MJC’s ground game, stout defense in second half overwhelm Reedley
Gino Campiotti and Anthony Frias each rushed for over 120 yards to lead the Modesto Junior College football team to a 35-20 victory over Reedley College on Saturday.
Campiotti, the quarterback and former Manteca High standout, threw for two touchdowns and rushed for 130 yards and another score as the Pirates improved to 5-2 overall, 2-0 in the Valley Conference.
Meanwhile, Frias (Turlock High) had 121 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-yard run late in the third quarter to give MJC a 28-13 lead after his 1-yard carry put the Pirates ahead 21-6 in the second quarter.
Overall, MJC rushed for 369 yards.
The Pirates are tied for first place in the Valley Conference with Fresno (6-1, 2-0), which plays at Modesto next Saturday. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Against Reedley, the Pirates struck first when Campiotti scored on a 37-yard run with 7 minutes, 15 seconds left in the first quarter. About six minutes later, Campiotti, who completed 7 of 15 passes for 72 yards, connected with Landen Lucas (Beyer) on a 6-yard scoring play for a 13-0 lead.
Lucas’ touchdown was set up by an interception at the goal line by MJC’s Zelmar Vedder (East Union), who returned it 49 yards to midfield.
Following Frias’ first touchdown with 37 seconds left before halftime, Shemar Kirk returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards as the Tigers got to within 20-13 at halftime.
The MJC defense then held Reedley to three punts and a missed field goal attempt on its first four possession of the second half.
Frias scored again and early in the fourth quarter, Campiotti connected with Dalton Durossette (Central Catholic) on a 26-yard scoring play to put the Pirates in control.
This story was originally published October 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
