Modesto holds back stubborn Enochs for homecoming win

Modesto High’s homecoming was filled with all the right fare: Floats, queens, kings and, yes, a little drama on the football field.

Fortunately for the Panthers, they shook free from the stubborn Enochs Eagles in the second half for a 48-35 Modesto Metro Conference victory Friday night at Johansen High’s Dan Gonsalves Stadium.

The win means a likely playoff berth for Modesto (7-1, 3-1) and hurts Enochs’ post-season hopes.

Modesto quarterback Nate Phillips stayed true to his season-long form and anchored the Panthers all night. He threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 96 yards and a TD, and passed for a 2-pointer.

The Panthers didn’t clinch it until the 1:38 mark, however, when Phillips – rolling to his left and drawing the defense to him – tossed 7 yards to Kendall McNair in the end zone.

It was the third touchdown of the night for McNair, who connected with Phillips for Modesto’s first TD and also returned a kickoff 91 yards during the second quarter. McNair hardly broke stride as he raced down the middle of the field and veered to his left to finish.

Still, nothing came easily for Modesto, which couldn’t stop Enochs (3-6, 3-2) during a wild first half. The Eagles took a 28-21 late in the half on a 4-yard run by quarterback Shawn Munoz. Modesto answered on Phillips’ 7-yard run before halftime for a 28-28 tie.

Enochs, sharper on offense after last week’s 40-14 loss to Downey, offered a stiff argument this night.

“It’s nice sometimes when it’s not easy, and it wasn’t easy,” Modesto coach Rich Alkire said. “Enochs puts a lot of pressure on you. We’ll take it even though it wasn’t our best.”

Enochs rushed for 320 yards, in fact, and outgained the Panthers 410-337. The fleet Eddie Alderson totaled 170 yards and three touchdowns, including a 77-yarder on the Eagles’ third snap of the game. Munoz ran for 110 yards.

Modesto took the lead to stay early in the second half after an airmailed Enochs punt snap was recovered at the 1, leading to the second of two touchdowns by Antonio Perez.

A nifty ad-lib by Phillips extended the lead. From the Enochs 20, Phillips retreated to nearly the 40, bought more time with his legs before he found backup fullback Matthew McElroy, who trotted in from the 5.

“Our line on that play was better than my throw. They did a great job moving with me,” Phillips said. “(Receiver) Will Gallo drew both safeties and that created room for the pass.”

Defensively, Modesto tightened in the second half. Big hits by Gallo rallied the Panthers, who stopped Enochs at its own 38 to set up the game-clinching score.

Though the Panthers almost always give up pounds to their opponents, they cover with resourceful athletes like Phillips.

“We’re ready to adjust when Nate starts inventing things,” Alkire said.

This story was originally published October 24, 2014 at 11:54 PM with the headline "Modesto holds back stubborn Enochs for homecoming win."