Modesto JC has 'big' weapon

Modesto Junior College unveiled the biggest player in the school's 90-year football history Wednesday night at its Blue-White Scrimmage.

His name is Hema Vai, a one-man solar eclipse at 6-foot-3 and 390 pounds, and that's after a practice-sapping 20-pound weight-drop. He plays right guard, he works with the second-team offense, and equipment has been bought or modified to fit him.

"We have plans for him," Young said as he flashed an I-know-something-you-don't grin.

It's not that Vai roadgraded all obstacles — he didn't — during the Pirates' second and final instra-squad scrimmage before their season opener Sept. 11 at Sacramento City. He's just the perfect metaphor, if a bit oversized, for a youngish team walking into the unknown in 2010.

Modesto returns only six starters, four on offense, as it joins the tough Valley Conference for the first time since 2003. The scrimmage, held a night earlier than scheduled, revealed glimpses of hope and more than a few question marks.

Dexter Coward, a sophomore corner, intercepted a tipped pass and raced to the end zone. One play player, he forced an incompletion with a pad-cracking hit.

Young said Devin Combs, who has not played since he led the Oakdale Mustangs to a Sac-Joaquin Section title in 2007, has earned the starting quarterback job in a tight duel against Trevor Mew.

Wide receiver Donovan Wallace, one of California's most dangerous kick returners last fall, took part in the scrimmage but his eligibility is in question. He has yet to verify his passing of a summer-school course.

"He's ineligible right now but that might change," Young said.