In 1984, the Delta Rebels were formed as Manteca’s second youth football team.

In 2014, the Delta Rebels are no more.

The franchise has a new mascot: .

“Things are going pretty well,” Jr. Timberwolves athletic director Leon Munoz said. “Obviously the whole name-change thing comes with its challenges.

“Changing over all new gear – having to replace jerseys and pants and helmets – it has been a struggle to say the least. But we are getting it.”

The Jr. Timberwolves have strong numbers at most levels, and what shortage they do have may end soon.

“We are pretty solid across the board except for the varsity,” Munoz said. “We are a couple short there but we are waiting for some freshmen. Once the high school (season) starts and kids drop off we should pick up some more.”

In 2013, the Rebels varsity went to the Delta Youth Football League conference championship and the junior varsity made the playoffs.

“We lost a heartbreaker in the varsity conference championship,” Munoz said. “But we proved that small numbers can still accomplish a lot of things – good things.

“And I am excited this year as well. Our novice squad looks stacked and we have a lot of talent on our JV squad.”

The Jr. Timberwolves compete in division-specific jamborees are Saturday, Aug. 16 for the Novice at a venue to be determined; at Kimball High School in Tracy on Sunday, Aug. 17 for the Junior Varsity; the Varsity on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Chavez High School in Stockton and the Jr. Novice will be at Chabot College on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The Jr. Timberwolves open the season Sunday, Aug. 31 on the road against the Chavez Titans.