By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Passing Game Erupts In Mustangs Victory Over Manteca
JV Boys Take Loss
cheer
The Oakdale varsity cheerleaders entertained the large audience on hand during Friday nights Valley Oak League contest between Oakdale and Manteca. Leader Photos By Dennis D. Cruz

Friday night the Oakdale Mustangs spread the ball around both on the ground and in the air against visiting Manteca. Oakdale tossed the ball for nearly 200 yards in the air to defeat Manteca 36-15 in Valley Oak League varsity football action.

Mustangs quarterback Marc Dickson finished the game 10-for-21 for 190 yards and two touchdown passes in the home win. His favorite target was Hunter Falconi, who came up with eight catches for 148 yards and was on the receiving end of both of Dickson’s touchdown passes.

“We have a great relationship. Tonight, he (Dickson) put the ball right where I could have a chance at getting to the ball,” said Falconi. “That was our plan coming in, was to use the pass.”

Oakdale showed its diversity and determination as they entered the second quarter down 8-0. The Mustangs tied the game on a Joshua Jacobson one-yard rush and followed it up with a successful two-point conversion by Bronson Harmon with 10:38 remaining in the first half. Jacobson finished with 21 carries for 104 yards. The touchdown was set up by a fourth and four conversion as Dickson completed a 21-yard pass to Jace Krick, who dragged his feet to keep them in bounds for the highlight reel catch.

Later in the half, Oakdale gambled on fourth and one from their own 41 yard line, but Manteca held, forcing the turnover. The Mustangs defense quickly got the ball back on a strip fumble by Matt Kjeldgaard and CJ Toledo recovered it. This set up a 22-yard touchdown pass to Falconi with 21 seconds left in the half, giving Oakdale a 15-8 halftime lead.

The lone score of the third quarter came on a Dickson keeper from one yard out with 4:48 left in the quarter giving the Mustangs a 22-8 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Just under three minutes into the final quarter Dickson connected with Falconi on the deep ball from 47 yards out to make it 29-8 with 9:01 left to play. Manteca then scored on a five yard catch with 4:07 remaining in the game to cut the deficit to 29-15. The final score of the night came on a Cameron Cherry 39-yard touchdown run with 1:59 left to play. Cherry finished with 161 yards on the ground and one touchdown.

Oakdale’s defense made a big impact in the game forcing five turnovers in the contest and applied pressure to Manteca’s quarterback Gino Campitotti. On the defensive side it was Junior Rodin, Bronson Harmon, Jace Krick, Matt Kjeldgaard, CJ Toledo, Corey Hinojosa and company that gave the Buffaloes a difficult time.

“Anytime we can get to the quarterback, especially a mobile one like Campitotti, it is a good night for us. We knew what we had to do on our end to keep things going and that’s what we are going to be doing moving forward this season,” Kjeldgaard said following the game.

With the win Oakdale improved to 5-1 on the season, and 3-0 in the Valley Oak League. Friday night the Mustangs host Sierra (2-4, 1-2) for Homecoming 2017. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Junior Varsity

Following their no contest forfeit win against Weston Ranch, the Colts stepped foot on the field for the first time in two weeks. Oakdale hosted Manteca on Friday night, but came up on the wrong side of a 36-14 score. Oakdale trailed 14-0 at the half, but cut the lead down to 14-7 on an Evan Waite two-yard touchdown with 7:38 remaining in the third. However, Manteca would then answer with three straight touchdowns to build a 36-7 advantage with 5:49 remaining in the game. Waite scored his second touchdown of the night on a two-yard rush with 4:03 left to play. Waite finished the night with 154 yards on the ground to go with those two touchdowns. Oakdale looks to regroup from the loss when they host Sierra this Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.

 

Freshmen

The wins just keep coming for the young Mustang Ponies. Oakdale knocked off Manteca 47-26 in a shootout at Manteca High School on Thursday night. This Thursday night the freshman boys head to Sierra High School to face the Timberwolves. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.