The Manteca-East Union freshman football game has been cancelled.

The Valley Oak League finale between longtime rivals was scheduled to be played tonight at Guss Schmiedt Field, but Manteca High athletic director Dave Smith announced the cancellation in a press release on Wednesday morning.

The Lancers, struggling with numbers, forfeited the game. Head coach Willie Herrera said the team began the week with 10 players, just days after losing to Bear Creek with 14.

“It stinks. I know it stinks,” said Herrera, who coaches both the freshman and varsity teams at East Union. He took on the dual role after the program’s league opener at Oakdale. “The kids want to play but we don’t have the numbers and that’s a bummer.”

It’s the first time in at least 40 years the freshman football game between Manteca and East Union has not been played, said Manteca freshman coach Brian Rohles.

With the forfeit win, the Buffaloes close the season at 9-1 overall and 5-1 in VOL play. If Central Catholic tops Oakdale tonight, Manteca will share the league championship with the aforementioned programs.

East Union is 0-6 in league.