For the first time ever, the Lathrop High Spartans took home the prize.

They claimed “Battle of Interstate 5” honors Friday with a 31-20 win at Weston Ranch. With it came the trophy featuring a half Spartans / half Cougars helmet.

 “We played well on both sides of the ball,” said Lathrop coach Steven Wichman.

On offense, the Spartans were led by running backs Hawaii Leafa Teo and Jairell McCain. Leafa Teo racked up 46 yards on 16 carries while scoring a pair of touchdowns.

McCain tallied 97 yards from scrimmage, including a 35-yard scoring strike from quarterback Diego Chavez in the third quarter. He had a game-high 55 yards on 14 carries.

Chavez threw for a pair of touchdowns, completing 9 of his 20 passes for 128 yards. His other score went to Reggie Carter Jr., who caught four passes for 61 yards.

Defensively, Felix Rodriguez came through with three tackles and a sack. Gregg Padrigon registered four stops while Robert Luckett had three tackles.

In this Valley Oak League opener, both teams were involved in a penalty-riddled affair. Weston Ranch, which 100 yards tacked off from the 13 infractions, was also celebrating homecoming.

“Penalties were drive-killers,” Cougars coach Seth Davis said. “We were often caught up at third-and-long situations, which took the wind out of our sail.”

The turnovers didn’t help. On the opening kickoff, Weston Ranch coughed up the ball. Fortunately, the Spartans (1-0, 2-2) were unable to capitalize on the miscue.

Lathrop returned the favor on its next possession, with Clayton Buttram intercepting a pass at midfield.

The Cougars (0-1, 1-3) gave the ball back thanks to a pick by Spartans’ Khari Williams.

This time, Lathrop didn’t squander this chance. After an 18-yard gain by McCain, Leafa Teo carried the ball three straight times before powering the ball into the end zone. Matt Hernandez’s extra point kick made it 7-0.

Weston Ranch answered back. Erron Duncan gave his team a big boost with his 17-yard pickup that setup Marque Watson’s 17-yard scoring toss from quarterback Muhammad Khan. The missed conversion made it 7-6.

Shortly before half-time, the Spartans overcame penalties to put together a drive spearheaded by Chavez, who twice hit Carter before connecting with Keenen Donatelli on a 9-yard score.

“We were able to make some big plays to get out of the hole – some we made ourselves,” said Wichman on his team’s rash of penalties.

Lathrop was flagged 12 times and had 100 yards marched off.

The Spartans, who claimed a 13-6 lead at the intermission, added some insurance on their first possession in the second half.

They drove 86 yards, getting some help on a pass interference call, and had a third-and-14 situation from the Weston Ranch 35. Chavez then found McCain down the visitor’s sideline, hauling in the pass for the score.

The Cougars went to their playmaker Duncan, who saw 8-yard reception get an additional 15 yards on the personal foul call.

Watson picked up a big chunk of yards on his catch-and-run play to Spartans 2. Duncan scored from there.

Lathrop opened the fourth quarter with Leafa Teo’s 1-yard touchdown, adding a Hernandez 37-yard field goal.

 Down 31-12, Weston Ranch added a touchdown in the closing minute as Buttram pulled in Khan’s 26-yard scoring toss.

Davis, meanwhile, indicated that his team still has work to do following the setback. “We have to cut down on our mental mistakes,” he said.

Weston Ranch will travel to Oakdale next week while Lathrop will host Manteca for homecoming.