The Manteca High boys soccer program will begin its Valley Oak League title defense with a tribute to its past.

The Buffaloes will make their season debut next Friday with an intra-squad scrimmage.

Following that match, head coach Justin Coenenberg will turn the field over to Manteca’s alumni.

The Band of Buffaloes Alumni Game will take place at venerable Guss Schmiedt Field, the backdrop for so many of Manteca’s highlights last fall. The Buffaloes won 19 of their 25 games – including 14 of their 15 and captured a share of their first VOL crown since 2007.

Scarier yet: Fourteen of the 20 players on the roster in 2012 are slated to return.

Fans can get their first peek on Friday evening. The intra-squad scrimmage between current players begins at 5 p.m.  The alumni contest will follow at 6:30.

Coenenberg will provide jerseys for all the players. Alumni will need to sign a Release of Liability form before taking the field.

Cost of admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit the Manteca High boys soccer program.

The Buffaloes have been worth the price of admission.

Manteca is 43-19-9 and 25-9-7 in Valley Oak League play in the last three seasons, including a share of the league championship with Sierra last fall.

The Buffaloes began the season with a torrid winning streak, stringing together 13 consecutive victories. Manteca would go unbeaten in its first 15 games before falling to East Union on Oct. 2.

Manteca rode that early momentum into the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, losing a 1-0 decision to section heavyweight Central Valley.