Lathrop wanted to put together a complete effort ahead of its big Western Athletic Conference showdown, and the Spartans accomplished that Thursday in their 25-19 non-league win over visiting Manteca at Bennie Gatto Field.
Quarterback Luz De Luna anchored the balanced effort, completing 20 of 25 passes for 162 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The defense came up with three interceptions, including Faith Butler’s tone-setting pick-six.
The Buffaloes (6-8) were able to scratch across two cosmetic touchdowns in the final 2 minutes of the game, the second of which came with 19 seconds remaining. De Luna kneeled out the clock to end it.
“I took this game very serious,” De Luna said. “It’s a fun rivalry with Manteca, and even though it was (non-league) we needed to compete hard. I just tried to keep the team together and made sure we combined well on the field and try to make plays happen.”
The junior hit Kiana Quintero (six receptions, 50 yards) twice for touchdowns and once with Aaliyah Thompson (four receptions, 27 yards; five rushes, 33 yards) for another score. She spotted Faith Allen for a one-point try.
“Luz did a good job of finding her receivers, and the receivers did a good job of finding the holes,” Lathrop coach Randy Baltazar said.
Heiddy Camacho and Jaleiyah Ray each contributed interceptions in the second half. Lathrop (10-1) led 25-6 with 6:35 remaining.
“Giving up 19 points is uncharacteristic for us, but we had to put some people in at different spots just to see how they can do,” Baltazar said. “Our defense has been lights out all year. Faith (Butler) with that pick-six was money — it set the tone. Our defense is pretty much our catalyst right now. They hold the fort down.”
Butler’s interception came on the first defensive play of the game for Lathrop, and she returned it 27 yards to score the first points.
“I was just reading the quarterback’s eyes, and I knew she was going to the left,” Butler said. “I’ve been trying the whole season to get one. I believe I’m a fast runner, and I knew I had the touchdown.”
Manteca tallied its points at the end of each half.
The Buffs got on board when Lily Dundas (28 of 41, 266 yards, three TDs) found Kashea Reese (six receptions, 31 yards) for a 1-yard completion on the final play of the first half.
Dundas later delivered touchdown strikes of 2 and 18 yards to Antonique Jones (five receptions, 42 yards) and Kalaja Reese (12 receptions, 158 yards), respectively.
“Love the fight for a first-year team,” Manteca coach William Riddick said. “I know we have a lot of work to do, but I like the effort that they give.
“You always want to go out with some type of victory no matter how small it is.”
The Buffaloes return to Valley Oak League play next week with a two-game set with Central Catholic, while Lathrop welcomes highly-ranked Livingston on Monday.
We’re a little nervous, I’m not going to lie, but we’re really excited about it and we’re going to give 110% and do the best that we can,” De Luna said.
