Aiden Prudhel plays arguably one of the most selfless positions in football. 

The Central Valley High School senior helps set the tone for every game as an offensive lineman.

And he’s comfortable filling a role that lacks glitz and glamour and requires strength, durability and consistency.

“The skilled-position guys get all the glory,” said Prudhel, a 6-foot-2 250-pound center. “I’ve accepted it. We’re more of the hidden heroes. We set the tone. If we’re doing our job, it’s a well-oiled machine.”

A three-year starter since being promoted to varsity as a sophomore, Prudhel has improved each season.

So have his confidence, toughness and aggressiveness.

“Over the past three years, I’ve grown a lot,” Prudhel stated. “I’m more of a leader now. A lot of the guys look up to me, now. A lot of people rely on me, too. It helped my confidence grow as a player.”

“We brought him up as a sophomore as a necessity,” Central Valley head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “He’s grown so much. He’s the anchor of our offensive line. He makes all the calls. It’s almost like having a quarterback on the offensive line.”

Prudhel talked about the challenges of playing at the varsity level in the 10th grade.

He experienced impostor syndrome due to a lack of confidence and experience.

“I got moved up a week before the season started,” Prudhel said. “I was really nervous. I didn’t feel like I belonged on the team. My teammates embraced me.”

“He was very timid as a sophomore,” Goblirsch stated. “He’s gotten stronger. He’s much more aggressive, now.”

“I’m a lot more vocal this year,” Prudhel added. “Sophomore year, I was more quiet. I just went with the flow. I feel like I’ve grown a lot, especially my confidence. I’m more relaxed. I don’t have to worry now because I have everything down.”

Only a handful of players have started on Central Valley’s offensive line for three seasons.

David Serrano, a 2018 CV grad, was voted Western Athletic Conference Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman during his third and final year with the Hawks.

“I’m proud to be a bigger part of the offensive line,” Prudhel said. “The most rewarding thing is I have control of what happens up the middle. It’s a lot more fun than playing a skilled position.”

Prudhel was one of the few bright spots on last year’s team, which managed to compile a 4-6 overall record despite being plagued by injuries.

“It’s been fun to watch him (Prudhel) grow,” Goblirsch said. “He’s developed into a really, good offensive lineman. He understands the system better than everyone else. That’s the biggest strength he brings to the team.  I’m really excited to see what he brings to the table this year.”

Prudhel’s pass and run blocking will be key as the Hawks strive to improve their offensive numbers from a season ago.

Central Valley amassed 2,660 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2023.

The Hawks’ rushing attack totaled 1,186 yards and 14 TDs.

Central Valley’s quarterbacks combined for 1,478 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air.

The Hawks averaged 21.9 points per game.

“I enjoy being in the middle of everything,” said Prudhel, who takes a great deal of pleasure in imposing his will on the field.

“He’s an easy going guy,” Goblirsch said. “When you get him on the field, he’s aggressive.”

Prudhel and Central Valley will compete in the new-look Western Athletic Conference this fall.

The Hawks moved from the Central California Conference to the WAC as part of the Sac-Joaquin Section’s realignment plan.

Central Valley posted its last winning record during the 2020-COVID shortened season. The Hawks claimed the WAC South championship with a perfect 5-0 mark. Playoffs were canceled because of safety concerns related to the coronavirus.

Central Valley made its last playoff appearance while making program history in 2016. The Hawks compiled a 9-2 overall record, annexed their first conference crown and participated in the postseason for the second year in a row. Central Valley won all five of its games versus WAC competition.

“Team goal, we want to finish at the top of the league and have a good enough record to get a higher seed for playoffs,” Prudhel said. “I see us battling for the (WAC) title. We’re confident because of our work ethic. Individual goal, I want to be an example for the younger guys.”

“His presence out there is huge for us,” Goblirsch added. “He’s been in the system for three years. He’s definitely a smart player. He’s a guy that leads by example. He does what we ask. He’s coachable.”