The junior varsity squad of the Lathrop Jr. Spartans made history this past Saturday.

The 10th-year program, originally the Lathrop Titans, will have a representative in the Delta Youth Football League Super Bowl for the first time after the junior varsity squad edged the Northwest Trojans 14-8 at Lathrop High.

“Today marked a big day for our franchise,” said Lathrop coach Anthony Hernandez. “I’m very proud of every single player on the team.”

Once again the team did just enough on offense while relying on the strength of its defense to notch its ninth victory in 12 contests.

Angelo Vejar punched in the game’s first points early in the second half with a 2-yard dive and added an additional two points with the conversion kick. The Trojans tied the score back on the ensuing drive.

Michael Ramos scored the game-winning touchdown on a 44-yard scamper with 2 minutes, 34 seconds remaining. Safety Thomas Cantu sealed the victory with an interception.

Lathrop piled up over 300 rushing yards in the contest, with Ramos accounting for 138 on just nine carries. Vincent Spruell racked up 121 yards on 12 attempts, and Tyreke James added 57 on five. Ramos also had an interception on defense.

“Today was a huge team effort,” Hernandez said. “The game was won by our offensive line and our hard-nosed defense. They set the tone for our running game.”

Lathrop will square off with the Jr. Bulldogs of Tracy Dec. 3 at Lincoln High in Stockton.