Manteca’s young secondary has had to grow up quickly for a team that is defending its Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship.
The Buffaloes struggled in the season opener before tightening up in the second half of their 42-35 come-from-behind win at Vista del Lago. They were then tested in lopsided road losses to St. Mary’s and Rocklin, ranked Nos. 1 and 3 in the SJS, according to MaxPreps ratings.
No. 8 Manteca (1-0 Valley Oak League, 4-2 overall) is now preparing for another prolific passing attack in Sierra (0-1, 3-3), which welcomes the Buffaloes this Friday for the 29th meeting between the intra-city rivals. Manteca has won the last 10 against the Timberwolves, expanding its all-time series lead to 22-6.
Led by junior quarterback Zak Willson, Sierra nearly upset 5-1 Oakdale last week but fell, 42-35. Meanwhile, Manteca recorded a defensive shutout
The Buffs’ secondary shined, giving up just 57 passing yards to Kimball starter Josiah Wilson while intercepting two passes including one that was returned for a touchdown. Sophomores Jhadis Luckey and Carson Sablan had the picks. The secondary also features fellow sophomore Quinn Martinez and second-year juniors Eddie Anthony and Chris Chavez.
“Very, very young secondary — we don’t have a single senior in the secondary,” Manteca coach Mark Varnum said after the win. “They’re figuring it out. They’re taking the coaching, they’re learning and getting better every week. With Quinn and Eddie at the corners, they’re tough. Teams don’t really test them too much.”
The offense also appears to be getting on track with the return of senior standout Bryson Davis (elbow) and the emergence of freshman Nikko Juarez in the backfield.
Sierra’s defense will again be challenged by a potent ground game after it had trouble slowing down Oakdale’s efficient Wing-T.
The constant for the Timberwolves has been Willson and his three tall targets, Josh Seals, Trevor Sutton and Tali Vaipuna. The air attack has given them shots to win the three games they’ve dropped at home, all against winning teams.
Sierra is one win away from the four-win requirement to qualify for the postseason. The much-improved T’wolves have already matched their win total from the last three years combined.
Here’s a glance at other Week 7 contests:
East Union (0-1, 3-3) at Oakdale (1-0, 5-1): East Union had the daunting task of starting its VOL schedule against defending champion Central Catholic, and now it heads to The Corral following the 47-7 defeat.
Oakdale has won 29 straight against the Lancers and will look to keep that streak going after escaping Sierra with a 42-35 win. The surprising Timberwolves went stride for stride with the Mustangs until a late interception from Rafi Rios-Avila helped tilt the game in Oakdale’s favor. Sophomore Wes Burford carried the load for the Mustangs’ Wing-T, churning out 279 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
The Mustangs are responsible for traditional rival Sonora’s lone loss, and their one blemish came at the hands of state champion Escalon, 41-21.
East Union’s air attack was grounded last week by Central Catholic, which held the Lancers to 92 offensive yards while piling up 503 of its own.
Lathrop (3-0, 4-2) at Grace Davis (1-2, 1-5): The two Spartans of the Western Athletic Conference tangle today at Downey High in Modesto.
While Lathrop checks in with a four-game winning streak, Grace Davis is coming off its first victory — a 31-13 dispatching of Pacheco, which had just fallen short at Lathrop, 24-21.
The Modesto-based Spartans showed they can be dangerous in their narrow 32-28 zero-week loss to Southern Athletic League champion Orestmba, but then they were shellacked by Sierra, 62-14. Lathrop kicked off its season with a tough 39-35 setback to Sierra.
Lathrop has been setting the tone with its ground game, averaging 223.5 yards per game behind the efforts of Jimari Dove, Julio Garcia, Andre Muqhar, Pablo Pena and their physical linemen.
Hilmar (1-0, 4-2) at Ripon (1-0, 3-3): The fun begins for these tradition-rich titans from the Trans-Valley League. They kicked off the TVL schedule with routine victories, as reigning champ Hilmar thumped Livingston 42-3 while the Indians had their way with Modesto Christian, 47-16.
The Yellowjackets opened their season against three straight league champions, beating the Los Banos (WAC) 21-13 while getting blown out by Patterson (Central California Conference) 45-20 and Sonora (Mother Lode League), 32-9. Ripon also struggled against Sonora in a 43-0 road loss.
Junior quarterback Caden Bailey (15-39 passing, 201 yards, three INTs) powers Hilmar’s offense, mainly as a runner (807 yards, 9.7 per carry, eight TDs). He has gained Division-I interest. Senior Logan Cardosa (543 yards, 5.3 per carry, six TDs) shares the load out of the backfield.
Hilmar has had little trouble moving the ball with its power-running game thanks to the likes of 6-foot-3, 295-pound Alex Cardenas and 6-5, 365-pound Jaden Strickler up front.
Ripon Christian (3-0, 5-1) at Le Grand (2-1, 5-1): The Knights make their longest trip in SAL play to meet one of their remaining chief challengers to the title. RC travels to Gustine, which also holds a 3-0 league record, in two weeks.
Ripon Christian has shut out four of its last five opponents and took care of reigning SAL champion Orestimba, 42-12. Le Grand lost at Orestimba 49-36 in its league opener. The Bulldogs’ five wins are against opponents with a combined 6-23 record.
Sophomore Diego Martinez (52-76 passing, 1,181 yards, 16 TDs, INT) is off to a terrific start to his varsity career as Le Grand’s quarterback. He is aided by returning seniors such as running back Alexis Granados (758 yards, 8.1 per carry, five TDs), receiver Reyes Dias (26 catches, 590 yards, 11 TDs) and 6-4, 270-pound lineman Nayen Lua.
