East Union quarterback Jack Weaver scrambled around for what seemed like an eternity before connecting with Matthew Pilkay on a 16-yard scoring play at the end of the first half versus host Ceres High.

The Bulldogs fell behind 13-7 and never recovered in losing 40-7 to the Lancers in varsity football Friday night in Ceres.

"The coaching staff does a good job calling plays," Ceres High senior receiver/cornerback Marcellus Boykins said. "We just have to execute."

Ceres High's offensive woes continued for the second week in a row.

The Bulldogs have been outscored 80-20-61-6 in the second half-by their first two opponents.

Ceres High led 7-6 before losing 40-13 to visiting Weston Ranch during the opening week.

The Bulldogs punted a combined nine times versus East Union and Weston Ranch.

The Lancers (1-0) limited Ceres High to 277 yards of total offense, including just 98 after intermission.

"We're just having trouble executing," Boykins said. "It's something we're going to have to work on together as a team. We're going to have to find out a way to get rid of the mental lapses."

Ceres High senior quarterback Chris Lubinsky mustered just 194 yards and one touchdown while completing 23 of 42 pass attempts.

Boykins led the Bulldogs' receiving corps with 75 yards on seven receptions.

Austin Crain caught six passes for 39 yards and one TD.

Junior Andrew Gibson rushed for a team-high 54 yards on 10 carries. He totaled 28 yards on three receptions.

The Lancers had 276 rushing yards.

Weaver ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns on 12 attempts.

He completed 8 of 13 passes for 151 yards and one TD.

Miguel Lopez gained 78 yards on 12 carries.

Jake Harries, Isaiah Sholund and Patrick Sholund all scored once on the ground.

Lubinsky's 3-yard TD pass to Crain and Austin's point-after kick gave Ceres High its only lead of the game at 7-6 with 15 seconds left in the first half.

Weaver used his legs and arm to seize the momentum following Ruben Gallegos' 47-yard kickoff return to the Bulldogs' 16-yard line with 2 seconds remaining.

Jack made a perfect throw to Pilkay in the left corner of the end zone as time expired.

The sandlot play lasted about 20 seconds.

"We weren't able to keep him contained," Boykins said. "It was pretty deflating."

The Lancers shut out the Bulldogs 27-0 the rest of the way.

Boykins was limited to just one reception for 7 yards.

"They made us change what we did, offensively," Boykins said. "East Union used an extra defensive back. They really keyed in on me."

"It was definitely a challenge," said defensive back Harries, who drew the assignment of covering Boykins. "He's probably one of the best receivers in the area. I've been planning all week for him and studied him."

The Bulldogs competed shorthanded against the Lancers as three starters were sidelined with injuries, including Conner Johnson (tight end/linebacker), Clayton Elness (offensive/defensive lineman) and Adrian Knights (defensive lineman).

Ceres High (0-2) will play at Hughson (2-0) this Friday at 7 p.m.

"We're going to have to score on offense and play our game," Boykins said. "We have to be mentally tough."

Manteca Bulletin Sports Editor Jonamar Jacinto contributed to this report.