When Manteca coach Eric Reis sat Dakarai Charles for the first half against Lathrop, he hoped to rest his quarterback’s banged-up knee.

Three weeks later, Charles, a dual threat from under center, appears to be approaching top speed again.

Charles’ arm and rejuvenated legs set the tone in a 55-7 win at Kimball last Friday as the Buffaloes bounced back from its worst defeat in almost three years, a 42-21 drubbing at the hands of Valley Oak League rival Oakdale on Oct. 11.

The loss was Manteca’s second in league play, and with just three games left on the docket and unbeaten Sierra now surging toward its second-ever title, even the Buffaloes (2-2, 5-2) admit they may be hard-pressed to repeat.

In league, that is.

Manteca is the reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champ, and with Charles at the controls, their confidence in that defense remains high.

A performance like Friday’s certainly helps.

Charles had 200 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the win over the Jaguars. He was also Manteca’s leading rusher with 85 yards.

When Charles is “right,” as Reis has said about his QB’s health, there are few as potent in the talent-rich Valley Oak League.

Offensive coordinator Neil MacDannald acknowledged the different dynamic Charles brings to the Buffaloes’ traditional I-formation offense. Not only has he shown remarkable accuracy and decision-making, but his running ability can turn a near sack into a highlight.

“He definitely brings a different dynamic to our offense,” MacDannald said following the Oakdale loss at Levi’s Stadium. In that game, Charles threw two first-half touchdowns, including a cross-field throw to Luis Reyes, who outraced the defense for a 67-yard score. On that play, Charles eluded four Oakdale pursuers near the home sideline.

Charles’ arrival won’t change Manteca’s DNA.

A power run game has been the bedrock of the Buffaloes’ sustained success, but the shifty junior adds a wrinkle for opposing coaches to account for.

Simply, he takes the pressure off Hector Soto, Darrion Kitson and Lechi Nkwocha, the Buffaloes’ stable of running backs.

“It’s tough when people load the box with nine dudes and we’re beating our heads against a brick wall all night,” MacDannald said. “His athletic ability allows us to give some room to other people.”

And it appears his stake in the offense is getting greater with each week.

Charles injured his knee in practice in the days leading up to a 29-28 loss at Central Catholic, and the severity of the injury cast doubt as to whether he would even play.

He did and very nearly led the Buffaloes to a come-from-behind victory with touchdown drives on their final two possessions.

Charles limped off the field that night and sat out the first half against Lathrop, per Reis’ wish.

He’s returned a more explosive QB.

Charles has thrown for more than a 100 yards in each of the last two games, including a season-best 115 against Kimball, after not eclipsing that plateau in the first five weeks.

He also has four touchdowns against no interceptions in that time.

For the season, Charles has thrown for more than 500 yards and is one of four Buffaloes with at least 200 rushing yards.

“That’s part of who we are right now. We’re doing our best to get our guys the ball and play to our strengths,” MacDannald said.

“The game plan will be determined each week based on where we think we can attack. ... Each we we’ll re-evaluate and try to get the best match-up possible.”