By Al Camp
Chronicle staff

     Oroville’s young football squad turned in a sparkling 36-0 victory over Manson Oct. 3, a tradition that may well continue for several more years.
     Of the Hornets’ 36 players, 16 are freshmen and another seven are sophomores, according to coach Tam Hutchinson, who took only 23 players into the game against the Trojans.
     This year’s lone seniors are Luke Rowton, Justin Miller, Nate Swenson, Randy Wise, Carlos Herrera and Matt Kelly.
     The game, played under a drizzle at the kickoff, opened with Kelley catching a 32-yard pass from Preston Iverson (3-4, 66 yards) a little more than a minute into the game.
     Three minutes later, Miller caught a 17-yard pass from Iverson for another score.
     Iverson (10-88) wrapped up the first quarter scoring on a nifty 34-yard run.
     In the second quarter, Blaine Wagner scored on a two-yard dive followed by Nicky Perez (13-124) scoring on a 29-yard run.
     “I started subbing players in the first half,” Hutchinson said. “By early in the third quarter I had all my starters out.”
     Manson appeared to score late on a swing pass, but a penalty brought the ball out of the end zone.
     Rain caused handling problems for both teams.
     Perhaps the most memorable fumble was by Manson, with Oroville’s big brothers - Alex (5-10, 260) and Gabe (5-10, 270) Beltran fighting for the ball as it was kicked around on the ground.
     “They are about as wide as they are tall,” Hutchinson said.
     As Manson’s quarterback bent down for the ball, Alex Beltran picked him up and pulled him to one side. Gabe Beltran dived on the ball but could not hold on it. In the end, Oroville’s Taylor Maldonado was credited with a fumble recovery.
     “I’ve never seen one like that (fumble recovery),” Hutchinson said.
     As for injuries, Caleb Whitaker suffered a smashed hand but should be ready for this week’s game at Bridgeport at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10.
     Possibly out for the rest of the season will be Danish exchange student Rasmus Larson, who appeared to have broken a collar bone. Larson intercepted a pass but landed on his shoulder in doing so.
     Other offensive statistics include Miller rushing 7 times for 34 yards and Blaine Wagner going eight yards on four carries. Kyle Coggins caught a pass for 17 yards.
     Getting an interception were Miller, Wagner and Larson.
     Getting a fumble recovery were Randy Wise, Davis Castillo and Maldonado.
     Carlos Herrera had a blocked kick.
     Oroville defensive grading gave top marks to Wagner and Charlie DeMartino, who had a quarterback sack for a 10-yard loss and tackles that led to five yards lost.