Manteca High wasted little time Friday against Kimball.
In the 51-6 Valley Oak League affair at Guss Schmiedt Field, the Buffaloes scored on the opening kickoff and never looked back.
“We were ready to roll tonight,” said Manteca coach Eric Reis, who was wowed by sophomore Jacob DeJesus going 96 yards to start the game.
“After last week’s disappointing loss (at Oakdale), we had a good week of practice despite the usual distractions of the week off from school,” he added.
Along with DeJesus, two other sophomores shared the spotlight — running back Trabon Russell and linebacker Garay Angel.
Russell had 87 yards on seven carries while scoring a pair of first-half touchdowns. Angel delivered on a third-quarter sack and fumble.
DeJesus got Manteca (2-2 VOL, 5-2 overall) off to the quick start, following his electrifying kickoff run with a dazzling 51-yard punt return for a score later in the first quarter.
In between that was Russell dashing, darting and twisting behind a host of his blockers, scooting 29 yards for his first touchdown.
By the time Michael Frisby powered his way for a 9-yard scoring run towards the end of the opening quarter, the Buffaloes had jumped out to 29-0 lead. Earlier, quarterback Gino Campiotti, who was 6 of 9 passing for 98 yards, hit Pressley Keltner on a 23-yard completion to set up the score.
In the second quarter, Campiotti, on a quarterback keeper, eluded the Jaguar defense while scoring on a 17-yard run.
The Manteca defense led by the likes of Ferrin Manuleleua, Justin Kakala, and Caden Ramsey, who had a second-quarter sack, held Kimball (1-3, 1-6) in check.
Just before halftime, the Buffaloes made it 43-0 thanks to Russell’s 18-yard scoring run.
The second half was all running clock and, for Manteca, more playing time for the reserves.
On offense, Seth Owings had most of the carries, handling the ball eight times for 67 yards.
Jorge Cedano saw action at quarterback, connecting on a 15-yard touchdown pass towards the end of the game.
The Jaguars avoided the shutout with a third-quarter score. Quarterback Kyle Gibson his Mateo Decoite on a 6-yard TD.