Why the Merced College football team hasn’t been ‘irritated’ the last two weeks

With a bye last week, the Merced College football team has had two weeks to stew over their first loss of the season.

The Blue Devils (4-1, 1-1 Golden Coast Conference) lost a gut-wrenching 34-27 double-overtime game at Monterey Peninsula the last time they took the field.

The Blue Devils will finally get their chance to get back in the win column on Saturday night when Hartnell (3-2, 2-0) comes to Stadium ’76. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Merced College coach Bob Casey says he likes the response he’s seen from his players since the loss in practice.

“I do think it’s a culture thing,” Casey said. “In the past it’s kind of been like it is what it is. These guys feel like they let one get away. I’ve seen guys irritated by it. They’ve definitely been upset.”

Casey expects to see a physical Hartnell team that comes in tied with Monterey Peninsula atop the Golden Coast Conference at 2-0. The Blue Devils defeated Hartnell 14-13 in last years’ Stadium ’76 Bowl.

“They are a typical Hartnell team,” Casey said. “They play hard, tough. They’re going to get after you. They’re going to take advantage of every opportunity you give them. They’re aggressive on defense. They want to get you out of your comfort zone.”

Panthers quarterback Devon Daich has 964 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He’s averaging 241 passing yards per game, but Daich has only completed 61 of 128 passes and thrown five interceptions.

Keishawn Robinson leads the Hartnell rushing attack with 321 yards and three touchdowns. J’uan Campbell leads the receivers with 26 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns.

“Their offense controls the ball,” Casey said. “They are methodical in their approach. They are not trying to get into a high-scoring game.”

The Panthers have had only game decided by more than one touchdown and their defense is only giving up 17.6 points per game.

The Blue Devils are averaging 33 points per game. Quarterback Frank Cocio has passed for 1,220 yards and 15 touchdowns. Receiver Nick Cook is coming off a four-touchdown performance in Monterey and has caught 27 passes for 501 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Against their defense a lot of times you’re going to hit them for a big play or they’re going to get you for a loss,” Casey said.

Casey wants to see his team return to what worked for them the first four games, which was playing solid defense and taking advantage of mistakes.

“After starting the way they did, it would be a shame not to finish how they started,” Casey said. “We have a chance to get back on track at home against a good team.”

This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Why the Merced College football team hasn’t been ‘irritated’ the last two weeks."