MJC football prepares for Laney

The Modesto Junior College football team collectively exhaled this week.

The Pirates felt better, their food tasted better and their energy no doubt upticked after last weekend’s 57-23 victory at College of the Sequoias. Not only did the Pirates set aside their 1-4 start, they also opened the Valley Conference season with arguably their best effort to date.

The timing was just right for MJC (2-4, 1-5), which faces a more daunting challenge Saturday night at home against a good Laney team (3-3, 1-0). The Eagles from Oakland limited Fresno to only 286 net yards last week en route to an impressive 41-7 win.

Modesto thinks it’s improved, too, after it suffered 20 turnovers in the first five games (a minus 8 margin). Against COS, the Pirates didn’t commit a major error on offense and netted 603 yards. Spencer Thomas stabilized at quarterback by throwing five touchdown passes – tying a school record – while Anthony Cota rushed for 156 yards and scored by running and catching.

Receiver Ronnie Holley accounted for two touchdowns, including a 90-yarder late in the first half during which he caught a quick screen pass, shed a tackler and went the distance. That increased the MJC lead to 29-16 and preceded its second-half pull-away.

“Our emphasis on valuing the football really paid off,” head coach Sam Young said in reference to the team’s bye the previous week. “It was our best offensive performance of the year.”

Thomas, along with other teammates, used the week off to heal various injuries. He had not been fully healthy since his rib injury during the season opener at American River but, finally, was free to show off his arm against the Giants.

“Our line and receivers played great games. We haven’t had that in the past, including me,” Thomas said. “I’ve got a lot more confidence. It feels 100 percent now.”

The Pirates hope their difficult schedule, ranked the toughest in Northern California, has hardened them for the conference. The four teams that have beaten them are ranked in the NorCal’s top seven. American River, San Mateo and San Francisco – all victors over MJC – own a cumulative 16-2 record and are ranked 1-2-3 in the region.

Modesto’s defense continued its improvement though it’s not reflected in its 39.7-point allowance. Linebacker Jeremiah Walters logged four tackles and a sack, and safety Herman Harris had four tackles.

The Pirates will be tested by Laney quarterback Kurt Palandech, who passed for a touchdown and rushed for two TDs against Fresno. The Eagles converted eight of 13 third downs against the Rams, and running back Keith Anthony carried for three touchdowns.

“Laney had a convincing win over over a perennial power. This will be a showdown,” Young said.

This story was originally published October 23, 2014 at 7:55 PM with the headline "MJC football prepares for Laney."