Lathrop’s Gabriel Esqueda came up big twice in the second half Thursday to lead the host Spartans to a 19-13 win over visiting Sierra in non-league freshman football action at Bennie Gatto Field.
Midway through the fourth quarter with the score tied at 13, the Timberwolves were driving for the go-ahead score when Lathrop’s Beau Grisham (four tackles) pressured the Sierra quarterback, which led to Esqueda (seven tackles) making an interception and dashing 90 yards to put the Spartans ahead 19-13.
Sierra had one more chance and again was closing in on the end zone when with time running out Esqueda broke up a pass in the end zone to end the game.
Nate Soto (20 carries, 113 yards) gave the Timberwolves a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 2-yard touchdown plunge. Jonah Hernandez (15 carries, 62 yards) tied the game for Lathrop in the second period on a 21-yard run and before halftime Alberto Cervantes gave Sierra the lead back at 13-7 on a 13-yard run.
Late in the third period Ekem Sohal (six carries, 79 yards) galloped 68 yards for the Spartans to tie the game at 13-13.
Sierra’s Isaac Kempf was 10 of 18 passing for 100 yards with 30 yards rushing. Alberto Cervantes made five receptions for 64 yards.
Soto led the Timberwolves defense with six tackles. Jimmy Burns and Mateo Munoz both added five tackles with four apiece for Keon Mejia, Alberto Cervantes and Adrian Ochoa.
Lathrop’s Xavier Avila gained 79 yards on four carries. Meauta Miller made five tackles for the Spartans and Hernandez added three.
Manteca 70, Vista del Lago 0
Dean Sortonis scored two defensive touchdowns for the host Buffaloes, recovering two fumbles and making five tackles for the stingy Manteca defense which allowed the Eagles negative-36 yards at Guss Schmiedt Field.
Seven Buffaloes scored a touchdown. David Grisham (52 yards rushing) scored a pair of rushing touchdowns, Daryl Carpenter (4 of 5 passing, 52 yards) scored rushing touchdown and Nate Slicker gained 42 yards on two receptions.
Manteca’s Ryan Garlets made an interception.
Ripon 37, Los Banos 0
The Indians forced four turnovers and a safety.
Ripon’s Gavin Decena returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown and Xabriel Reyes made an interception and a safety. Alex Raudales, Dylan Parker, Cooper Morino and Jude Viss each were in on at least one sack.
The Indians offensive line dominated the Tigers all night. Reyes scored on a 15-yard run, Decena scored from 30 yards out, Jaiden Beccera scored on a 2-yard plunge and Kaeo Sanchez added a 3-yard touchdown run.
