Juarez, Smith highlight football team’s opening win
Manteca High senior defensive back Chris Chavez kneels near the 40-yard line before the start of the Buffaloes' 49-9 victory at Elk Grove High on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (Tyler Watkins-Brooks/The Tower)
By TYLER WATKINS-BROOKS
The Tower
The Manteca High football team kicked off the season at Elk Grove High, one of the top large-school teams in the northern half of the Sac-Joaquin Section.
Manteca defeated the Thundering Herd, 49-9. Sophomore running back Nikko Juarez led the charge with 235 yards and four touchdowns, including scores on the Buffaloes’ first three possessions.
The Buffaloes came out the gate fast, feeding the ball to Juarez, who shed a defender on his way to an 80-yard touchdown run. Juarez capped his early flurry with a 79-yard scoring run, closing the first half with 199 yards.
Elk Grove just couldn’t catch a break. On its first possession of the second quarter, Manteca High linebacker Ruben Moreno forced a fumble deep in Elk Grove territory. Quarterback Preston Smith capitalized on the moment and closed out the first-half scoring with a rushing touchdown of his own.
“We just came out ready,” said Juarez, who inherits a role once reserved for dynamic backs Bryson Davis (Modesto Junior College) and Blake Nichelson (Florida State). “We knew that this was going to be a big game, and we came out here and made a big statement to everybody.”
With eight minutes left in the third quarter, the Thundering Herd finally got their first touchdown to close within 28-9. On this night, though, there was no stopping the Nikko Express. He and Smith closed the account on this clash of Division II titans with fourth -touchdowns.
After stepping up and leading the team with both his arm and legs, Smith, who did not start, reflected on his versatility.
“It opens up the field,” he said. “It gives my receivers a chance to catch passes from me, and also gives a chance for the running backs to score touchdowns as well.”
The Buffaloes have a bye this week and return to the field Sept. 6 at Laguna Creek, while Elk Grove looks to redeem itself at Downey.
