CJ Cornwell is off to a great start

The Diablo Valley College football team, ranked fifth in the state, will look make it three in a row to open the season against host No. 14 Modesto Junior College on Saturday. 
The Vikings have beaten Feather River 45-14 and Chabot 26-10 behind a dominant defense, a multifaceted passing attack and kicker Brandon Brown, a touchback machine who has five field goals and is 8 for 8 on extra points. 
Coach Mike Darr is enjoying having a bunch of "we guys" this season. 
"We love the effort on both sides of the ball. That's something that has carried us, " Darr said. "Even when we've made some mistakes, a lot of times the effort; the number of guys around the ball on defense; the guy maybe missing the initial block but getting somebody else to spring something. We love that. We know we've got a triggerman (quarterback Drew Anderson) that can get it done." 
Darr added that they have good receivers, been blocking and tackling well and haven't given up the big play. 
Slot receiver CJ Cornwell is the state leader in receptions with 17, and Marcus Armstrong-Brown is tied for sixth with 14 catches. Wideouts Nick West, a game-breaker, and Dominic Paoletti, are also off to good starts. 
But Modesto (1-1) is no soft touch. The Pirates have scored 41 points in each of their first two games -- a 51-41 loss to No. 3 College of San Mateo 51-41 and a 41-10 rout of American River. 
Darr says Modesto is well-coached and has wrinkles on offense and defense that can cause a lot of trouble for opponents. Modesto quarterback Trey Cooper is a dual threat who can run through linebackers, Darr said. 
"We've had kind of a mini-rivalry with these guys," Darr said of Modesto. "Played in a couple championship games against each other. Played in a bowl game against each other. The staffs have stayed pretty much intact, so we know each other really well." 
A California High graduate, Cornwell had 10 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown against Chabot. Known for his fearlessness going over the middle, Cornwell says his role is to catch the ball and get first downs.
Cornwell had an outstanding career at California as well. 
"Cal High was probably one of the best programs I've ever been through," Cornwell said. "It taught me a lot about character and how to sacrifice for your teammates, and really taught me a lot about football, and it translated to how I continue to play today." 
Of his toughness, Cornwell said he's never been "scared of a hit. It's football. I catch the ball, I know I'm going to get hit, so I like to prepare myself for it."