The offense did not need to be perfect for the East Union sophomore team last Friday at Dino Cunial Field.
Alex Alexander amassed 11 tackles, including three for losses, and the Squires allowed just 42 yards and three first downs as they squashed visiting West of Tracy 29-0 in their final tune-up for the Valley Oak League.
The defense played outstanding,” East Union coach Carlos Herrera said. “The score is not an indication of the game — we played on a short field all night long, the defense dominated the line of scrimmage.
“Offensively, we were able to get things going early but still left points on the field and not on the scoreboard. We have league coming up, but we will be ready.”
Quarterback Jojo Espinosa led East Union (2-1) on three scoring drives in the second quarter as the Squires took a 22-0 halftime lead. Espinosa hit paydirt on 3- and 1-yard runs before targetting Marquise Higgins for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
Tealan Gaines capped scoring with a 44-yard sprint in the fourth quarter. Espinosa ended up 4-of-4 passing for 78 yards with 37 more yards coming on seven rushes.
Levi Huffman was productive on both sides of scrimmage, rambling for 44 yards on just four carries while recording seven tackles and three for losses on defense. Other key contributors in the shutout were Trinidad Diaz (interception), Thomas Cann (four tackles for losses, 3.5 sacks) and Warren McGovern (eight tackles).
East Union opens the VOL schedule with its homecoming this Friday against Lathrop.
Freshman
Manteca 51, Gregori 8
MODESTO — There is scoring early, and then there is Jacob DeJesus, who scored scored on runs of 23, 25 and 33 yards in the first quarter.
DeJesus added a 26-yard scoring run in the third quarter to finish with six carries for 116 yards and four touchdowns. Ryan Ward (3 of 3 passing, 61 yards, two touchdowns) connected with Marc Buenrostro with touchdown throws of 11 and 44 yards. Gabe Ramirez rounded out the Buffaloes scoring parade with a 5-yard touchdown run.
Angel Garay paced the Manteca defense with four tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Evan Ott (two passes defended), Gerardo Escobar (forced fumble, fumble recovery) and Evans Nicolas (fumble recovery) all had three tackles apiece. Garren Genilla and Manuel Yepez each forced a fumble and DeJesus made an interception.
Sierra 23, Lodi 0
Victor Murillo got the Timberwolves (2-0-1) rolling with a 56-yard touchdown just 33 seconds into the game, and he was just getting started.
Sierra’s quarterback added third-quarter touchdown passes spanning 43 and 20 yards to Deshon Thomas and Matt Dunham, respectively, ran in another from 42 yards in the fourth for good measure. Murillo ended up 7 of 17 for 86 yards passing along with 109 yards on eight rushes. Mateo Garcia-Moran went 3 for 3 on point-after kicks.
Robert Clift dominated defensively and even helped contribute points, as one of his three sacks went for a safety midway through the third period. He also forced a fumble.
Bryant Obregon added two sacks, while Steven Eaves recovered a fumble and picked off a pass. Holden Fishburn paced Sierra tacklers with four.
JONAMAR JACINTO
Manteca Bulletin
Sports editor
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