MJC linebacker earns defensive MVP honor

Modesto Junior College linebacker Keith Yamamoto overcame a preseason injury and rebounded for a terrific sophomore season.

The graduate of Patterson was named the defensive MVP of the Golden Gate Conference, highlighting a list of 10 first-team selections from Modesto.

Yamamoto, 5-foot-10 and 225 pounds, totaled 55 tackles, 42 of them solo, recovered three fumbles and accounted for eight tackles-for-loss.

Leading the GGC first-team offense was MJC sophomore quarterback Greg Panelli, who passed for 2,673 yards and 25 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Receivers Vince Andrews (46 catches, 873 yards, 9 TDs) and Carlos Acosta (35-474-5) and running back Cody Ball (153 carries, 658 yards) also earned first-team honors along with lineman and team captain Pedro Rodriquez.

Yamamoto was joined on the first team by teammates Eric Crocker (2 interceptions) and Tyson Palacios (4 interceptions) at defensive back; linebacker Marcus McIlwain (52 tackles, 6 sacks) and lineman Oliver Pryor (47 tackles, 3 sacks).

They'll lead the Pirates (6-4) into the 17th annual Graffiti Bowl game Saturday afternoon against San Jose City at MJC Stadium.