Coming off its fifth Sac-Joaquin Section championship in six seasons, Manteca expects no less than to be in contention for another despite its changing circumstances.

Florida State signee Blake Nichelson is gone, and the Buffaloes put together what is likely their most challenging non-league schedule yet.

“We always say the faces change, but expectations don’t,” Manteca coach Mark Varnum said. “We let the kids know Superman isn’t here to save us this year. We have to be a complete team. We’ve got the dudes who can step up and definitely get it done.”

Led by Nichelson, the most sought-after prospect to ever come out of the Manteca area, the Buffs charged through their first foray in the SJS Division II bracket since the 2001 team captured the first of nine overall championship pennants for the program.

After staving off Granite Bay 51-48 in the Section final, Manteca earned its highest-ever placement for the California Interscholastic Federation Northern Regional Bowl Game. The Buffaloes were paired with longtime North Coast Section power Pittsburg in Division I-A — the third-highest division of the 14 in CIF’s competitive-based state championship format.

Even as rain soaked its artificial turf in Contra Costa County, Pitt overwhelmed the Buffs with speed on the way to a convincing 35-14 win. That makes Manteca 0-6 in NorCal appearances.

“We have plans on going back to Sections,” said third-year inside linebacker Tommy Perea, the anointed “Shepherd” for the year.

“With our tough schedule coming up, we want to play our best at all times. We always want to be on 10. This year, practices have been a bit different — more fast paced and more focused. Hopefully that helps us get our first NorCal win this year.”

Manteca brings back many of its standouts and welcomes players from talented classes in the lower levels. As a program, the Buffaloes went 28-4.

Here’s a closer look at the Buffaloes:

Offense: There’s no replacing a talent like Nichelson, who shattered program rushing and scoring records the past three seasons.

Enter Bryson Davis, another physical specimen next in line to become the centerpiece of Manteca’s traditional power-running attack. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back left his mark in a secondary role last year, churning out 1,202 yards (8.6 per carry) and 16 touchdowns.

“I’m ready,” Davis said of taking over as the lead back. “I’m just depending on the line to block for me.

“I think this year, we’re a better passing team,” he added. “That’s really going to open up the field for the run game.”

He’ll have three massive returning linemen to follow in center C.J. King, Bryson McMichael and Ratu Tomasi. The Buffaloes have also added 6-2, 225-pound tight end Joshua Mellion, a transfer from Weston Ranch.

Garrison Reis takes over at quarterback after playing mostly at tight end and linebacker the past two years. Senior Diego Esparza leads a young but deep stable of receivers.

“We have a lot of receivers this year to go with the running game,” Varnum said. “We’re still Manteca (as a running team) at our core, but we have 5-6 guys who can do damage and with a strong thrower like Garrison who can spread it out, if we need to.”

Defense: Long-time defensive coordinator Rick James lost inside linebacker Alijah Cota — a VOL Co-Defensive Player of the Year — but returns six starters from a unit that surrendered just 16 points per game in the regular season.

Perea is paired with sophomore Ruben Moreno in the middle, and they’re surrounded with proven talent.

“We’re going to be great this year,” Perea said. “We have very high hopes. Our air game is going to be better, and we’re still going to bring it up front. Losing Alijah hurts, for sure, but I think we’ll be even stronger.”

High-motor defensive lineman Isaiah White and defensive backs Eddie Anthony and Chris Chavez all shined as sophomores last year. A question mark to start last season, the defensive backfield is now a strength with senior strong safety Kaden MacDannald also returning.

Schedule: Manteca proved itself among heavyweights in 2022. Now, the big-league schools are lining up to take their shots.

The Buffaloes are ranked No. 8 in the MaxPreps SJS Preseason Top 25, and four of their opponents — No. 3 St. Mary’s, No. 4 Granite Bay, No. 5 Central Catholic, No. 6 Rocklin — are ranked ahead of them.

“That’s the type of competition we need to play at the level we’re at now,” Varnum said. “These are the types of teams we see in the playoffs. If we’re lucky enough to make it to the NorCal game, we’ll be battle tested. It will help us for the VOL, as well.

“We’re going to know where we are after the first five games, but expectations remain the same no matter who we play and no matter who puts on the uniform.”

Manteca’s other two non-league opponents are no slouches in Folsom-based Vista del Lago and Lodi, now headed by former Manteca JV head coach and varsity assistant Joe Rohles.