Ceres High’s football team thrilled its Homecoming crowd with a 29-3 victory over Pacheco Friday evening at CUSD Stadium.

Seeking to spoil Livingston’s Homecoming, Central Valley fell 42-10 while suffering its sixth straight loss. 

“You want to have a great performance no matter where you’re at or who you’re playing,” Bulldogs’ head coach Brett Johnson said. 

“It’s disappointing and shocking to be where we’re at,” Hawks’ leader Derrick Goblirsch said. “We had high expectations coming into the season. The effort has been there at practice and during games. The kids have been focused and learning.”

Ceres High improved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Western Athletic Conference.

Pacheco dropped to 3-4 and 1-3.

The Bulldogs moved into fourth place in the WAC standings.

The Panthers dropped to sixth place.

“We had one of our better weeks of practice,” Johnson said. “They stayed focused throughout the week. I didn’t hear anything about Homecoming or the rally. It definitely could be a distraction if you allow it.”

Johnson praised the play of Ceres High’s offense, defense and special teams.

“Coming off the loss to Lathrop, we rebounded really well,” Johnson said. “It was a great team effort. I’m proud of them. They played lights out from opening kickoff until the end.”

Fall Homecoming King Reis Smith led the Bulldogs’ defense with nine tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and two pass deflections.

Nathaniel Macias had three tackles, two fumble recoveries, two pass deflections and one interception.

Gio Sio totaled five tackles, including four for a loss, and a career-high three sacks.

Manny Mendoza had six tackles and one forced fumble.

Elias Carrera had three tackles and one sack.

Abijah Bratton had eight tackles.

Michael Solis had six tackles and one pass deflection.

Daniel Davis had six tackles.

Tre Karriem had two tackles and one pass deflection.

A newcomer to varsity football, Sio has collected 29 tackles, including nine for a loss, six sacks and one forced fumble in seven games at defensive end.

He suffered season-ending injuries in the 10th and ninth grades.

“Gio brings a quiet, leadership to our team with consistent play every week,” Johnson said.

Linemen Angelo Estrada (right tackle), Elias Carrera (right guard), Elijah Herrera (center), Fabian Torres (left guard) and Adrian Estrada (left tackle) all contributed to the Bulldogs’ success on offense.

“Our O-line played great,” Johnson said.

Ceres High quarterback Kyle Phongsa completed 10 of 17 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.

“He’s improving week to week,” Johnson said.

Karriem caught four passes for 58 yards and one touchdown.

Adrian Carrillo caught one pass for 8 yards and one TD.

Eric De lozada caught two passes for 20 yards.

Solis ran for 43 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.

Alex Alvarez gained 37 yards and scored one TD on seven carries.

David Rodriguez made three of his four point-after kicks.

De lozada punted just three times during the game.

He had one punt downed inside Pacheco’s 20-yard line.

The Bulldogs dominated from start to finish.

Ceres High had a commanding 29-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

“They played the way we expected them to play in all areas,” Johnson said. “It reminded them what they’re capable of.”

Ceres High has three games left on its regular-season schedule.

The Bulldogs are vying for their fourth consecutive playoff berth.

“I’m happy where we’re at,” Johnson said. “We have everything in our control. We just got to take care of business.”

Ceres High will face host second-place Grace Davis (4-3, 3-1) this Friday at Modesto Junior College.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.

Central Valley had lofty hopes heading into the 2024 season.

The Hawks dropped out of playoff consideration last week.

“You work really hard for so long,” Goblirsch said. “When you don’t get that payoff, it feels like a grind. We’ve been trying to create competitions at practice to make it a little more enjoyable.”

Last-place Central Valley dropped to 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the WAC standings.

Third-place Livingston improved to 4-3 and 3-1.

Hawk sophomore quarterback Dominic Delatorre finished 9 of 20 for 78 yards with one interception.

Erick Mendoza carried the ball 15 times for 52 yards and one touchdown.

Andre Flores hauled in three passes for 46 yards.

Alejandro Valencia booted a 25-yard field goal.

Central Valley safety Cesar Pimentel collected a team-high 17 tackles.

Damian Olivares had 11 tackles.

Pahulu Anitelea had 10 tackles.

The Hawks trailed 8-3 at halftime.

Central Valley led 3-0 prior to allowing a touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the first half.

Valencia drilled a 25-yard field goal at the 2:28 mark of the second quarter.

“We felt pretty confident going into the locker room,” Goblirsch said. “It was nice to get off to a better start. That’s the first lead we’ve had since week one.”

Central Valley was outscored 35-7 during the second half.

The Hawks ran just four offensive plays.

Livingston seized the momentum in the third quarter as Central Valley fumbled the ball on three consecutive kickoffs.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Goblirsch said. “We couldn’t stop the bleeding.”

“They scored on every possession of the second half,” he added. “We gave them short field. Other teams have capitalized on our mistakes all year.”

The Hawks have three games left on their regular-season schedule.

“We’re playing for the seniors,” Goblirsch said. “We’re trying to send them off with a couple wins.”

Host Central Valley will face fifth-place Johansen (3-4, 2-2) this Friday at Ceres High.

Kickoff slated for 7 p.m.