It's win or else for MJC

Pirates must beat Laney for title shot

Ron Agostini
ragostini@modbee.com

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It doesn't take a calculus major or a football genius to weigh the importance of Friday night's game in Oakland between Laney and Modesto Junior College.

The winner will be positioned for a Golden Gate Conference title. The loser, especially if it's Modesto, will consider Plan B.

"These are two teams that know each other well. We almost mirror each other on defense," MJC coach Sam Young said. "It not only will be a battle of wills, it will also be a battle of wits."

The Pirates (2-1, 5-3) must win to stay in title contention and strengthen their Graffiti Bowl bid. Laney (3-0, 6-2), the GGC's only unbeaten team, needs only to stay on course.

The Eagles were extended, however, last week by Merced. A Blue Devil fumble inside the 10-yard line in the final moments preserved Laney's 25-20 victory.

"Laney has found a way to win each week. That's the sign of a good team," Young said.

Modesto reasserted itself with an impressive 35-7 pasting of Cabrillo last Saturday night at MJC Stadium. The Pirates, discouraged the week before by a loss at Chabot — their first GGC loss in three years — scored four touchdowns in the first 20 minutes against the Seahawks. Cabrillo rushed for only 10 yards.

Two new contributors have lightened the load on sophomore quarterback Greg Panelli. Receiver-kick-returner Donovan Wallace, a freshman from Riverbank, continued his big-play season by returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown.

Wide receiver Vince Andrews, a defensive back in 2007, caught nine passes for a school-record 213 yards and two touchdowns. He broke the record of 205 yards set by Kirk Clifton in the 1992 Bay Bowl. One of Clifton's teammates that season was current MJC offensive coordinator Rusty Stivers.

Laney and Modesto have met each season since 2002 with the Eagles holding a 4-3 advantage, including wins in the Graffiti Bowl in 2007 and '08.

The Pirates responded in Week 9 last season, however, with a 41-20 victory in a collision of unbeaten GGC teams. That set up the Pirates for their second straight league title.

"When we are focused, we have weapons. We had a good week of preparation last week and really buckled down. That's when we are explosive," Young said. "The games keep getting bigger for us each week."

NOTES — Matt Burkett handled kickoff chores last week in his first game since a collarbone injury three games ago, but Young said he'll stay with placekicker Zach Martin despite his first field-goal miss in six tries. ... Sophomore safety Rashad Childs, out the last two games (knee), is expected to play against Laney. ... The Pirates will finish the regular season a week from Saturday night at home against Merced.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.