Locked in a defensive battle, Lathrop looked to its JV quarterback to help breathe life into the offense.

The fourth-seeded Spartans were able to avoid a big upset in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs on Wednesday, edging out No. 13 Vanden 9-6 at Bennie Gatto Field.

Ja’Leiyah Ray secured the win for Lathrop (21-3) with an interception.

Sophomore Alexia Garcia was called into action in the fourth quarter, completing three of four passes on the go-ahead scoring drive that resulted in a 7-yard reception to Clarissa Garcia, who was also called up from the JV squad.

Vanden (12-14-2) scored first but was limited the rest of the way. Aaliyah Thompson got Lathrop on the scoreboard with a safety.

Alyssa Herrera anchored the defense with 11 flag pulls, two for losses and a sack.

Lathrop hosts No. 5 Pioneer (20-4-1) in the second round next Monday. The Patriots opened with a 40-13 rout of Los Banos.

Sierra 13, Fairfield 12

Kayla Amarante’s one-point try was the difference in the Nos. 8-9 match-up at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.

The Timberwolves (14-8) will face defending D-III champion and top-seeded Christian Brothers (18-5) on Monday.

Amarante also had a touchdown run in the opener. She finished with 23 yards receiving and 10 rushing. Emalina Latu had four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Fairfield (14-7) limited quarterback Tessa Zalunardo to 113 yards and two interceptions, but she was effective as a runner with a team-high 77 yards on 11 carries.

Mia Aguirre led the defense with 11 flag pulls and a sack. Freshman McKinley Robertson contributed an interception.

Division II

Manteca 25, Lodi 20

The 11th-seeded Buffaloes (18-4) pulled of the lone upset in the bracket, squeaking past No. 6 Lodi (18-5).

They’ll next face third-seeded St. Francis (17-5) in Sacramento. The Troubadours topped No. 14 Elk Grove, 33-13.

Division IV

Twelve Bridges 39, Ripon 0

No. 9 Ripon (15-11) was held scoreless for just the second time all season.

The Raging Rhinos (12-7) of Lincoln tangle with top-seeded Hilmar in the quarterfinals.