ON THE FINAL PLAY, DOWNEY COACH JEREMY PLAA CALLS THE ALL-OR-NOTHING BLITZ TO HAND MODESTO ITS FIRST LOSS Jeremy Plaa has taken plenty of grief since taking over Downey High’s football program in 2007. First, he wasn’t a Modesto Man … then he ran this new-fangled offense that wasn’t Modesto Football … then he didn’t coach defense. But Plaa made the game fun … got new kids in the program … and he built the city’s most successful football program. Best of all … Friday’s thrilling 35-32 win over Modesto in a showdown between the Modesto Metro Conference’s top teams was decided by his high-risk, high-reward defense. On the fourth-and-goal play from the 4-yard line, with 2 seconds on the clock, Downey decided to blitz linebacker Justin Wojick rather than drop him into pass coverage. Want to see how? Thats why Black Hat Football shoots video – you can settle for only reading about the game (that’s a big yawn) or you read us AND watch the game. When Modesto QB Nathan Phillips rolled to his right on the game’s final play, he had only a moment to get rid of the ball – and no time to wait for his receiver to get open. Forced to throw the ball early, the pass fluttered to the ground and Downey’s student section – huddled on the sideline – stormed the field to celebrate with players. The teams first met 60 years ago and they have never played a game that could surpass this year’s classic. In an expected battle of QBs, Downey’s PJ Wilson ran for 50 yards, threw for 170 and tossed three TDs – two of those going to sophomore Isaiah Larry. Modesto’s QB Nate Phillips ran for 150 yards – his TD dash from midfield was one of the runs of the season – and threw for 190 yards. Downey (5-1, 2-0 MMC) is one of three teams unbeaten in the MMC, with Enochs (2-4, 2-0) and Gregori (4-1, 1-0). Enochs has beaten the two teams projected to finish sixth and seventh in the MMC, and Gregori won in OT Friday. It was the first loss for Modesto (5-1, 1-1), which has impressive wins over Turlock and Patterson. The Panthers have a bye before facing Gregori at Downey in two weeks. It’s safe to assume Downey and Modesto are going to the playoffs – six wins overall and two in conference are usually all that’s needed – but more wins means a higher seed. Expect only the MMC champ to host a payoff game.
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 22:05:41 +0000
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