The Manteca Chargers got the rare opportunity to face the same team Saturday afternoon that they’ll be facing in the first round of the Delta Youth Football League playoffs.

And all indicators are it’s going to be a shootout.

The Chargers escaped with a 35-34 victory over Dublin in a game where they already had the second seed of the playoffs sewn up before kickoff – allowing the team to take full advantage of learning all they can from their opponent.

“We hung in there with the Falcons and were able to match them score for score,” head coach Scott Bratton said. “We will have an answer for their powerful running game the next time we see them. Our running game was great today – we are tuned up and ready for the playoffs.”

The Chargers will next hit the field on Sunday, Nov. 13 when they meet the Falcons again to determine who goes on in the playoffs.



Cowboys 20, Rebels 14

The Delta Rebels came up short in a hard fought battle against playoff contender Ceres Saturday afternoon.

Quarterback Michael Black managed to scamper into the end zone as well as connect on a touchdown strike to Talmedge House. Mario Maher – who played every defensive down – helped try to contain the Cowboy attack.



Junior Varsity

Rebels 32, Cowboys 0

It all started with a 12-6 overtime victory over the Manteca Chargers two weeks ago. And on Saturday, with a victory over the Ceres Cowboys, the Rebels junior varsity wrapped up a DYFL playoff spot.

Patrick Sholund helped lead the offensive attack with a pair of rushing touchdowns, and Sean Cann and Paul Belina each a touchdown of their own.

But it didn’t just stop with an offensive explosion.

Sholund recorded three sacks and several tackles on the day, and Isaac Rosales Jr. and Isaiah Sholund each chipped in with several tackles for losses each. Pablo Salcedo recovered a fumble, and Shawnice Parker recorded three tackles and an offensive reception.

And they did it all with only 17 players – playing the “ironman” game all season long. The team is the only Rebels squad to make the playoffs this year.



Novice

Chargers 14, Falcons 6

It was a combination of stellar defense and a strong running game that allowed the Manteca Chargers to secure the DYFL’s final playoff spot in the South Division Saturday afternoon.

Its victory over the Dublin Falcons helped cap off the season with a winning record.

The Chargers will take the field again on Saturday, Nov. 12, when they battle the Tracy Cougars at Riverbank High School at 11 a.m. in the first round of the playoffs.



Novice

Cowboys 25, Rebels 24

Despite Daroun Nourn’s two touchdowns, the Rebels were unable to pull it out against a Ceres offense that came alive in the second half Saturday afternoon.

JoJo Gusters finished the game with three tackles.