Davis’ high school debut on the gridiron was two years in the making, and he announced his arrival with an 84-yard touchdown on the season-opening kickoff last Friday at Guss Schmiedt Stadium.

The Buffaloes went on to rout visiting Vista del Lago, 44-6.

“Really excited,” Davis said. “Been waiting two years for this, basically. It felt great (to score on the opening kickoff). I was just pumped. It was a good way to open the season.”

The electric kickoff return was only the start for Davis. He wound up finishing as the team’s leading rusher, turning 10 carries into 159 yards and one touchdown from scrimmage. He managed to outshine teammate Blake Nichelson (13 attempts, 111 yards, two TDs), a four-star recruit as a linebacker who shattered single-season school rushing records last season.

“I couldn’t do anything without the blockers, really,” Davis said. “We did great as a team.”

Manteca coach Mark Varnum was glad to have finally uncovered this hidden gem. Davis is such a unique talent that he also plays defensive end and cornerback on defense.

He competed on the school’s JV basketball team last year and ran track in the spring. While he had not previously played football for the Buffs, Davis does have eight years of experience with the Manteca Cowboys youth team.

“What an amazing debut in Game 1 for Bryson,” Varnum said. “We knew during camp he was going to turn some heads, and there’s no better way than taking his first touch to the house on the opening kickoff. We are excited to see what’s in store for No. 7 this season and beyond.”