MODESTO — After back-to-back games against high-ranked opponents that ended in dramatic fashion, there was the chance that Manteca High’s final nonleague matchup against Enochs was going to be a shock to the Buffaloes’ senses.
But once they hit the field at Gregori High’s  Don Lanphear Stadium Friday night, the talent-rich Buffaloes wasted no time in showing off its ability to both run and throw the ball against the overmatched Eagles in a 41-0 rout.
“We had two back-to-back emotional games and there was just a different feeling tonight when we stepped on the field — even the weather was a little bit different — and it took a little bit of adjustment,” Manteca coach Eric Reis said. “We’ve been playing well, and our guys showed up to play well tonight against a team that did very well last week (against West). Anytime somebody beats their opponent 31-0 you take them seriously, and we put a lot of time into making sure we were ready for Enochs.”
It took Manteca just 1:43 and six plays to move the ball 47 yards for the game’s first touchdown, a Chris Ortiz 5-yard scamper up the middle. And while the Buffalo offense appeared not to be in sync at time, playing without standout receiver Carter Williams, who was injured last week against Christian Brothers, it had bright flashes of brilliance were always just a play away.
On just the game’s first two drives, senior quarterback Gino Campiotti was 7 of 11 from the pocket for 80 yards and a touchdown, and he used his ability to roll out and challenge defensive backs to leg out impressive runs of 17 and 20 yards in the game’s opening minutes.
Campiotti would finish the night 15 of 26 from the pocket for 158 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also had six carries for 61 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
“We decided the air the ball out a little bit more tonight, and we were pushing to try and see what we could do on offense,” Campiotti said. “We had some guys step up tonight and our offensive line is just tremendous at providing pass protections this year, which allows me to find the open receiver.
“I feel like we played well even though we might not have been as crisp as we needed to be at times, and while we should have had a couple of more scores there six touchdowns is a pretty good performance for an offense. Now it’s just time to focus on what we need to improve upon and get ready for the Valley Oak League season.”
Presley Keltner followed up his big effort from last week’s win over Christian Brothers by pulling in nine passes for 90 yards and a 15-yard touchdown.
While the Buffaloes used the past to set-up the run, they saw tough production from Ortiz (nine carries, 57 yards, touchdown) Seth Owings (70 yards, TD).
Manteca will have a bye week heading into the Sept. 22 league opener against Central Catholic at home. Like Manteca, Central heads into the VOL season unbeaten with wins over elite programs such Archbishop Riordan and St. Mary’s.