Modesto JC defense keys come-from-behind win over Sacramento City

For the second week in a row, the Modesto Junior College Pirates saved their best for the fourth quarter.

The Pirates, ranked seventh in California, pulled away for a hard-fought 31-20 nonleague win over Sacramento City on Saturday night at Hughes Stadium. Modesto blanked Sac 10-0 in the fourth quarter, a week after its fourth-period rally from an 18-point deficit to defeat Diablo Valley.

The MJC defense played a starring role this night. It allowed only six points in the second half and notched a touchdown earlier on Jevan Hogan’s scoop and 60-yard return of a fumble.

“The defense played extremely well,” MJC coach Rusty Stivers said. “Even though we struggled on offense most of the game, we were able to sustain a drive late.”

Modesto (3-1), beset by mistakes and penalties throughout the first half, took the lead to stay on a two-yard run by Andre Edwards and a conversion by Thomas Langley to lead 21-20 midway through the third quarter.

From that point, Modesto dominated the game and shut out Sac City (1-3) over the final quarter and a half. A diving interception by Bryan Pascual set up a short field by Langley early in the fourth quarter for a 24-20 lead.

The MJC defense blitzed often and harassed Panthers quarterback Taylor Laird, who was starting in only his second collegiate game. A fourth-down sack near midfield was the prelude for a determined closing drive and the clinching touchdown, a six-yard burst by Aden Ruiz (18 carries, 90 yards) with 1:38 to go. A 30-yard rip on third down by quarterback Trey Cooper (19 carries, 78 yards) set up the score.

“Aden and Trey both were banged up, but they gave us hard yards on that drive,” Stivers said. “They were mentally tough.”

Cooper, who passed for 179 yards, overcame two interceptions early in the second half. Sac City took a 20-14 lead on a circus catch in the end zone by Keylan Mack but pulled the extra point – a successful kick was negated by a penalty – a miss that proved crucial later.

Sac City started fast and scored on its first series as Julio Ayala sped 67 yards through the heart of the defense for a 7-0 lead. Modesto didn’t answer until Cooper’s four-yard run for the tying touchdown late in the opening period.

Modesto rushed for 217 yards and outgained Sac City 396-290. The Pirates would have taken charge earlier if not for 17 penalties for 145 yards.

“It wasn’t pretty,” Stivers summarized. “We showed a good sideline demeanor and battled through. I thought our defense and special teams won it for us.”

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 10:29 PM with the headline "Modesto JC defense keys come-from-behind win over Sacramento City."