It was all East Union from the opening, jumping out on Lathrop 28-0 by halftime in its Valley Oak League opening win Thursday in freshman football.

The Lancers got a huge effort from Marcus Panelo. Panelo led all rushers with 116 yards on the ground in just 11 carries. Panelo would get loose for a pair of touchdowns. Teammate Austin Miller raced for 59 yards and a score in the win.

East Union also got a score through the air, as Bailey Simons hauled in four passes and a score.

Defensively the Lancers got an interception from Austin Miller.

East Union will meet up with Sierra Thursday.

Sonora 19, Weston Ranch 18

After a pair of early turnovers led to two Sonora touchdowns, the Cougars were able to make it a game only to fall to the Wildcats Thursday in both teams’ VOL openers.

Weston Ranch crawled back into the contest with a second quarter score to pull within a score. Andrew Phan would score Weston Ranch’s second score, but a failed two-point conversion attempt left the Cougars trailing.

Weston Ranch would take the lead, getting a score in the fourth quarter and taking an 18-13 lead, only to see Sonora return the favor with their final score and a 19-18 lead. Weston Ranch would have two chances and come up short on both.

Manteca 55, Kimball 14

The Buffaloes had no problem with the Kimball Jaguars, starting the VOL schedule with a 41-point victory Thursday.

Marcus Rivas helped the Buffaloes get going in a hurry, scoring three first half touchdowns from 17, 3 and 37 yards. Teammate Nate Krebs made a substantial impact on the game early, recovering a fumble and rolling 15 yards for the score. Krebs was not done, picking off a Kimball pass and returning 37 yards for a touchdown.

Bobby Bratton helped seal the deal, breaking loose for a 55-yard punt return score.

The Buffaloes (1-0, 4-0 overall) went into halftime with a 49-0 lead.