Diablo Valley, another top-5 rival, to test Modesto Junior College

The Modesto Junior College Pirates believe they improved in defeat last weekend. Diablo Valley will test that theory Saturday night.

Such is the state of the Pirates (1-1) going into the home against Diablo Valley (2-0). The Vikings, rolling after impressive victories over Feather River and Chabot, present another major obstacle for the men in blue.

If you’re keeping track, Diablo Valley – ranked fifth among the 69 California community college teams – is the third straight top-five opponent for 14th-ranked Modesto. Yes, it doesn’t get any easier for the Pirates after their hard-fought 51-41 loss at third-ranked San Mateo.

“We feel in the long run this will make us a better program,” MJC coach Rusty Stivers said in reference to another rugged early-season schedule.

Diablo Valley scorched Chabot last weekend 26-10 behind 330 passing yards and two touchdowns by Drew Anderson. The Vikings feature a sophisticated high-risk defense, with all 11 players sometimes crowding within five yards of the line. Brandon Brown kicked four field goals and controlled field position with long kickoffs.

“It’s like playing (against) a goal-line defense all the time,” Stivers said. “They like to play man defense in the secondary, but they also do a good job of disguising zone coverage. That defense gives people fits.”

DVC coach Mike Darr orchestrates that defense, which will be tested by Stivers’ high-tempo NASCAR offense.

The Vikings, 7-4 last year, qualified for a bowl game for the seventh straight season. Modesto limited the Vikings to only a field goal in the fourth quarter, however, for a 28-27 win a year ago. All signs point toward another close game.

MJC quarterback Trey Cooper has impressed teammates and opponents with his physicality. The 230-pounder gashed San Mateo for 110 rushing yards and four touchdowns and, the week before, passed for two touchdowns in a 41-10 win over American River. His only major error was a soft pass over the middle that resulted in an interception and a 51-yard touchdown return last weekend.

“He’s been phenomenal,” Stivers said. “He’s been running people over and also running away from them.”

The Modesto offense has rolled through two games. Most impressive was its 446 net yards against San Mateo. Running back Aden Ruiz has totaled 196 yards and two touchdowns to date.

In fact, Modesto outgained San Mateo 446-276 and limited the Bulldogs to only 106 yards at halftime. Poor kickoff coverage led to three San Mateo touchdowns in the first half, however, and 20 penalties for 187 yards escorted MJC to defeat. Five pass interference penalties were especially damaging.

“You can see the development of the San Mateo program in special teams and depth,” Stivers said. “Field position was a big deal in this game. We put the points up, but in the end, it’s about the success as a team. We do feel we’re closing the gap. We’ve got to do a better job in practice (regarding the penalties). Guys get away with things in practice. We’re taking a better look at all that stuff.”

Notes Kickoff is at 6 p.m. at MJC Stadium.

▪ Linebacker Justin Van Fleet was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Week and Cooper was the honoree on offense. San Mateo coach Bret Pollack said the Bulldogs often ran their plays away from Van Fleet. Stivers also singled out defensive linemen Jeremy Upersa, Kyle Dawson, Kody Day, Andy Jennings and KeAndre Anderson. Offensive tackles Niles Graham and Cristian Romo also have started strong.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Diablo Valley, another top-5 rival, to test Modesto Junior College."