Merced College football heads to Monterey in search of first 5-0 start since 1986.
The Merced College football team will hit the road as the Blue Devils try to continue their early season success.
Merced College (4-0, 1-0 Golden Coast Conference) will make the trip to Monterey to face Monterey Peninsula (2-2, 1-0) at 6 p.m.
A win and the Blue Devils will be 5-0 for the first time since 1986.
Merced College is coming off a thrilling 31-28 win over West Hills of Coalinga, overcoming a 14-0 deficit at the half.
Blue Devils sophomore Frank Cocio completed 20 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Cocio has passed for 949 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Nick Cook hauled in nine catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns against West Hills. Elijah Macklin added four catches for 99 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown catch that give the Blue Devils the 31-28 lead with 5:13 left in the game.
The Blue Devils remained at No. 18 in the JC Athletic Bureau’s California Community College Football Coaches Poll this week. Merced College also stayed at No. 1 in the Northern California American Division in this week’s California Community College Athletic Association/California Community College Football Coaches Association poll.
Monterey Peninsula is coming off a 51-27 win over Gavilan last week and has won two consecutive games after starting 0-2.
The Lobos scored 41 points in the first half against Gavilan as Monterey Peninsula returned a punt, fumble and an interception for a touchdown in the first two quarters.
Lobos quarterback Hunter Raquet has passed for 727 yards and six touchdowns this season. Freshman running back Hunter Frye has rushed for 345 yards and five touchdowns.
Merced College linebacker David Perales continues to be a force with 8 and 1/2 sacks this season. Demarkus Jones leads MC with 28 tackles.
The Blue Devils will have a bye next week and then will host Hartnell on Saturday, Oct. 14.
This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Merced College football heads to Monterey in search of first 5-0 start since 1986.."