Chris Simental should have another solid season. He tied for second on the team with 61 tackles as a junior. Simental also had one sack, one fumble recovery and one interception. He’ll start at

fullback on offense.

10. Bulldog sophomore Verlis Smith will start on both offense and defense during his first season of varsity football. He’ll log playing time at receiver and safety.

11. Hawk senior Xavier Alvarez will start at cornerback for the second year in a row. He was an honorable-mention WAC selection a season ago. Alvarez led Central Valley with three interceptions. He

also made 22 tackles and deflected one pass. Alvarez switched positions on offense. The former receiver was converted into a running back.

12. Ceres High has a new quarterback in sophomore Bryce Piatt. Piatt showed good command of the Bulldogs’ offense at the CHS-Hughson scrimmage. He also attended every practice during the summertime.

Ceres Football Special Section

SOSA

FROM PAGE 6 “He’s been to every practice,” Chachere said. “He’s coachable. He’s very humble. He does the right things. He’ll have a lot more of a voice on the team. We want the younger players to follow his lead.”

“It’s my last year,” Sosa said. “I’m very excited. My mindset is football. I’ve been working extremely hard to become better for my team so we can succeed.”

Sosa will also contribute at cornerback on defense for the second year in a row.

“It’s tiring to an extent,” Sosa said while talking about the amount of energy it takes to be a two-way starter. “But I don’t want to get off the field. It’s my last year.”

Diminutive stature, Sosa has never shied away from competition.

“A lot of people have told me I’m too skinny to play football,” Sosa said. “That motivates me a lot. I’ve proved them wrong. I

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 can take the hits.”

It also helps being a speed demon.

Would-be tacklers sometimes miss.

“He’s the fastest kid on the team,” Chachere said.

Sosa will try to help Ceres High end years of frustration on the gridiron.

“We’re hungry,” Sosa said.

The Bulldogs haven’t posted a winning record or participated in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs since 2004.

“I really hope we can change that around,” said Sosa, whose team finished 1-9 and placed fifth in the revamped Western Athletic Conference (1-6) last season. “We want to win and make our coaches proud. We just have to keep working hard until we succeed.”

Sosa is proud to be a Bulldog.

“It’s really an honor being on this team,” he said. “I’m playing the game Iove. Football teaches you a lot of things. Discipline.

Respect. It’s changed me a lot in how I view the world.”

Andrew Hernandez (8), Isaiah Hidalgo and the Hawks have high hopes for the 2019 campaign.

The Hawks compiled a 2-8 overall record last year.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

CV SCHEDULE Aug. 23 @ Ceres High, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 v. Sierra, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 v. Ripon, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 @ Enochs, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 @ Merced, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 v. Atwater, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 v. Golden Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 @ Patterson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 v. Buhach Colony, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 @ El Capitan, 7 p.m.

Fernando Sosa led the Bulldogs in receptions (19) and receiving yards (248) as a junior.

DALE BUTLER/ The Courier

CHS SCHEDULE

MARTY

FROM PAGE 8

to average in the 90s. There are no bumpers either.”

Lanser went skydiving for the first and last time while spending time in Oregon in 1986.

“I wasn’t married back then,” he said.

Lanser did play-by-play commentary for three games at the Modesto Christian Holiday Hoops Classic this

past winter.

“I had my first experience doing basketball,” he said.

“That was a lot different because it was so fast. I’ve done a little bit of baseball for Big Valley Christian.”

Lanser has volunteered at Vine House, an outreach program, in Modesto for the past eight years. He teaches Bible study once a month and leads singing on Friday.

He’s also a board member for Visually Impaired Persons Support (VIPS) in Modesto.

“I just want to stay active,” Lanser added.

Marty and his wife Terry have been married for 30 years.

He has three step-children and two granddaughters.

“I feel pretty good about most of the things I’ve achieved,” Lanser said. “There are a lot of blind people that don’t work. It’s not because they’re lazy. They’re not matched up with the right opportunities.”

11

Aug. 23 v. Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 @ Lodi, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 v. West, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 v. Lathrop, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 @ Beyer, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 @ Johansen, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 v. Pacheco, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 @ Los Banos, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 v. Mountain House, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 v. Grace Davis, 7 p.m.

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