Central Valley senior Anthony Ramirez and Ceres High junior Reis Smith will contribute mightily to the success of their respective football teams this fall as two-way starters.

“I have high standards,” said Smith, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. “I’m a people pleaser. Playing both sides of the ball, you’re going to have to push yourself to the limits. I’m in pretty good shape right now. We condition a lot at practice. I’ll get a couple breaks but not a lot.”

“I don’t really feel added pressure,” said 5-foot-9 150-pound Ramirez. “I’ve prepared myself. I’m ready for the challenge. I have higher stamina. I put in extra work at the park after practices. I’m going to try to have a good performance every game. I’m more committed now.”

Smith earned first-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors while excelling at cornerback at the varsity level as a sophomore.

“You saw a whole switch in him when his self-confidence started to build,” head coach Brett Johnson said. “He started playing and reacting. He finished really strong. He played some solid football. I’m really proud of him.”

Smith totaled 40 tackles, three interceptions and nine interceptions in 11 games for the Bulldogs, who amassed an 8-3 record, finished in second place in the WAC standings (5-2) and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III playoffs.

He ranked first on the team in pass deflections, third in interceptions and fifth in tackles.

“This year, I know what to expect as far as speed and thought process,” Smith said. “I think I’ll be able to perform at the same level if not better. I know the game.”

Smith had early-season growing pains during his first year with the Bulldogs.

“At the beginning of the season, I was terrified,” he said. “On the bus ride to Merrill West for our first game, I was shaking. Once I got on the field, the adrenaline kicked in. As the season progressed, my confidence grew. It became easier. I learned you have to be very aggressive and fly to the ball as fast as you can. You can’t let yourself get way overconfident or you’re going to get beat.”

Smith will log playing time at cornerback and safety this year depending on coverages.

“Cornerback is one of the toughest positions in the game,” Smith said. “You have your skills that you know and your keys, and that doesn’t matter sometimes. You can get beat. It’s completely different from offense.”

“Being able to cover and tackle one guy is pretty awesome,” he added. “You’re on your own island and have to fend for yourself. It’s fun and challenging.”

Smith is looking forward to contributing on offense.

He will play receiver for the first time at the varsity level.

“He’s going to have a much bigger role on the offensive side of the ball,” Johnson said. 

Smith has been learning all the ins and outs of the position from Bulldogs’ assistant coach/former Ceres High pass catcher Brandon Moring. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a receiver,” Smith said. “The most difficult part is getting open. The most satisfying part would be catching the ball and scoring a touchdown. One of my strengths will be my speed. I also have pretty good hands. Coach Moring reinforced confidence in me.”

Smith played organized football for the first time with the Central Valley Outlaws in the sixth grade.

“For me, it’s an escape,” Smith said. “I’m able to focus on myself.”

Ramirez totaled 58 tackles, four interceptions and three pass deflections while making 10 starts at free safety on defense as a junior.

He ranked first on the team in interceptions, second in pass deflections and fourth in tackles.

Ramirez also caught 17 passes for 282 yards and three touchdowns while splitting playing time at receiver for the Hawks, who posted a 2-8 overall record and placed seventh in the CCC (1-5).

He ranked second on the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

“If we’re going to be successful, it’s going to depend on how Anthony performs on both sides of the ball,” Hawks head coach Derrick Goblirsch said. “He’ll be one of our big playmakers. He’s going to be on the field all the time. He’s so fast. He covers so much ground (on defense) in the passing game. He’ll be more involved in the run game this year. Mentally, he’s come a long way since last year in understanding the schemes. He’s also in great shape. He works hard.”

“My mindset has grown from last year,” Ramirez said. “I know what to expect. I’m a very physical player. I’m aggressive. I pick up on the game quicker than others. I have a lot more motivation because of my teammates. I want to make them happy.”

Ramirez will be a key role on Central Valley’s offense this fall.

He’ll log playing time at slot receiver.

“He didn’t get a lot of reps last year,” Goblirsch said. “He’ll be more of a focal point this season.”

“I’m excited,” Ramirez said. “I feel like I’m going to do really well. I have a lot of speed. I’m good with my hands. I can catch the ball and block.”

Ramirez played organized football for the first time with the Modesto Raiders at the age of nine.

He won a Super Bowl with the organization.

“There’s no better feeling than winning,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez and Smith will both have the added responsibility of being team leaders.

They’ll continue to earn the trust of their teammates and coaches.

“Football is a sport,” Smith said. “But there’s more to it. It’s a brotherhood. On campus, people know who you are. You have to hold yourself to a higher standard. I don’t know everything. I’m going to watch and learn. I just want us to grow as men and players.”

“Anthony doesn’t say much,” Goblirsch stated. “He’s always there. He’s always working. He’s a quiet, lead-by-example guy. He’s very competitive. It’s good to have a guy like that on the team.”

“My teammates and coaches believe in me,” Ramirez added. “It gives me a lot more confidence. I’m really motivated.”