A pair of fourth-quarter fumbles returned for touchdowns helped key East Union High’s stunning 36-22 come-from-behind victory over host Lathrop in Valley Oak League sophomore action at Paul Wiggin Stadium.

 Having trailed 22-8 late in the third quarter, Lancers were leading 23-22 in the final thanks to a 55-yard scoring pass from Daniel Ramos to Bailey Simmons when East Union’s Austin Miller made an interception.

 Enter Lancers offensive linemen Joel Melena.

 With 4:03 left in the game, Melena scooped up his own team’s fumble and rambled 42 yards to put East Union ahead 29-22. Two minutes later the Lancers’ Justin Byrd put the game out of reach when he returned a Lathrop fumble 48 yards for the 36-22 lead with 2:10 remaining.

 The Spartans (1-3 VOL, 2-5 overall) took a 16-8 lead with 23 seconds left in the first half after Keenan Donatelli’s 65-yard TD catch with 23 seconds left. Tramain Willis gave Lathrop its largest lead at 22-8 with 3:06 to go in the third quarter on a short touchdown run.

 

Manteca 34, Kimball 12

 Marcus Rivas is healthy.

 After being sidelined due to injury, Rivas returned to action Friday and racked up 108 yards on just eight carries to lead the Buffaloes to the VOL vistory.,

 Darrion Kitson was a two-way standout for Manteca (4-0 VOL, 7-0) with 169 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown as well as 10 tackles. Brian Robbins helped set the tone for the Buffaloes defense with some brutal hits and Jesse Avila added 10 tackles. 

 

Renaldo Tijero scored a Manteca touchdown on a 40-yard punt return.

 

Sierra 15, Oakdale 15

 Enrique Jasso hit a 40-yard field goal for the Timberwolves with 10 seconds left in the game Friday to give Sierra the VOL tie.

 The Sierra offense had problems with the Mustangs defense. Brian Terrell scored on a 5-yard run for the Timberwolves and the other Sierra score was on a 5-yard pass from Daniel Wyatt to Mark Paule.

 Tim Brown, Geo Juarez, Brian Terrell and Eduardo Garcia led the defensive effort for the Timberwolves.