Downey, Modesto QBs share Modesto Metro Conference MVP honors

With fall sports nearing their completion, ’tis the season for year-end awards.

The Modesto Metro Conference has released all-conference teams for football, tennis, water polo and golf.

Downey quarterback P.J. Wilson and Modesto quarterback Nate Phillips were named co-MVPs of the MMC, while Downey’s Jakob Magana was named Outstanding Defensive Back/Linebacker of the Year. Downey’s Jeremy Plaa, who guided his team to the MMC title, was named Coach of the Year.

Beyer running back Jay Green was the league’s Outstanding Back/Receiver, and teammate Kenny Severe was tabbed Outstanding Offensive Lineman. Gregori’s Ezra Ruiz was named Outstanding Defensive Player, Modesto’s Will Gallo earned Outstanding Defensive Lineman, and Talolo Limu-Jones of Davis was picked as Special Teams Player of the Year.

Phillips’ season ended a week sooner than Wilson’s when Modesto lost to Franklin of Elk Grove 24-10 in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs.

For the season, Phillips completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,166 yards (197 per game) and 19 touchdowns with four interceptions. He also ran 131 times for 1,337 yards (122 per game and 10.2 yards per carry) and seven TDs. In conference play, Phillips completed 60 percent of his tosses for 1,038 yards (173 per game) with 10 TDs and two picks; he ran the ball 76 times for 663 yards (110 yards per game and 8.7 per attempt).

“This award could have gone to a number of players on various teams, and I’m truly blessed to be able to share the award with P.J.,” Phillips said. “Sharing the award isn’t a disappointment in any way. ... When a team beats you for league champs and is able to go farther than you in the playoffs, it would be expected that the best player on the best team be awarded MVP. The fact that our team didn’t accomplish what the Knights did really shows the respect that the coaches had for me when we played each other, and that means a lot.”

Wilson extended his season by rallying Downey to a 20-19 win over Antelope in a Division II playoff opener, but the Knights’ season ended with a 63-21 loss to top-seeded Grant.

In 12 games, Wilson completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,901 yards, 34 touchdowns and six interceptions; he carried 87 times for 590 yards (6.8 per carry) and 15 TDs. In six MMC games, Wilson connected on 68 percent of his throws with 16 TDs and three picks; he ran 41 times for 275 yards (6.7 per carry) and seven touchdowns.

“It’s a huge honor to even be considered for the award, let alone winning it,” Wilson said. “I personally do not mind sharing the award. I didn’t even know that was something that can be shared. Nate is an outstanding player, and he deserves the award in my book. It was an honor to play against such a talented player.”

Football wasn’t the only sport where Downey and Modesto players shared MVP honors. It also happened in girls water polo, where the Knights’ Tara Salazar and the Panthers’ Sophia Mesches were selected co-MVPs. On the boys side, Downey goalie Michael Hicks was tabbed most valuable.

In girls tennis, two-time reigning MMC champ Symone Jacques of Beyer was again the MVP, and Enochs’ Alyse Padilla earned the honor in girls golf.

This story was originally published November 24, 2014 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Downey, Modesto QBs share Modesto Metro Conference MVP honors."