SALIDA — The combination of stout defensive play and its ground-and-pound attack did the trick again for the Manteca Cowboys’ varsity squad, which rolled to a 28-0 victory over the Modesto Titans Saturday at Salida Middle School.

Manteca, now 3-0, was led by Mikey Gonzalez’s 94 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He added two extra-point runs and eight tackles on defense.

Gabe Munoz was also a standout on both ends, as he recorded 91 total yards of offense from scrimmage and took a punt return 48 yards to paydirt. Quarterback Chris Hocker threw for 55 yards and ran for 12 more.

Billy Sharmoug  collected 10 tackles and two sacks for a defensive unit that allowed a single first down and just 25 yards of total offense. Rigo Jauregui added nine tackles, while Luckie Cardova and Hocker had seven each.

The Cowboys will take Labor Day weekend off and will square off the Ceres Raptors at Manteca High Sept. 12.

In Livingston, the Manteca Jaguars gave up the deciding touchdown with four minutes remaining as they opened their Central California League non-conference schedule with a loss.

Eddie Daube scored two touchdowns to lead the Jaguars, with Peter Moa punching in both extra points. Enrique Jasso blocked two conversion kicks.

The Jaguars will host the Waterford Sabercats Saturday.

Livingston did well to keep the Jaguars from entering its end zone despite Lechi Nkowcha’s 125 rushing yards on 16 carries. Nkwocha was also a standout on defense, where he had six tackles and a fumble recovery.

Edward Gomez (pass defended) and Edward Gomez each tallied five tackles.

The Cowboys’ defense continued its incredible tear to start the season, as they posted their third straight shutout.

Nathaniel Arriola led the team on both ends, rushing for three touchdowns while tallying a team-high 10 tackles. QB Jordan Perry completed two TD passes, and Nicholas Lucchetti scored once through the air and once through the ground.

Alberto Loaiza (nine tackles, interception), Pawl Johnson (fumble recovery) and Demaurier Blackwell (nine tackles, two fumble recoveries) shined on defense.

Seuseu Alofaituli was all over the field for the Cowboys. He rushed for 137 yards and two TDs on just 10 carries and added three extra points for good measure. Alofaituli even scored on a 17-yard pass play and led the defense with 10 tackles and a sack.

Kyle Westley (TD, two PATs), Jake Jarries (TD, PAT), Nicolas Stanley (TD) and Angel Sena (passing TD) also contributed points.

Andrew Sena intercepted a pass on defense.

The Cowboys had little trouble moving the chains with backfield mates Anthony Martinez and Tony Rosilo leading the charge. Martinez rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 touches, while Rosillo grinded out 135 and a score on eight carries.

Quarterback Erick Sascimento completed both of his pass attempts for 33 yards, and one was good for a touchdown.

Julian Scoz led the defense with eight tackles, and Presley DeMello added five.