The MSJC football team got the 2019-20 school year off to a strong start for the Eagle Athletic Department as they recorded an 8-3 record and earned a trip to the Western States Bowl.
The Eagles started the season on fire as they won their first six games, averaging over 41 points per game during that time. MSJC topped 42 points four times during that stretch including hitting the 50 point plateau twice. A tough two-game stretch followed as the Eagles lost to San Bernardino Valley 38-23 and then fell in dramatic fashion at Antelope Valley 21-20. With two regular season games remaining, the Eagles found themselves in must win situations against College of the Desert and Citrus. MSJC answered the bell as they won the annual Palms to Pines Trophy game over COD 34-20, and then pulled out a heart stopping 43-42 overtime win at Citrus on the final play of the game. The Citrus victory vaulted the Eagles into the Western States Bowl against Allan Hancock in Santa Maria. It was MSJC's first bowl game appearance since 2012. MSJC had a tough time getting the offense going in the bowl game and lost 14-9 to finish the year 8-3.
MSJC quarterback Brett Virgil, who threw for 356 yards and ran for 94 more in that Citrus victory, went on to be named the American Mountain League Offensive Player of the Year. He completed the season with 40 total touchdowns, throwing for 27 of them and running for 13 more. His favorite target on the year was C.J. Sullivan who had 44 receptions and 12 TDs. Sherod White led the Eagles ground attack as he rushed for 915 yards on the season and scored 8 touchdowns of his own. Avonte Robbs anchored a solid offensive line during the year and at the end of the season was named First Team All-Conference.
The Eagle defense had some dominant performances on the year, but nobody in the state had any better season than linebacker Steven Bradshaw. Bradshaw finished his season with a state-leading 108 total tackles. He also had 4 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. For his efforts, Bradshaw earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in the conference. Alongside Bradshaw was fellow linebacker Dallas Frederick who was second on the team in tackles for the year with 75. Defensive back Darryl Moody ended 2019 with a team high 6 interceptions.
The Eagles 8-3 record was the program's best since 2012 when the team finished 9-2.