The Unsung Defensive Stout

By ROBERT SHORT 

The Tower 

Manteca HIgh’s Alijah Hawkins blitzing to the line in a game against Lincoln at Gus Schmiedt Field on September 19, 2025. 

MANTECA - Within the crowded Manteca High defense, there lies a force unnoticed by many. Despite his size, he makes his presence felt in the trenches every play.  

Defensive tackle Alijah Hawkins, a swift 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior, has been an important piece to Manteca’s suffocating defense. 

With it being his first year starting, Hawkins credits his biggest motivators being his strive for improvement and his hard work dedicated to football. He has used what he has been given and has thrived on the opportunity since being named a full-time starter on the defense. 

“I worked really hard. I worked hard in the weight room and on the field. That’s how I was able to gain trust, respect, and opportunities,” Hawkins said. 

Hawkins played fullback and offensive linemen in his first two years with the Buffaloes. Going into junior year as a varsity player, he made his final change to the defensive line as a defense tackle where he has performed well. 

Thus far, Hawkins has tallied 29 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss. This year he made a crucial fumble recovery to win an important game to keep the Buffaloes rolling. 

On September 13, 2025, Manteca High escaped with a tight win against Marin Catholic with a score of 15-14. Manteca was able to pull away with the win on the final drive of the game as linebacker Kyrin Barajas forced a fumble that was recovered by Hawkins to seal the game. 

Teammates and coaches were absolutely fired up to win such a tough game in such a poetic way with their defense rallying together to make a play when it mattered most. 

“This year he has taken things to the next level; he has such a huge motor and makes plays every game.” head coach Mark Varnum said. 

Hawkins attributes his success to his teammates as they have been instrumental in his growth and development as a player, specifically Xyloh Kuresa, Robert Nelson, and Solo Vave. He loves being among the best and going up against the best every practice. 

“Linemen like Mike and Kevin, they are really good linemen so going up against them in practice makes me better as a player because that’s not something I'm going to see on game day, because they are better than everyone else,” Hawkins said. 

Coach Varnum and other staff have a ton of love and respect for Hawkins for his drive to get better and being a great player to have on a football team. The staff always points out his outward and loud personality when on the field. 

“He is the ultimate pest in the best way possible; he drives linemen crazy because of how tough he is to block. He looks small but is as strong as everyone out there and is a pain to go against because of his playstyle and talk,” Varnum said. 

As the season gets closer to the playoffs, Hawkins hopes to accomplish some goals he set for himself prior to the season. He understands that goals are important to have as to set a benchmark for what to expect from himself for the season. 

“I hope to average a sack a game and score another touchdown this year, whether it is a fumble or interception, I just want to score again and get my sack numbers up,” Hawkins said.