It was the Blake Nichelson Show at Guss Schmiedt Field on Friday.

Manteca High’s senior running back rushed for 202 yards on 23 carries, scoring six times in the 59-22 non-league slugfest over Turlock High.

“He makes everyone’s job easy,” said Buffaloes coach Mark Varnum of the 6-2, 205-pound Nichelson.

His team improved to 4-0 with Bryson Davis scoring twice.

Manteca’s ground game also left Bulldog coach James Peterson in awed.

Turlock (1-3) continued to play a tough schedule early on, losing to the likes of Central Section powers Clovis West and Central High of Fresno.

“We’re a young team and we play that way,” said Peterson. “We have some dynamic players.

“We just need to be more consistent.”

Manteca jumped out to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Turlock (1-3) caught its big break when quarterback Cole Gilbert connected on 78-yard pass play to Peter Mello on a third and very long. Gilbert punched it in from a yard out.

The Buffaloes answered back, taking advantage of the short field and scoring on Davis touchdown run.

The Bulldogs responded with JT Foreman II taking advantage of a gaping hole up the middle, racing 67 yards to paydirt.

The seesaw battle continued through the second with Nichelson scoring on a short run and Foreman hooking up with Gilbert on 18-yard score. Vincent Gonzales’ PAT run made it 35-22 at the half.

Gilbert completed 13 of his 25 passes for 228 yards with one interception.

Mello caught four passes for 123 yards.