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OPENING ACT
Sub-par first-half costs TWolves
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Sierra High quarterback Guillermo Nunez fires off a pass under pressure during Friday’s sophomore game against Oakdale High. - photo by HIME ROMERO
After putting together a weak performance over the first two quarters of their Valley Oak League football opener, the Sierra Timberwolves sophomores fought back, only to make it interesting in a 40-22 loss to Oakdale High Friday at Sierra High.

Sierra (0-1 VOL) could not find any rhythm offensively, providing Oakdale with a 34-16 halftime lead. The defense tightened over the final two quarters, but the damage was already completed with the three touchdown first-half deficit.

“Major mistakes and turnovers really cost us in this game,” Sierra head coach Dan Duke said.

The Timberwolves found themselves back in the contest, trailing 34-22 late in the fourth, but an Oakdale interception would close the door. The Mustangs would add a meaningless touchdown in the final minute to finish the scoring.

Tyler Ray Hewitt broke the seal twice for the Timberwolves, while teammate Devin Manaios scored as well.

Sierra will try and get back on the right track when they host the East Union Lancers Friday at Sierra.

Manteca 14, Kimball 6
The Buffaloes (1-0, 3-1) welcomed back the services of running back Eddie Smith, who was sidelined in  Manteca’s loss to Enochs with an injury. Smith bruised his way to 163 yards while helping Manteca to a 14-6 VOL opening win Friday in Tracy.

Smith carried the ball 10 times for the 163 yards, scoring both of the Buffaloes touchdowns.

“Eddie was our work-horse and provided a huge spark for us on offense and defense,” Manteca head coach Adam Liel said.

Smith scored on runs of 85 and 40 to usher the Buffaloes to victory.

Manteca will try and stay focused during the homecoming week festivities, as they prepare for a visit from the East Union Lancers.

East Union 19, Lathrop 12
East Union sophomores came away with a 19-12 Valley Oak League against visiting Lathrop High on Friday.

The Lancers jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first half.

The Spartans struck back on Dante Garcia’s scoring run and Kyle Chin’s 8-yard TD toss from quarterback Rudy Valencia.

“Defensively, I thought we did a good job,” Lathrop coach Eric Relova said.

He pointed out to three big plays by East Union as being the difference.

 “We were inconsistent on offense,” Relova added.

Trans Valley League
Ripon 14, Hilmar 7
Tyler Sworfiguer caught a touchdown pass from Josh McCreath and recovered two fumbles in the third quarter to lead Ripon (1-0, 4-1) Friday at Stouffer Field.

Dylan Haynes’ 36-yard touchdown run with 9:20 left in the contest gave the Indians the lead for good. His first-down scamper of 13 yards with 1:21 remaining sealed the deal.

The Ripon defense held tough on Hilmar’s final drive. On fourth-and-one on the Ripon 49, lineman Kevin Cronin and Sworfiguer wrapped up the Yellowjacket QB on a sneak play up the middle.

“It was a critical game for us, another one we had to fight until the end,” Ripon coach Jorge Velasco said.

The Indians will try and make it two straight when they travel to Escalon Friday to take on the Cougars in TVL action.