MJC’s offense struggles as Pirates fall to College of San Mateo in NorCal Final
Modesto Junior College had a tall task heading into Saturday’s CCCAA NorCal championship game against No. 1 San Mateo.
The Bulldogs were 11-0, had only two games decided by 15 points or less and were playing at home.
The Pirates’ offense struggled mightily and MJC saw its season end with a 41-0 loss.
“Offensively, we could not move the ball and fumbled several times, putting our defense in difficult situations,” said Pirates coach Rusty Stivers, whose team finished the season 9-3.
MJC had 140 total yards — well below its 460-yard average — and fumbled four times, losing three. It also converted only four of 15 attempts on third down.
Sophomore quarterback Danny Velasquez (Turlock) was dealing with a shoulder injury, Stivers said, and he was removed in the second quarter and replaced by sophomore Brett Neves (Downey).
San Mateo, which beat the Pirates 35-12 earlier this season, led 7-0 after the first quarter and running back Jermain Jackson had two rushing touchdowns in the second as the Bulldogs led 24-0 at half.
Pirates sophomore linebacker Ferrin G Manuleleua (Manteca) had eight tackles and 2 1/2 tackles for a loss.
“They are the most talented team in all three phases and it showed today,” Stivers said.
