Modesto rolls Into the 3C2A NorCal Championship game With 35–7 statement win over Diablo Valley

MODESTO, CA — On November 29, 2025, in front of a packed house of roaring fans at Pirate Stadium, Modesto Junior College delivered its most complete performance of the season, overpowering Diablo Valley 35–7 to advance in the 3C2A Football Playoffs and secure a spot in the Northern California Championship.

The win also completed Saturday's NorCal semifinal slate, locking in the two programs that will battle for the regional crown.

With the victory, this is the second straight season that Modesto advances to face No. 1 College of San Mateo for the Northern California title.

Davis Runs Wild, Pirates Roll

Running back Bryson Davis orchestrated a playoff masterpiece, erupting for 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. Every burst felt like a shout across the stadium—especially his 77-yard second-quarter bolt that shook the bleachers.

His scoring moments:

• 13:29, 2nd: 3-yard score to open the game

• 8:51, 2nd: 77-yard explosion down the sideline

• 5:09, 4th: 1-yard punch to slam the door

Behind him, the Pirates stampeded for 343 rushing yards, part of a balanced 495-yard offensive day.

Tafoya Steady Under the Spotlight

Quarterback DayDay Tafoya played with a calm, veteran pulse—11-of-15 for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He spread the ball to seven different receivers, hitting:

• Mateo Gallichio on a 9-yard strike before halftime

• Kade Clifton on a 9-yard touchdown in the fourth

Receivers Kurtis Maynor (56 yards) and Xzavier Clark (36 yards) added chunk plays to complement the ground assault.

A Defensive Frenzy Led by Booth's Monster Day

If the offense set the tempo, the defense wrote the anthem.

Jalonn Booth delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in program postseason history:

• 10 tackles

• 5.5 sacks

• 6.5 tackles for loss

• 1 forced fumble

He led a defensive wave that recorded eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and allowed Diablo Valley just 39 rushing yards on 28 attempts.

Defensive back Lebron Stallworth added a 37-yard interception return, while Robert Vargas and Reyes Diaz chipped in eight tackles each. From edge to interior, the pressure never cooled.

Diablo Valley's lone score—Kalani McLeod's 1-yard keeper late in the second quarter—was quickly overshadowed as Modesto controlled the second half with authority.

A Complete, Convincing Victory 

Modesto dominated across the stat sheet:

• First Downs: 27–19

• Total Offense: 495–269

• Rushing Yards: 343–39

• Time of Possession: 32:11–26:41

• Third Down Efficiency: 55%

Special teams added steady execution from kickers Emanuel Garibay and Isaac Padilla, who combined for a perfect 5-of-5 on extra points.

Despite 16 penalties, Modesto's control never wavered.

Next Up: 3C2A NorCal Championship

With the semifinal victory sealed, the No. 2-seeded Pirates march on to face No. 1 San Mateo, the defending NorCal powerhouse. One final hurdle stands between Modesto and a trip to the 3C2A State Championship.

The Pirates are peaking at the perfect time—and they look every bit ready for the moment.

(Modesto College Athletics)