Returnees Elias Carrera and Cesar Pimentel will fill key roles on Ceres High’s and Central Valley’s football teams, respectively, this fall.

Carrera, a senior, will start on the Bulldogs’ offensive line for the third year in a row. He will also contribute at defensive end.

Pimentel, a junior, will start at safety for the second straight season. He will also log playing time at wide receiver. Carrera and Pimentel both earned second-team all-conference honors in 2023. Pimentel led the Hawks in tackles (89) and interceptions (2), and ranked second in fumble recoveries (2) and forced fumbles (1), and third in pass deflections (2). Carrera was Ceres High’s top offensive lineman. Led by Carrera, the Bulldogs piled up 2,384 yards and 22 touchdowns. He totaled 15 tackles on defense. Carrera and Pimentel took time from their busy schedules to chat with the Courier leading up to the 2024 campaign.

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

Elias Carrera: I’ve been working out a lot, pretty much every day. Before school, I go to Bonsu Elite Athletics. I’m also trying to eat healthier.

Cesar Pimentel: I hit the weight room, usually four times a week. I got some skinny legs. I’m trying to get my core and them bigger. I try to do something different every day.

Q: Have you set any individual or team goals?

EC: Team goals, we’d like to win most of our games if not all of them and go to playoffs again. Individually, I’d like to try to become a team captain for the whole year again and get first-team all-league. Last year, I was second-team all-league.

CP: We’re trying to be WAC champions. We haven’t been to the playoffs in a minute. I’m sure we can make it this year. Individually, I’m going for first-team (league honors) this year. I was second-team last year.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

EC: A little bit of everything. When you’re playing football, you’re in your own world. You don’t have to worry about other things. It’s also nice when you see your hard work pay off. 

CP: It’s really fun playing with my teammates—the moments on the field. It’s a lot of memories.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

EC: I’m really committed to the sport. I never take any days off. I’m someone who doesn’t talk a lot on the field. I like to talk with my pads. I’ve always been an aggressive player. I like being the meanest person on the field.

CP: I’m a really, reliable teammate. I work hard. My football IQ and my speed are my strengths.

Q: Central Valley has an all-time record of 15-3 versus Ceres High. Do you have a prediction for this year’s game?

EC: We have a different mindset this year. We’ll be a lot more prepared. The importance of the game has increased a lot because it can determine whether or not we can win league or get a playoff spot.

CP: It’s our last regular-season game. It’s almost like playoffs with how important it is. We’ll be prepared for it. I think it will be a close, battle.

Q: What’s the most enjoyable part about playing in the Ceres Classic crosstown game?

EC: The atmosphere is a lot different than most games. It’s enjoyable bringing the community together. It’s fun being able to show people what you can do.

CP: I like the environment. There are a lot of people. It’s a lot louder. It makes the game more exciting. I’m glad we have a rivalry like that.

Q: Favorite NFL team?

EC: 49ers.

CP: Raiders.

Q: Favorite NFL player?

EC: Trent Williams.

CP: Nate Hobbs.

Q: Favorite movie?

EC: Grown Ups.

CP: Nacho Libre. I’ve watched it over 100 times.

Q: Favorite actor?

EC: Adam Sandler.

CP: Jack Back.

Favorite TV show?

EC: Snowfall.

CP: The Boys.

Q: Favorite musician?

EC: Mozzy.

CP: Larry June.

Q: Favorite food? 

EC: Chicken wings.

CP: Any pasta.

Q: Hobbies?

EC: Football and working out.

CP: I like watching movies and playing video games.

Q: Any fears or phobias?

EC: Rollercoasters.

CP: I can’t think of none.

Q: Dream job?

EC: Something in the engineering field.

CP: I’m looking into the medical field. I need to do more research.

Q: Role model?

EC: My grandpa (Zoilo).

CP: My father (Cesar Sr.).

Q: College plans?

EC: Hopefully, I can play football at a four-year school.

CP: Probably Modesto Junior College. If I get interest from anywhere else, I’ll probably go there.