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Manteca QB runs wild for VOL win
Runs for three TDs, passes for one, & takes in kickoff return
MHS KIMBALL FBALL1 9-26-15 copy
Dakarai Charles eludes the outstretched arms of Kimball defender Dominic Caraballo during his 99-yard kickoff return at the outset of the Manteca High homecoming game on Friday. - photo by HIME ROMERO / The Bulletin

The Manteca Buffaloes unleashed Dakarai Charles.

In their 62-0 homecoming win over visiting Kimball Friday, the Buffaloes’ senior quarterback showcased the many facets to his game.

He set the tone for the Valley Oak League opener with an electrifying 99-yard kickoff return for a score at the very outset.

“It was the first the play of the game and it just got everybody up,” said Charles, who was just warming up.

He had his hand in four of the touchdowns, rushing for three and throwing for another. Charles completed 7 of his 9 passes for 50 yards and rushed for 106 yards on six carries.

“Dakarai is an amazing athlete,” said Manteca coach Eric Reis.

More amazing was the Buffaloes’ defense.

Seven of the eight Jaguar turnovers led to touchdowns.

The first came at the midway mark of the first quarter when linebacker Darrion Kitson came away with a fumble at the Kimball 28. From there, Kameron Beamon’s made it 14-0 thanks to his 28-yard scoring run.

James Thomas, who was stellar on defense, scored on a short run following another Jaguars’ fumble.

In the second quarter, Beamon’s 51-yard pickup led to a 1-yard scoring run by Kitson.

Fumble recoveries by Thomas and Damon Lynch helped set up scores by Beamon and Tijero, respectively.

Beamon had a 10-yard run while Ronaldo Tijero hauled in a nicely thrown bomb by sophomore quarterback Gino Campiotti.

Charles added the finishing touches, scoring on runs of 8 and 56, respectively. He also hit Gerson Gomez on a swing pass that resulted in a 7-yard touchdown.

In addition, Marcus Rivas came up with an interception and Elijah Willis recovered a fumble on kickoff coverage.

“It became a feeding frenzy for our defense,” said Reis of the forced turnovers.

He also praised his team’s homecoming effort.

“They couldn’t wait to go today after the bye week,” added Reis, who will face off against former player Seth Davis next week.

That’s when the Buffaloes (1-0 in league, 4-0 overall) will play the Cougars at Weston Ranch.