The Manteca Jaguars varsity youth football team had a tough draw to open the Central California Junior Youth Football season.

The Turlock 49ers visited Sierra High Saturday with high expectations after last year’s varsity and junior varsity teams advanced to the Super Bowl. The JV team won the championship game to complete an undefeated 2010 campaign.

The Jaguars must have missed the memo.

Behind a stout defensive effort, Manteca made its first big statement of the season with an 18-8 victory. Mark Paule rushed for 74 yards and two touchdowns on just nine attempts, while Damon Lynch recovered a fumble in the fumble for the Jags’ other score.

Quarterback Austin Miller provided some balance, completing two of three passes for 31 yards. Manuel DeAvila set the tone on the opening kickoff by returning it 30 yards to the Niner 48.

Armando Herrera (interception), Kody Justis and Lynch each recorded five tackles to lead the defense. DeAvila added four tackles, three of which went for sacks. Michael Relloque and Andrew Guevara each forced a fumble.

The Jaguars will visit the Merced Cougars at Golden Valley High this Saturday.



Junior varsity

Jaguars 7, 49ers 0

John Cohen had a big season debut for the Jags, running for 65 yards and the game’s lone touchdown while making a late game-saving tackle to clinch the win.

Kobe Shippley highlighted the defense with four tackles for losses, and Carlos Perez had an interception. Carlos Perez, Brandon Zarate, Jayson Reindel and Pedro Castillo also contributed with tackles for losses.



Rookie

Jaguars 35, 49ers 0

Jaimare Wayne (170 yards) and Zelmar Vedder (124 yards) both eclipsed the century mark on the ground, and each scored two touchdowns. Keyshawn Robinson chipped in with 37 yards and a TD.

Isaiah Ford sparked the defense with eight tackles, Jessie Miranda had seven, Vedder six and Josh Herbert five.