April 26, 2025
Cota, Booth Lead MJC into Spring Football Game April 28th @ 5:00pm
Modesto, CA — The Modesto Junior College Pirates are putting a bow on a competitive and productive spring football camp, as they now turn their full attention to the annual Spring Game, set for this Monday at 5 p.m. at Pirate Stadium. The game will serve as the first real showcase of the 2025 squad, featuring live reps and a final opportunity for players to make their mark before summer break. The Pirates are shooting for the 5th straight Valley Conference Championship.
Defensive Breakdown
On the defensive side of the ball, the Pirates' defense have shown speed, power, and versatility in multiple looks. The Pirates lose Mario Savala (Sacramento State) but return a strong group of veterans and are excited about the new additions to the program.
Defensive Front:
The defensive line has been disruptive throughout spring, consistently getting pressure during simulated scrimmages. The front is led by returning All-League and All-State defensive end Jalonn Booth (6'3 235 of Merced High). "Jalonn Booth has been practically unblockable in scrimmages, forcing the offense to modify plays because of his abilities", said Coach Stivers. Jack Hinchey (6'3 245 of Downey High) has been a physical force on the other edge of the defense. Fermin Villegas (6'1 300 of LeGrand), Zane Wheeler (6'5 300 of Gregori), LeBron Stallworth (6'4 225 of Ceres), and Tyler Sells (6'4 250 of Sonora) have also had a great spring and look forward to making plays on Monday.
The defensive line has been disruptive throughout spring, consistently getting pressure during simulated scrimmages. The front is led by returning All-League and All-State defensive end Jalonn Booth (6'3 235 of Merced High). "Jalonn Booth has been practically unblockable in scrimmages, forcing the offense to modify plays because of his abilities", said Coach Stivers. Jack Hinchey (6'3 245 of Downey High) has been a physical force on the other edge of the defense. Fermin Villegas (6'1 300 of LeGrand), Zane Wheeler (6'5 300 of Gregori), LeBron Stallworth (6'4 225 of Ceres), and Tyler Sells (6'4 250 of Sonora) have also had a great spring and look forward to making plays on Monday.
Linebackers:
The linebacker core has been led by returning All American and Valley Conference MVP Alijah Cota (6 '1 230 of Manteca). "Alijah Cota has shown in the spring that he is a big time player and will be playing Division 1 football in the near future". Cota has been causing havoc in practice with inside linebacker Roberto Vargas (6' 1 245 of West) and Jerado Ponce (6' 1 225 of Hilmar). The Pirates have also received strong performances from Logan Durkee (6' 1 245 of Turlock) and Reyes Diaz (6'0 200 of LeGrand).
The linebacker core has been led by returning All American and Valley Conference MVP Alijah Cota (6 '1 230 of Manteca). "Alijah Cota has shown in the spring that he is a big time player and will be playing Division 1 football in the near future". Cota has been causing havoc in practice with inside linebacker Roberto Vargas (6' 1 245 of West) and Jerado Ponce (6' 1 225 of Hilmar). The Pirates have also received strong performances from Logan Durkee (6' 1 245 of Turlock) and Reyes Diaz (6'0 200 of LeGrand).
Secondary:
The Pirates have a young and promising group of defensive backs in camp and are excited about the infusion of new players. Working in the safety positions for the spring have been Thomas Perea (5 '10 200 of Manteca), Reggieon Foster (5' 11 180 of Gregori) and Frank Callum (6 '4 210 of Patterson). The Pirates have many new faces working at corner with Charles Wright (5 '9 180 of Lathrop), Noah Refell (6'3 200 of Kimball), Destiny Egwudeh (5' 10 170 of Modesto Christian), and Jaylen Blacksher (5 '10 185 of Edison).
The Pirates have a young and promising group of defensive backs in camp and are excited about the infusion of new players. Working in the safety positions for the spring have been Thomas Perea (5 '10 200 of Manteca), Reggieon Foster (5' 11 180 of Gregori) and Frank Callum (6 '4 210 of Patterson). The Pirates have many new faces working at corner with Charles Wright (5 '9 180 of Lathrop), Noah Refell (6'3 200 of Kimball), Destiny Egwudeh (5' 10 170 of Modesto Christian), and Jaylen Blacksher (5 '10 185 of Edison).
Offensive Breakdown
The offense has made significant strides this spring as it works to replace All American QB Luke Weaver (University of Hawaii) and All State Wide Receiver Joey Stout (Northern Arizona).
Quarterbacks:
Cole Gilbert (6'2 190 of Turlock) has taken the majority of the first team reps and has shown flashes as a dual threat QB with exceptional speed. Working to also replace Luke Weaver is Merced College QB transfer Hudson Wyatt (6'2 190 of Manteca). Conner Bailey (6'2 190 of Gregori) and Donovan Rosevink (6' 2 200 of Escalon) will also take reps at the QB position.
Cole Gilbert (6'2 190 of Turlock) has taken the majority of the first team reps and has shown flashes as a dual threat QB with exceptional speed. Working to also replace Luke Weaver is Merced College QB transfer Hudson Wyatt (6'2 190 of Manteca). Conner Bailey (6'2 190 of Gregori) and Donovan Rosevink (6' 2 200 of Escalon) will also take reps at the QB position.
Running Backs:
The running back group at MJC this spring has been extremely impressive. Merced College transfer Tyler Jacklich (6'1 215 of Central Catholic) is a fierce competitor and currently has offers from Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech. Bryson Davis (6'0 220 of Manteca) is ready to play and continues to show why he was one of the top high school football recruits in the Stanislaus district. Aiden Muhammad (5 '10 200 of Enochs) and Lincoln University transfer Jamin Miller (5' 10 190 of Escalon) have also had a good spring and look forward to carrying the football Monday.
The running back group at MJC this spring has been extremely impressive. Merced College transfer Tyler Jacklich (6'1 215 of Central Catholic) is a fierce competitor and currently has offers from Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech. Bryson Davis (6'0 220 of Manteca) is ready to play and continues to show why he was one of the top high school football recruits in the Stanislaus district. Aiden Muhammad (5 '10 200 of Enochs) and Lincoln University transfer Jamin Miller (5' 10 190 of Escalon) have also had a good spring and look forward to carrying the football Monday.
Tight Ends/Fullbacks:
The Pirates return two talented tight ends from 2024 that continue to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Maxwell Friedman (6'5 235 of Stone Ridge Christian) and Glenn Weber (6'6 245 of Oakdale) have been solid this spring and look to help lead the offense in the run and passing game. A new addition to the offense this spring is fullback Mateo Gallichio (6'0 245 of Gustine).
The Pirates return two talented tight ends from 2024 that continue to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Maxwell Friedman (6'5 235 of Stone Ridge Christian) and Glenn Weber (6'6 245 of Oakdale) have been solid this spring and look to help lead the offense in the run and passing game. A new addition to the offense this spring is fullback Mateo Gallichio (6'0 245 of Gustine).
Wide Receivers:
Leading the attack this spring has been returning All League wide receiver Trace Hernandez (5'10 180 of Central Catholic). A deep threat last season, Trace holds an offer from the University of Nevada. A talented receiver that battled injuries last year is Kurtis Maynor (6'3 180 of Tracy). Kurtis had a breakout game in the playoffs and will be a strong presence this season. Another returner that made big plays last season is slot receiver Xzavier Clark (5'10 180 of Ripon). Receivers that look to play multiple roles this upcoming year are Colton Dukes (6 '1 190 of Atwater) and Merced College transfer Kade Clifton (5' 10 180 of Sonora).
Leading the attack this spring has been returning All League wide receiver Trace Hernandez (5'10 180 of Central Catholic). A deep threat last season, Trace holds an offer from the University of Nevada. A talented receiver that battled injuries last year is Kurtis Maynor (6'3 180 of Tracy). Kurtis had a breakout game in the playoffs and will be a strong presence this season. Another returner that made big plays last season is slot receiver Xzavier Clark (5'10 180 of Ripon). Receivers that look to play multiple roles this upcoming year are Colton Dukes (6 '1 190 of Atwater) and Merced College transfer Kade Clifton (5' 10 180 of Sonora).
Offensive Line:
The Pirates have battled multiple injuries in the trenches this spring but picked up talented newcomers. Returning All League tackle Bryson McMichael (6'4 300 of Manteca) has been sidelined but will lead a talented group that improved immensely through the spring. Returning starter Tristan Brace (6'5 340 of Orestimba) will also miss the spring game. Alex Cardenas (6'2 300 of Hilmar) and Navi Arretche (6'4 315 of Hughson) are back this season and primed for a great year. Roman Foumai (6'3 395 of Central Catholic) returns from the 2023 season and has worked well with College of San Mateo transfer Troy Leota (6'3 315 of Central Catholic). Jacob Rauch (6'7 340 of Escalon) and Nate Lozano (6'0 300 of Patterson) round out this talented group.
The Pirates have battled multiple injuries in the trenches this spring but picked up talented newcomers. Returning All League tackle Bryson McMichael (6'4 300 of Manteca) has been sidelined but will lead a talented group that improved immensely through the spring. Returning starter Tristan Brace (6'5 340 of Orestimba) will also miss the spring game. Alex Cardenas (6'2 300 of Hilmar) and Navi Arretche (6'4 315 of Hughson) are back this season and primed for a great year. Roman Foumai (6'3 395 of Central Catholic) returns from the 2023 season and has worked well with College of San Mateo transfer Troy Leota (6'3 315 of Central Catholic). Jacob Rauch (6'7 340 of Escalon) and Nate Lozano (6'0 300 of Patterson) round out this talented group.
Specialist:
Manuel Duran (5 '10 195 of LeGrand) returns after leading the Pirates with a double OT field goal against Fresno in the CCCAA state playoffs.
Manuel Duran (5 '10 195 of LeGrand) returns after leading the Pirates with a double OT field goal against Fresno in the CCCAA state playoffs.
Monday April 28th - 5:00pm
Admission is free and open to the public, and the program is encouraging Pirate fans, families, and alumni to come out and support the team as they wrap up spring football.
Admission is free and open to the public, and the program is encouraging Pirate fans, families, and alumni to come out and support the team as they wrap up spring football.