Sonora Wildcats Falter In Championship Bid

Stockton, CA — Sonora Wildcat football coach Robert Cendro says his team “just didn´t get it done” following a 34-7 loss to the Manteca Buffaloes in Saturday night´s Section III championship game at Stockton´s University of the Pacific.

The Wildcats failed to capitalize on several opportunities to stay in the game including two missed field goal attempts by Senior Scott Schoettgen. Misses that Cendro attributes to the fact that the goal posts at Stagg Field are of regulation size for college rather than high school.

Another deciding factor was turnovers that were quickly taken advantage of by Manteca Quarterback Ruben Cedano and the rest of the Buffalo offense.

Senior standout running back Michael Turner opened the contest with a 76-yard Manteca scoring dash on the game´s first play from scrimmage. Junior Andre Patterson added a TD run of 80 yards later in the first half.

Cedano completed 10 for 16 in the air with one TD and no interceptions for a total of 215 yards.

Meanwhile, Sonora Quarterback Ryan Williston went eight for 26 with one interception and a 31-yard TD pass to Schoettgen. Sonora Senior John Canepa carried the ball ten times for 71 yards.

Despite the loss, Cendro says he is “very proud” of his team, saying they did an “outstanding job” in getting to this year´s championship, even when they weren´t expected to.

Cendro also says he´s excited about next year as he welcomes the addition of several players from what he calls a “tough and physical” JV squad.