It didn’t take long for the Manteca Chargers to familiarize themselves with the end zones at Sierra High’s Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium Saturday.

The varsity squad struck early, late and often in its 62-42 win over the North Stockton Bears in a Delta Youth Football League opener.

And while the score indicates otherwise, the defense did its job too, as Manteca’s first-team unit rested for the entire second half after contributing to a comfortable 34-6 halftime lead. It was the defense that kicked off the shootout, as blitzing safety Bobby Bratton intercepted a shuffle pass and took it 25 yards the other direction for the first of nine Charger touchdowns.

Running back Marcus Rivas pumped out over 200 yards of offense while rushing in three touchdown scores from 49, 6 and 13 yards out. He also had a 65-yard TD via a halfback pass from Nick Oseguera.

Levi Hillman found the end zone three times, twice on passes from QB Emilio Anaya (3 of 4, 110 yards) and once on a 68-yard scamper. Oseguera added a 4-yard rushing touchdown and four point-after conversion runs.

“I was happy with our overall performance,” said Chargers coach Jon Shaefer. “I liked the way we were able to control the line of scrimmage and score points on our opponent on both the ground and the air.”



Novice

Chargers 46, Bears 0

Quarterback Trinidad Diaz spearheaded the drubbing with help from running backs Jacob DeJesus, Brandon Rullan, Antonio Martinez and Cruz Jeffery. Elijah Jacobson, Randy Williams and Joseph Lomeli contributed to the air attack.

The dominating defensive effort was led by Ferrin Manuleleua and Jimmy Mootz. North Stockton was held to just a pair of first downs in the first half.