Pirates are good hosts

Game starts early due to long trip for Feather River

By Ron Agostini
ragostini@modbee.com

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No one can remember the last time Modesto Junior College Pirates staged a home day game in September.

The reasons are connected to the potential sizzling temperatures, a distinct possibility for the Pirates' upcoming game Saturday afternoon against Feather River.

In the case of MJC and Feather River, however, there is more than a little courtesy and reciprocation involved.

Feather River changed its kickoff time from the evening to 1 p.m. last year so Modesto could return home at a decent hour. The Pirates made the five-hour bus trip to Quincy and arrived around midnight Saturday and caught a quick night's sleep before the game.

MJC will return the favor Saturday via an earlier start. The Pirates also will hope for a different result. Feather River pushed across a touchdown with 25 seconds left to win 21-16 in 2008.

"They accommodated us last year, which was very nice. We'll do the same for them," MJC coach Sam Young said.

The Pirates (1-2) can't afford to extend any more favors. They've dropped their last two, the latter a 34-16 loss at Santa Rosa after they led 7-6 at halftime.

The Bear Cubs burned Modesto for big scoring plays in the second half, but the Pirates also reflected on zero points after four visits inside the Santa Rosa 20 yard line. Two turnovers and two missed field goals unraveled MJC.

Though the Pirates sacked Santa Rosa quarterback Grayson Galloway six times, they still were burned for four touchdown passes.

"We're not paying enough attention to detail. We have to play smarter," Young said. "It's not going to get any easier with Feather River and Sacramento City coming up."

Modesto also has been plagued by costly and ill-timed penalties during the losses to West Hills and Feather River. The Pirates have been whistled for nine personal fouls the first three games.

"We're very concerned about that and must show more emotional control over the course of the game," Young said. "It's a non-ending part of personal growth that each one of our players has to go through."

MJC also will stress sustaining its effort a full 60 minutes. Poor second halves hurt Modesto in both losses.

"We can't let the scoreboard dictate our attitude and technique. That's up to us," Young said. "I think sometimes we're just trying too hard. Just relax and make plays."

Sophomore quarterback Greg Panelli is ranked second in the state in pass completions (77) and eighth in passing yardage per game (267.3).

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