The Manteca football team is back on the winning track and now two away from its Sac-Joaquin Section-leading 650th all-time victory after steamrolling one of the top-ranked squads in the Northern Section on Friday.
The Buffaloes spoiled Chico’s homecoming, 50-14, behind a balanced offensive effort and ball-hawking defense.
The Panthers (1-3), who trailed 29-0 at halftime, had no answer for junior quarterback Brody Carabello. Who passed for 143 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 72 rushing yards and another TD.
Nikko Juarez, Manteca’s new career rushing leader, added 105 yards and a touchdown. Jayden Harris caught two touchdowns, brother Jaylin had one, and Manny Lopez and sophomore E.J. Johnson scored one apiece on the ground.
Willie Brown highlighted the defense with a forced fumble that led to a safety. Jayden Harris contributed an interception, and Juarez a sack.
Manteca (2-2) will once again hit the road next Friday, Sept. 25 to begin its Valley Oak League title defense. The game at Patterson (3-1) will be the Buffs’ fourth road game of the season.
Ripon Christian 21, Pioneer 7
The Knights strengthened their schedule after losing all of their all-league players to graduation, and for the second straight year, they’re 4-0 going into their Trans Valley League opener.
Ripon Christian capped its surprising pre-league run with an impressive win in Woodland in a showdown of unbeatens. The defense stifled a potent passing attack led by senior quarterback Talon Gill.
Tyler Van Elderen’s 73-yard pick-six put Ripon Christian ahead 21-0 in the third quarter. The Knights totaled four interceptions, two from Ben Medhurst and another from sophomore Elijah Lambdin. Jeremy Molloy had a sack, blocked a punt and broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Talen Tameling tallied a team-high seven tackles and was also the leading rusher with 59 yards on 13 carries. Van Elderen added 12 rushes for 38 yards and a touchdown, as RC finished with 143 yards on the ground.
Josiah Van Vliet (nine of 15, 88 yards, two INTs) connected with Stadtler Postma (five receptions, 62 yards) for a touchdown.
The Knights start TVL play on Friday at battle-tested Escalon (2-2).
