Champions! Modesto finishes job against Enochs

The scoreboard at halftime read 0-0 Friday night, a potential panic sign for the Modesto High Panthers.

No Modesto Metro Conference opponent had ventured within 27 points of the Panthers in four previous games. And here were the same Panthers, locked tight with the upstart Enochs Eagles with 24 minutes of football left to decide an MMC champion.

"The last four games had been over by halftime," coach Rod Long said. "This was something we had not had to respond to."

Tailback James Ingram and the Panthers responded.

Ingram carried 30 times for 209 yards, two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions, reason enough why Modesto (5-0, 7-3) turned back Enochs 28-13 for its third MMC title in the last five years.

"We came out a little shy and rough around the edges," said Ingram, a 175-pound senior who accelerates quickly when he breaks through the line. "We do work hard and our line blocks."

Nearly 3,000 huddled together on a chilly night at Chuck Hughes Stadium to watch the MMC's best teams. They arrived from different places -- Enochs (4-1, 5-5) countering from an 0-5 start and Modesto rolling with five straight wins.

The game was decided by Modesto's 275 rushing yards and three Enochs turnovers. Mia Feuu stepped in front of a Christian Kahler pass and sped 15 yards for the touchdown and a 28-7 lead with 3:36 left to start the MHS celebration.

"We feel we're in great condition. We had a great second half," Long said.

Enochs, which started more juniors than seniors, withstood Modesto's first-half charge. Kurtis Sewell, one of the juniors, keyed a defense which turned back the Panthers three times inside the 20-yard line to earn the scoreless tie.

The Eagles, led by running back J.T. Boles (21 carries, 152 yards), reached the Modesto 30 early in the second half. Their momentum vanished for good, however, when the snap from center sailed over Kahler's head and was recovered by Modesto's Matt Avila at the Enochs 45.

Ten plays later, quarterback Klayton Miller sneaked 1 yard for the game's first touchdown. That stabilized the Panthers.

Enochs, trailing 14-0, answered with five determined runs by Boles, the fifth a 19-yard rip off the left side for the TD. Modesto answered when Ingram, following 280-pound fullback Irae Hosea, darted 60 yards into the end zone.

"We fought but had too many mistakes," Enochs coach James Stacy summarized.