Quarterback Garret DeVillenueva did his damage on special teams for the Manteca Jr. Buffaloes.
DeVillenueva returned a punt 75 yards for a score, and sprinted 80 yards on a kickoff for another to highlight the Jr. Buffaloes’ 42-6 thumping of the Mountain House Panthers in Trans Valley Youth Football League varsity action Saturday at Guss Schmiedt Field.
Manteca, which improved to 7-1, clinched a playoff berth with the victory and will battle for the American Football Conference’s title next weekend against the Escalon Outlaws.
The Jr. Buffaloes also scored on defense. Alex Garlets and Brandon Dabney both recovered a fumble and took it to the house. Garlets added 75 rushing yards and another touchdown on the offensive end. Tony Smith also rushed in a TD.
Josh Silva and Jacob Escobar led the defense with five and four tackles, respectively. Juan Moreno intercepted a pass.
Chargers 18, Bengals 12
At Sierra High Saturday, Kody Justis scored the game-winning touchdown in double overtime, as the Manteca Chargers stunned the North Stockton Bengals in Delta Youth Football League action.
Jordan Delgado punched in Manteca’s first two touchdowns, and Ryan Matthews led the defense with three quarterback sacks.
49ers 35, Jaguars 7
At Turlock High Sunday, the Manteca Jaguars (2-2 conference, 4-3 overall) struggled against Turlock with key players missing the pivotal Central California Conference contest to injury and illnesses.
Lechi Nkwocha managed to make his mark, as he rushed 16 times for 102 yards. He accounted for all of the Jaguars’ points, as his touchdown and ensuing point-after run capped the final score in the third quarter.
Nkwocha also had eight tackles to lead the defense, and Edward Gomez contributed five. Jared Strack picked off a pass, and Anthony Palomarez recovered a fumble.
Jr. Buffaloes 31, Panthers 0
Alex Martell scored on a 9-yard rush and a 67-yard punt return to pace the Jr. Buffaloes to their first Trans Valley League victory of the season.
Martell finished with 67 yards on nine rushes from scrimmage.
Quarterback Jeremy Silva and David Saenz plunged in from short yardage to each contribute a touchdown. Shaheen Argand sacked the quarterback for a safety to give the Jr. Buffaloes a 9-0 lead early in the second quarter.
Jake Bechtel paced the defense with eight tackles and a sack. Silva chipped in a sack and fumble recovery.
Chargers 7, Bengals 6
At Sierra High Saturday, LaDondi Ceaser’s conversion run in the third quarter proved to be the difference for the Manteca Chargers (2-0 South Division, 4-2 overall).
Down 6-0 at halftime, the Chargers marched 65 yards on their third-quarter opening drive that was capped by Marcus Rivas’ 6-yard touchdown run.
Linebackers Juan Gomez, Jonathon Shaefer and Scott Teicheira, along with nose guard Devin Gonzalez, shined on the defensive end. After allowing North Stockton to score on a 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, the Bengals were unable to drive into Manteca’s red zone.
49ers vs. Jaguars
Jaylen Jackson and Angel Gararay grinded out 80 and 60 yards, respectively, to lead the Manteca Jaguars offense. Quarterback Jonathan Dunn threw for 70 yards.
Garay also stood out on the defensive end, racking up 12 tackles. Kameron Deweerd and Jaylen Jackson finished with seven stops apiece and combined for a sack.
