Playing with a squad of just over 30 players due to COVID-19 protocols, the West Hills College Coalinga football team gave its best effort in a 65-14 loss at Modesto Junior College in both teams' National Valley League opener on Saturday.

The Falcons were forced to practice during the week and play the game with just half its regular roster. West Hills already had two games postponed earlier this season and elected to compete this weekend since there likely wouldn't be an opportunity to make up the game.

"We tried to play and did the best we could," said head coach Justin Berna.

Modesto (4-2, 1-0 NVL) built up a 29-0 lead late in the second quarter against an overmatched Falcons team. But quarterback Jaice Holt led West Hills on an eight-play, 68-yard drive and got the Falcons on the board with a six-yard touchdown pass to Iverson Braziel with 2:45 left in the half.

The West Hills defense made a big play in the fourth quarter for the Falcons' other score. After the West Hills offense was stopped on fourth down at the Modesto three-yard line, Ricardo Castillo recovered a fumble by Modesto's Macus Ordunez in the end zone on the very next play for a Falcons' touchdown.

 Castillo recovered a pair of fumbles and added a tackle.

Back on the offensive side of the ball, Holt threw for 193 yards on 17 of 29 passing. Preston Conti led West Hills receivers with eight catches for 108 yards.

West Hills (0-4, 0-1 NVL) returns to action next Saturday (Oct. 23) when the Falcons host College of the Sequoias in a National Valley League game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the Memorial Bowl in Coalinga.