St. Mary’s football routes Manteca in SJS D2 semifinals

St. Mary’s Football Team Dominates Manteca in Semifinals
By halftime, excitement filled the air as talks of Monday’s 9 a.m. practice on the St. Mary’s football sideline began buzzing. The Rams were dominating their Sac-Joaquin Section Division 2 semifinal opponent Manteca, already savoring the taste of victory.

Tony Franks, the head coach of St. Mary’s football, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is just awesome. It’s really special to be able to practice on Thanksgiving morning and bring our families together with alumni back in town. We’re so excited to keep moving on.”

St. Mary’s is set to play on Turkey Day, having secured a spot in the SJS finals with a resounding 42-12 victory over the Buffaloes. Here’s a breakdown of the Rams’ playoff triumph:

1. Tough Stand Against the Run
Throughout the season, St. Mary’s defense has been tested against run-heavy offenses. In a showdown against Manteca, the Rams stood firm, limiting senior Bryson Davis, Manteca’s bruiser running back, to roughly 83 rushing yards and a single touchdown. The team’s strong defensive display set the tone for victory.

2. Explosive Offense Seals the Deal
St. Mary’s offense demonstrated the true meaning of explosive plays, led by senior running back Asante Carter. Carter’s relentless speed and agility on the field secured the Rams’ win, with over 100 rushing yards and four touchdowns under his belt.

The Rams now prepare for the SJS Division 2 championship game against the No. 2 seed Rocklin.

Upon reflecting on the game, Manteca football’s head coach, Mark Varnum, showed admiration for his team’s resilience, despite the defeat. Manteca closes out the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 8-4, while St. Mary’s blue banner hopes are alive and well.

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Alex Martin

Alex Martin is your guide to the global phenomenon of football. With a focus on international leagues and tournaments, he provides match commentary, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of football.