One of just two seniors on a team loaded with underclassmen, Rex Watson relished his time as elder statesman for the Manteca baseball team.

The Buffaloes were contenders in the competitive Valley Oak League despite their youth, and expectations should be higher in the coming years. Coach Mark Ruiz credits the four-year varsity starter for setting the tone for this up-and-coming group.

Watson is the Manteca Bulletin All-Area MVP after leading Manteca to its first playoff appearance since 2019. The Buffaloes narrowly missed out the past two seasons, and there was no postseason play during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

“It was definitely a different experience to have guys looking up to you and kind of being their guide,” Watson said after Manteca’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division III quarterfinal loss to Valley Oak League rival Central Catholic.

“At some points, it was a lot of pressure, but it was definitely an enjoyable experience. I’m glad I’m leaving the team the way that it is. These guys have progressed a lot, and I think they’re going to go real far.”

Watson is a three-time All-Valley Oak League First Team selection, earning Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

This year, he put all of his baseball skills on display, even making his first pitching appearances for Manteca. Watson set career-highs with 41 hits, five home runs and 29 RBIs to go with 36 runs and 11 stolen bases. He finished with a .414 batting average, and 506 on-base percentage, providing power and speed from the top of the lineup.

Defensively, he registered a .966 fielding percentage with two errors and two assists. He also made three pitching appearances in relief, posting a 1.50 ERA with five strikeouts and a save in 4 2/3 innings.

Although his career ended with a disappointing 8-2 loss at Central Catholic, Watson went out with one more big highlight just two days prior.

Stricken by an illness all week, Watson blasted a walk-off, two-run homer in the 10th inning of the Buffaloes’ 3-1 opening-round win over Del Campo.

Watson will continue playing for University of San Diego.

Here’s the rest of the All-Area Baseball Team:

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Dawson Downs, Ripon, Sr.: The towering third baseman topped area hitters with a .460 average, .590 on-base percentage and seven home runs. He also slugged .936, plated 25 runs and drove in 24.

Grant Sonke, Ripon Christian, Sr.: The Knights’ ultra-productive leadoff hitter finished

with a .438/.562/.677 slash line, 41 runs, 42 hits, nine doubles, four homers, 27 RBIs and 36 steals.

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Luke Crivello, Ripon Christian, Sr.: Crivello emerged as the Knights’ ace, posting a 1.70 ERA with an area-best 84 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings. He was named Southern Athletic League MVP and committed to Vanguard University.

UTILITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nate Slikker, Manteca, Fr.: Slikker had an impressive rookie season in all facets, playing both corner infield spots for Manteca and serving as the ace pitcher. He slashed .427/.510/.938 with 33 RBIs and 10 steals. On the mound, he was 8-3 with a 1.49 ERA and 67 strikeouts over 56 1/3 innings.

ALL-AREA TEAM

Pitchers: Wyatt Bauer, Sierra, Jr.; Zach Grabowski, East Union, Sr.; Joseph Molthen, Ripon, Jr.

Catchers: Josh Buffalow, Ripon Christian, Jr.; Preston Smith, Manteca, Jr.

Infielders: Joe Alvarez, East Union, Fr.; Troy Morrow, Sierra, Sr.; Blake Mount, East Union, Jr.; Isaac Sandoval, Ripon, Sr.

Outfielders: Chris Chavez, Manteca, Jr.; Omare Cross, Lathrop, Sr.; Jackson Fay, East Union, So.;

Utility: 2B/OF/P Dustin Hoekstra, Ripon Christian, Sr.; 1B/P Collins Schluer, Sierra, Jr.; INF/P Adrian Zuniga, Lathrop, Sr.