Memory test: Manteca points to revenge Friday night against Downey

Friday night’s rematch between Manteca and Downey amounts to a memory test: Can Downey put aside last year’s result? Will Manteca be motivated by it?

We already know one thing: The Buffaloes have not forgotten their tough 44-42 loss to the Knights in 2018.

“We definitely have had it (the game) circled,” Manteca second-year coach Mark Varnum said. “It’s been a motivating factor for 12 months.”

The game, beginning at 7 p.m. at Chuck Hughes Stadium, could be a shootout. Both teams bring in potent offenses featuring talent at the skill positions, and both strutted their stuff during season-opening victories last week.

Downey quarterback Bryce Gouker passed for five touchdowns as the Knights started fast to beat East Union 49-30. Manteca was not tested during a 64-6 rout of Lathrop, as quarterback Ryan Ward completed seven of eight passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns.

The Knights complement Gouker with hard-working running back Robert Rivera and receivers Joseph Eastwood and Lawrence Harris. Manteca counters with Ward, receiver Jacob De Jesus (three catches, 120 yards, two TDs vs. Lathrop)  and running back Trabron Russell.

Russell, who rushed for 1,320 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall, played sparingly last week. Varnum says Russell is 100 percent and ready to go against Downey.

“Last year was a prime example of a young team against experience,” Varnum said. “We had 10 new starters on defense. I don’t think we were ready for that big of a challenge so early.  We want to right that wrong and show we’re at a different level this year.”

Downey coach Jeremy Plaa expects another close game.

“Based on last year’s game, this is a classic air-it-out vs.grind-it-out,” Plaa said. “But we also can run a little and they can pass a little.”

Rivera, low-slung and hard to tackle at 150 pounds, provides versatility in Downey’s Air Raid attack. He scored twice at East Union and is poised for a successful senior year.

“Pound for pound, he’s the toughest guy on our roster,” Plaa said. “I don’t think he has any body fat.”

It’s clear both quarterbacks have improved.  Gouker showed he can carry the load after sharing snaps with Beau Green last year. Ward, a future pitcher at the University of the Pacific, possesses athleticism not unlike his predecessor Gino Campiotti (Northern Arizona).

“His (Ward’s) maturity and decision making are much better,” Varnum said. “Last year, he would try for the extra yard. This year, he knows how to slide.”

The Knights could be helped by a few starters who were held out of last week’s game due to injury.

“I would think they (Manteca) want some revenge,” Plaa said.“As a fan, that game was exciting to watch, but not for me until it was over.”