December 2, 2024

Modesto Edges Fresno City in Double-Overtime Thriller

In a nail-biting showdown under a cold and foggy afternoon, Modesto Junior College clinched a hard-fought 31-28 victory over Fresno City in double overtime. The game showcased explosive plays, resilient drives, and clutch performances, leaving almost 3000 fans on the edge of their seats until the game's final whistle.

The game opened with Fresno City asserting themselves, capping a methodical 15-play, 70-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run by Andrew Chavez. Johnny Enriquez's extra point put the Rams up 7-0. But Modesto responded with a bang at the end of the first quarter when Luke Weaver launched an 80-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Butler. Manuel Duran's successful PAT tied the game at 7-7.

In the second quarter, Fresno regained the lead on a spectacular 41-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Markarian to Nahzae Cox. Enriquez's kick made it 14-7. Modesto trimmed the deficit with a 26-yard field goal by Duran, capping a 66-yard drive and bringing the score to 14-10 at halftime.

The third quarter belonged to Modesto, as they seized the momentum. Duran added another field goal, this time from 22 yards, to make it 14-13. Moments later, Weaver connected with Trace Hernandez on an electrifying 88-yard touchdown pass. Duran's extra point put Modesto ahead 20-14.

Fresno struck back early in the fourth quarter. Markarian found Veltray Jefferson for a 16-yard touchdown, regaining a 21-20 lead after Enriquez's kick. Modesto answered with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Weaver to Joey Stout, followed by a successful two-point conversion again to Stout, making it 28-21.

Fresno wouldn't go quietly. Markarian orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard drive, punctuated by his own 1-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 28-28 with just over two minutes left. Regulation ended with the teams deadlocked, sending the game into overtime.

After a scoreless first overtime, which saw a Ram's blocked field goal attempt by the Pirates Malachi Butler, MJC's Duran then delivered the decisive blow in the second overtime, nailing a 36-yard field goal to secure the victory.

The victory boosts Modesto's record to 9-2 on the season, while Fresno City falls to 8-3. Both teams demonstrated championship-caliber effort, but Modesto's big plays and steady kicking game made the difference in a classic clash of Valley Conference foes. The Pirates take on the #1 seed Bulldogs of San Mateo on December 7 at 12:05pm for the 3C2A NorCal Finals.

Key Performers

• Luke Weaver (Modesto): 3 TD passes, 302 passing yards, including an 88-yarder.

• Ryan Markarian (Fresno): 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 294 total yards.

• Manuel Duran (Modesto): 3-for-3 on field goals, including the game-winner in double overtime.