Agostini: Tradition on display at Modesto JC

The mere concept of homecoming doesn't apply at many community colleges. What kind of attachment can you develop at a school in only two years?

Flying in the face of this fact is Modesto Junior College, an institution with roots nearly a century deep. And, yes, it will celebrate its homecoming football game tonight at 7 o'clock against West Hills of Coalinga.

"We are the oldest community college district in California (1921)," reminds Turlock's Bryan Justin Marks, a former student body president and now the president of the 1,000-member MJC Alumni Association. "The district was started by the people. That's the beauty of it. Our college and our town go hand in hand."

All fans tonight will file through a 40-foot "tunnel" decorated by vintage MJC photos and memorabilia. Also featured are a Pirate Playland for kids and free Pirate Pride T-shirts to the first 100 ticketholders.

MJC's tradition is further illustrated by Escalon's Merle Mensinger, 78, a member of the Class of 1950. His father, Merle Sr., was the captain of the first MJC football team, and the son fastens the family ties by organizing a reunion next spring for the classes of 1949, '50 and '51.

"It's personal. Many members of our family attended MJC. My wife Betty and I are in the same class," Mensinger said. "People still care. MJC has been an excellent institution over the years."

Another loyal MJC alum is local barber Richard Barboza, whose son Rick carried the ball for both the Pirates and UC Davis. Barboza still attends the games and even trims the hair of MJC coach Sam Young and several campus instructors.

"I like football and I've got customers who went to MJC and who are there now," Barboza said. "It's still fun."

Football-wise, MJC will pick up its second straight win if it repeats last week's formula against San Joaquin Delta — zero turnovers, nearly 40 minutes of possession time and a solid performance by quarterback Greg Panelli.

West Hills, which fell to the Pirates 39-21 last year, suffered a tough 27-22 loss at home last week to Foothill.

"Foothill was lucky to have won that game," Young said. "West Hills is very athletic and they're fast everywhere."

Modesto, ranked 18th in California, sprinted to a quick 20-0 lead against Delta. Lineman Imani Brown was named the team's defensive player of the week, and fellow linemen Travis Winans, Sean McCloud and Blake Carter also were responsible for Delta's scant 188 net yards.

Tonight, the defense must contain West Hills' scrambling QB Tate Humphrey and receiver Travis Jacubowski.

"To expect the game to break again like last year's game, or last week's, would be a little naive," Young said. "We will strive again for a mix of run and pass."

Reach staff writer Ron Agostini at ragostini@modbee.com