The 2024 high school football season kicks off next month.
Coaches from Ceres High and Central Valley passed out equipment to Bulldog and Hawk players last Thursday, including helmets, shoulder pads, knee pads, girdles, mouthpieces and bags.
“There’s a different excitement knowing we’re one step closer to getting to hit somebody else,” Central Valley head coach Derrick Goblirsch stated. “There’s a little bit more energy.”
“The anticipation is there,” said Ceres High assistant coach Paul Smith. “They want to get on the new field. It’s just about ready.”
The Bulldogs practiced Monday through Thursday, from 8-9:15 a.m., this past week.
Ceres High players were split into two groups.
The first group did combine tests, which included the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, shuttle run, L-drill and bench-press reps.
“It’s something I brought to the weight-training program when I came here from Riverbank,” Smith said. “Everybody is watching. It breeds healthy competition. The main goal is to give every player an athletic profile for any potential college recruiters. Those are the stats coaches want to see.”
Tre Karriem recorded a team-best time of 4.74 seconds in the 40 dash.
Reis Smith (4.92) and Joseluis Arreola (4.95) ranked second and third, respectively, in the event.
Kyle Phongsa recorded a team-best broad jump of 8 feet, 5 inches.
Karriem (8-2) had the second-best mark, while Smith (8-1) and Nathaniel Macias (8-1) tied for third.
Karriem recorded a team-best vertical jump of 34 feet.
Boss (33) and Phongsa (31) ranked second and third, respectively.
Arreola recorded a team-best shuttle run of 4.23 seconds.
Smith (4.36) and Parker Borges (4.44) ranked second and third, respectively.
Fabian Torres had a team-best 17 reps of 185 pounds in the bench press for players that weighed 200 pounds or more.
Ivan Martinez (16) ranked second.
Isaac Vizcarra (15) and Samuel Nieto (15) tied for third.
Michael Solis had a team-best 20 reps of 155 pounds in the bench press for players that weighed below 200 pounds.
Manuel Mendoza (17) ranked second, while Vincent Castrejon (14) and Alex Alvarez (14) tied for third.
The second group worked on offense and defense.
“We revisited concepts and got everything fresh in their minds—spacing and assignments,” coach Smith said. “The emphasis was really on offense until coach (Brett) Johnson got back from vacation on Wednesday. He did a rapid review on defensive assignments and adjustments. We don’t want to waste reps at any time. It all matters.”
Central Valley modified its practice schedule last week due to the heat.
Monday’s practice was staged from 6-8 p.m.
Hawk players practiced from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
“We switched it (practice) to mornings because it was so hot,” Goblirsch said. “We were trying to avoid any issues.”
Central Valley players dedicated time to conditioning, and skill and scheme work on Monday and Wednesday.
They focused on heavy skill and scheme work on Tuesday and Thursday.
“We break up into individual position groups,” Goblirsch said. “When we do full team, we’re working on our scheme.”
Goblirsch praised the effort of his players.
“Wednesday is the best practice we had all summer,” he said. “Everything seemed a little cleaner. The energy was better. Everything clicked.”
Central Valley and Ceres High had roster sizes of 49 and 46, respectively, as of Monday evening.
Both programs will most likely see an increase in their numbers once the 2024-25 school year begins on Aug. 14.
The first official day for fall sports practices was Monday.
Bulldog and Hawk players wore helmets and shells as they practiced from 4-7 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., respectively.
“It’s a good group of guys,” coach Smith said. “A strong senior class. An eager junior class. They truly care for each other. It’s fun to see.”
“We don’t return a ton of players,” Goblirsch stated. “But I feel we’re in a good place. We return four of our five starting offensive linemen. I think that’s going to be our strength.”
Ceres High and Central Valley will open the 2024 campaign on Aug. 23.
The Bulldogs will travel to Hughson to face the Huskies.
The Hawks will play host to the Pitman Pride at newly-renovated CUSD Stadium, which is located on Ceres High’s campus.
Both games will get underway at 7 p.m.
