Jacob De Jesus and Don Morgan got to return to their old stomping grounds last Friday for the Manteca High football team’s 2026 home opener.
Both took note of the improvements made around Guss Schmiedt Field in recent years, but to them, “it’s still same old Manteca.”
Their names are among those included as part of the remodeling.
Before the game against Chavez, the inaugural five-man class of the “Herd of Honor” was introduced in front of a packed and lively home crowd. Coach Mark Varnum said there are plans to enshrine smaller classes in the future.
At the top of the stadium, on both sides of the press box, are football-shaped placards bearing the names and jersey numbers of legendary players who have graced old Pennebaker and Guss Schmiedt fields in the 100-plus years of Manteca football.
Joining De Jesus (class of 2020) and Morgan (1994) are John Holbrook (1961), Michael Turner (2006) and Paul Wiggin (1952). Only De Jesus and Morgan were able to attend.
“It’s just been a blessing being part of this organization, and to be able to come back here and see all the changes they’ve made — it’s still same old Manteca,” De Jesus said. “It’s gritty football, and hopefully they get a win today. It’s very cool to be honored like this.”
The Buffaloes dominated the non-league contest, 29-7.
It marked the 646th all-time win in program history — the most among Sac-Joaquin Section members. Grant (624) of Sacramento and Escalon (614) round out the top three.
De Jesus is the youngest and smallest of the bunch, but his impact over three standout years on the Manteca varsity team. He was part of two SJS championship squads (2017, 2019), earned Valley Oak League MVP, among many other honors, his senior year and graduated with multiple single-season and career receiving records.
The 5-foot-7, 170-pound De Jesus went on to star at MJC, UNLV and Cal, leaving his mark at every stop. His 108 receptions last year at Cal is a single-season program record. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wiggin is the most accomplished MHS product to reach the professional ranks. The defensive end played 11 seasons for the Cleveland Browns (1957-67), playing in what was a record 146 straight regular-season games. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler who played in three NFL championship game, helping the Browns claim the 1964 title.
Wiggin went on to coach in the NFL for two decades and was head coach of Stanford, his alma mater, in 1980-83. As a college player, he was a two-time, first-team All-American and College Football Hall of Famer.
Like Wiggin, Holbrook was a multi-sport standout at Manteca Union High School, earning Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 1961. In the fall of 1960, the fullback led the Buffaloes to their first of 21 Valley Oak League championships. That was in the second year of Guss Schmiedt Field’s existence.
After high school, Holbrook served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and returned home to serve on the Manteca Unified School District board and San Joaquin Irrigation district board.
Turner was the star receiver/corner back for the 2005 SJS championship team — the first of Manteca’s five under coach Eric Reis. The electric Turner was named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State First Team and continued his career at the University of Arizona.
Morgan has visited his former hometown several times over the years. He currently lives in Nevada, where he played cornerback for the University of Nevada, Reno. He played four years in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.
Morgan left MHS as the Outstanding Senior Athlete for the 1993-94 school year. He was named VOL MVP in 1993 after leading the Buffaloes in the SJS Division II finals.
Morgan last visited campus in 2024 when he was named to the MHS Hall of Fame. He also witnessed the Buffaloes’ thrilling 40-34 overtime victory over cross-town rival East Union in the 2021 homecoming game.
“It’s always great to come back to Manteca High,” Morgan said. “Just a great atmosphere for football. I started playing on this field when I was 10 years old with the Delta Rebels. I have tremendous history and great memories of playing in this stadium. I love it. It’s just like home.”
