Just two weeks into the Valley Oak League season, Manteca coach Mark Varnum was already naming Quinn Martinez as a candidate for MVP.

The junior receiver/cornerback had a knack for making timely plays in all phases of the game and proved his coach right by earning a piece of the league’s highest honor. Martinez shares MVP recognition with Oakdale running back/linebacker Wes Burford, who finished as the leading rusher in the Sac-Joaquin Section with 2,678 yards and second-leading scorer with 37 touchdowns and 228 points.

Manteca (6-0 VOL, 10-2 overall) reaped four of the major awards after claiming its first outright VOL title since 2013 and eighth overall since 2000. The Buffaloes’ previous two championships were split with Oakdale and Central Catholic in 2016 and 2019.

Also picking up top recognition for Manteca were third-year tackle Ratu Tomasi and inside

Moreno shares his award with Central Catholic’s Wyatt Dragoo. Patterson quarterback Max Medina was the leading passer in the SJS for much of the season and was crowned Outstanding Offensive Player. Junior defensive back/receiver Chase Perino from runner-up Central Catholic (5-1, 7-4) was awarded Utility Player of the Year.

Martinez led Manteca with 53 points scored in league games, tallying eight touchdowns on three rushes, three receptions, an interception return, kickoff return to go with five point-after kicks. He also had team-highs with 14 receptions and 246 yards on offense, and three interceptions on defense.

In all of the Buffaloes’ big-league games, Martinez came up with momentum-turning plays. At rival Sierra, it was a back-and-forth battle early in the first half when Martinez exploded four touchdowns, including a 90-yard kickoff return and a 69-yard pick-six. His other two TDs were an 18-yard run on a fly sweep and a 26-yard jump-ball catch in the end zone.

Manteca had seven others garner All-VOL first-team plaudits. On offense are senior center Gavin Goodwin, senior guard Josiah Sagapolu, who helped pave the way for sophomore running back and fellow first-team selection Nikko Juarez (534 yards, eight TDs).

Fourth-year defensive lineman Isaiah White is back on the All-VOL first-team defense after earning Outstanding Defensive Player last year. He is joined by senior defensive lineman Josh Mellion, junior outside linebacker Kyrin Barajas and senior defensive back Eddie Anthony.

For Sierra (2-4, 6-6), senior Zak Willson (74-of-111, 933 yards, 10 TDs, four interceptions) repeats as the All-VOL first-team quarterback, and his No. 1 target, Tali Vaipuna (25 receptions, 449 yards, six TDs) is one of two first-team receivers. Senior Trevor Sutton (21-of-24 PATs, 4-of-4 field goals) was tabbed the first-team place kicker.

East Union (1-5, 6-6) has two first-team picks in junior inside linebackers Hoku Ap’e (48 tackles) and Brayden Camara (32 tackles).

Second-team selections from Manteca Unified schools: East Union junior receiver Jackson Fay, Sierra running back Brock Felt, Manteca junior fullback Maava Tialavea, Sierra offensive lineman Caleb Love, East Union senior defensive lineman Brady Rossi and Sierra senior cornerback Ryan Reyes.

Receiving honorable mention: QB Anthony Morales, LB Chris Gallego, WR J.P Abrew and WR/S Blake Mount of East Union; K Cameron Navarette, FS Chris Chavez and TE Nate Slikker of Manteca; and OL/DL Mason Burke, OL/DL Teagan Nazzisi, C Ben Davenport, WR Santana Stevenson and WR A.J. Chapman.