Manteca overcomes miscues

Despite some special team miscues, Manteca did enough on Friday to top Wilcox, 20-14.

The Buffaloes were in control most of the night, but faced an early deficit when Eduardo Andrade blocked a punt and recovered his own deflection in the end zone early in the first quarter. Wilcox missed the extra point, but took a 6-0 lead.

Manteca dominated the rest of the first half, scoring touchdowns on three of its next four drives. Running back Hector Soto was tough to bring down all night and scored the first two touchdowns for Manteca. He finished the game with 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries (5.7 YPG). The final score for Manteca came when quarterback Decory Charles found Ronaldo Tijero for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 20.4 seconds left in the first half.

Andrade came to the rescue again for Wilcox in the second half when he blocked his second punt of the game. Matt Alquetra punched in a one-yard score on the next snap and a busted play led to a two-point conversion.

Both offenses struggled to find a rhythm in the second half, but stout defensive play led to turnovers for each side. The Chargers had a chance for a final drive with the ball own their own four yard line and 2:11 left in the game, but failed to convert a first down as Manteca emerged victorious.

Player Reports

Jonathan Herrera 6-foot-3, 285 pounds OL Wilcox (2015): Herrera anchored the Wilcox offensive line at the left tackle position. The Chargers ran most of their plays to the left side behind the massive Herrera - and for good reason. He's a big mauler due to his massive frame that allows him to overpower defenders. Herrera may project best as a guard at the next level.

Hector Soto 5-foot-6, 179 pounds RB Manteca (2015): Soto was a bowling ball against Wilcox, refusing to go down after first contact. He finished with 137 rushing yards and two touchdown on 24 carries (5.7 YPG). Although Soto lacks ideal size, he's a gritty ball carrier that can slip and spin out of tackles for extra yardage.