Ceres High’s football team extended its winning streak to two games last week.
Central Valley suffered its second straight loss.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-1 overall after besting Buhach Colony 27-0 on Alumni Night on Friday at Ceres High Stadium.
The Thunder dropped to 0-4 on the season.
The Hawks fell to 1-2 after losing 49-18 to Modesto High on Friday at Gregori High School.
The Panthers improved to 2-2.
“We were really confident in the game plan,” Ceres High quarterback Kyle Phongsa said. “We were focused on executing. If we did, we knew that would be the outcome.”
“We knew it was going to be a tough challenge,” Central Valley head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “They’re a much-improved team from last year. When you put up 40-plus points against a VOL team like they did the week before, that’s impressive.”
Ceres High had 286 yards of total offense versus Buhach Colony.
Phongsa threw for a career-high three touchdowns.
He completed 12 of 20 passes for 131 yards.
“I felt comfortable in the pocket,” he said. “I had a lot of time. Our offensive line played really well. They didn’t give up any sacks. I was able to process the game and everything that was going on around me. I didn’t play my best. I know I got more in the tank.”
Phongsa contributed at receiver and running back as a junior.
“There’s a lot of pressure playing quarterback,” Phongsa said. “But I face it head on. That’s what I got to do. It’s my job. My composure has changed a lot. I’ve adjusted to the game speed. I’ve always believed in myself.”
Third-year standout Reis Smith caught six passes for 73 yards and a career-high three touchdowns.
He also rushed for 35 yards on three attempts.
“We have pretty good chemistry,” Phongsa said while talking about his connection with Smith. “The times we’ve spent together during the offseason and season helps a lot.”
Led by Isaac Vizcarra, the Bulldogs piled up 155 yards on the ground.
Vizcarra rushed for a team-high 85 yards on 11 attempts.
He averaged 7.7 yards per carry.
Michael Solis ran for 20 yards and one touchdown on nine carries.
Solis (1-12), Nathaniel Macias (2-19), Daniel Davis (1-14), Tre Karriem (1-10) and Eric De lozada (1-3) all chipped in with at least one reception apiece.
Ceres High’s stingy defense allowed just 208 yards with five sacks and two forced fumbles.
Davis had three tackles, two forced fumbles and one sack.
Gio Sio had five tackles and two sacks.
Fabian Torres had four tackles and one sack.
Solis had four tackles and one sack.
Carlos Montano had three tackles and one fumble recovery.
Karriem had two tackles and one pass deflection.
Aron Chavez had one pass deflection.
Central Valley committed four turnovers and 11 penalties against Modesto High.
“It’s not a good formula to win games,” Goblirsch said. “We couldn’t get out of our own way. It’s something we need to improve on. It’s frustrating. We’re a better team than we showed. We keep beating ourselves.”
The Panthers limited the Hawks to 198 yards of total offense.
Dominic Delatorre, Isaac Garcia and Edgar Peralta all logged playing time at quarterback.
Peralta started in place of Delatorre, who was sidelined during the opening half for an unspecified reason.
Delatorre, a sophomore completed 6 of 19 passes for 99 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Garcia rushed for 19 yards and one touchdown on nine carries.
Peralta finished 0-for-5 with two fumbles.
“Dominic’s our starter,” Goblirsch said. “Edgar and Isaac add value in other places.”
Andre Flores led Central Valley’s receiving corps with 58 yards and one touchdown on two receptions.
Cristian Gudino caught two passes for 26 yards.
Caden Mendonca caught one pass for 14 yards.
The Hawks had 99 rushing yards.
Emmanuel Luna rushed for a team-high 67 yards on three attempts.
His first carry resulted in a 58-yard gain.
Erick Mendoza ran for 10 yards and one touchdown on three carries.
Central Valley had trouble slowing down Modesto High’s offense, which amassed 384 yards.
The Panthers piled up 267 yards on the ground.
The Hawks trailed 28-6 at halftime.
Modesto High scored two touchdowns off a pair of Central Valley turnovers.
“We put our defense in a tough spot multiple times,” Goblirsch said. “We have to find a way to sustain drives and not make mistakes. Penalties have also been a huge issue for us.”
The Hawks appeared to seize the momentum to start the second half.
Flores returned the opening kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown.
The play was negated on a penalty.
“Unfortunately, it was an obvious hold,” Goblirsch said.
Central Valley and Ceres High will play at home and on the road, respectively, this Friday.
Ceres High will battle Livingston (1-2).
Central Valley will face Grace Davis (1-2) at Ceres High.
Both games will begin at 7 p.m.
Grace Davis collected its lone victory against Sac-Joaquin Section powerhouse Hilmar.
“They had an impressive win against a very good program,” Goblirsch stated. “Hopefully, we play a clean game. It would be nice to score first.”
“We’re happy with where we’re at,” Phongsa added. “We’re looking forward to keeping it rolling.”
