Last week’s rivalry boys soccer game between Central Valley and Ceres High pitted father against son. 

Former teammates also battled.

Gilbert Zamora coaches the Bulldogs.

His son, Gilbert Zamora Jr., plays center back for the Hawks.

Zamora Jr. and host Central Valley shut out Zamora-led Ceres High 5-0 on Nov. 17.

“I was looking forward to the game since it was my old school,” said Zamora Jr., a standout with the Bulldogs as a sophomore and freshman. “It was good getting the win and bragging rights. I still hope Ceres High does well and has a good season.”

“He’s my son,” Zamora stated. “When it comes to sports, I want him to be the best at all times.”

Hawk Alejandro Garcia tallied two goals and one assist versus the Bulldogs last week.

Anantah Sivongxay chipped in with one goal and one assist.

Diego Ochoa and Diego De Jesus both contributed one goal.

Julio Larranaga, Miguel Serrano and Andres Guevara all collected one assist.

Central Valley goalkeeper Jesus Silva totaled three saves.

Bulldog goalie Chris Vega made five saves.

Central Valley beat Ceres High despite missing eight players, including three starters.

The Bulldogs also competed shorthanded as one key starter was sidelined for an unspecified reason.

“The players that were there made a huge impact,” Hawks’ head coach Horatio Garcia said. “We were able to take control of the game after the first 10 minutes. Everybody played at a high level.”

“We have really good chemistry,” Zamora Jr. stated.

“It’s sports,” Zamora added. “You win and you lose. You try to be competitive.”

The Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 3-0 in the opening 40 minutes.

Central Valley didn’t lose focus during the second half.

“We tried to emulate what we did in the first half,” Garcia said. “We continued to play hard and physical. We controlled the tempo of the game. We completely dominated possession of the ball.”

“You have to give them credit,” said Zamora. “They have a great team. They have a lot of very good players.”

The Hawks have won their last three games versus the Bulldogs.

Central Valley prevailed by identical scores of 5-0 this winter and in 2022.

The Hawks defeated the Bulldogs 2-0 in 2021.

Ceres High topped Central Valley 2-1 and 2-0 in 2020.

“We have a really young team,” commented Zamora. “In the next few years, we’ll get better. We have to be patient.”

“I believe in Ceres soccer,” he added. “I support CHS and CV. Everybody in the Valley and Northern California knows Ceres soccer because of our travel teams. Most of the kids attend Ceres High and Central Valley.”

Gilbert and Gilbert Jr. shared a hug and posed for a picture after the rivalry game.

Gilbert Jr. sat out last season’s contest to satisfy a CIF transfer rule.

Hawk teammates Julio Larranaga and Victor Macias are also former Bulldog players.

“I wanted to go to Central Valley from the start,” Zamora Jr. said. “I went to Ceres High because my dad was coaching there. I wanted to play for Central Valley because that’s where all my club teammates play.”

“He didn’t leave because we weren’t good,” Zamora added. “He left because his friends are over there.”