By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Serrano, MJC featured on Netflix show
David Serrano MJC
Central Valley grad David Serrano and the Modesto Junior College football team upset reigning national champion Laney College 33-20 during the first episode of Last Chance U docuseries. - photo by DALE BUTLER/ Courier file photo

The fifth and final season of Last Chance U, which chronicled the Laney College football program’s journey last fall, premiered this past week.

Netflix released all eight episodes for the behind-the-scenes documentary series on July 28.

Central Valley High School grad David Serrano and Modesto Junior College were featured in episode one. 

“That’s the only episode I’ve watched,” said Serrano, a 6-foot-4 300-pound offensive lineman.

Serrano started at center as the Pirates stormed back for a 33-20 victory over the heavily-favored Eagles on Sept. 7 in Oakland.

“We beat the reigning national champs while being filmed by Netflix,” he said. “It’s a rare experience not a lot of people get to have. It’s the top memory I’ve had in football.”

Led by dual-threat quarterback Danny Velasquez (Turlock), the Pirates erased a 13-point deficit on their way to stunning the Eagles.

Serrano helped pass protect and run block for Velasquez, who spent the previous season at NCAA Division-I Portland State.

“Danny put us on his back and took over,” Serrano said. “He’s a beast. He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around.”

Serrano made his first-ever start at center during Modesto Junior College’s 2019 season opener.

“A lot of Laney College’s players have Division-I offers,” he said. “That’s the type of competition I look forward to playing against. I was comfortable the whole game. But I feel I could have done better.”

Serrano was a two-year starter at Modesto Junior College.

He logged playing time at center and right guard as a sophomore.

The Pirates posted a 9-3 overall record and advanced to the NorCal title game.

Modesto Junior College won its first four games.

“That (beating Laney College) gave us a huge boost of confidence,” Serrano said. “We knew we had a special team before the season. We always pushed each other to the limit.”

Serrano contributed at right guard freshman year.

Modesto Junior College finished 8-3 and defeated San Francisco City College 28-20 in the Golden State Bowl Game.

“I’m a totally different person on the field,” Serrano said. “I’m mean. I like to talk with my football pads. I want to be the best.”

Serrano plans to transfer to a four-year college this winter.

“I should be out of here by December if I stay on top of my school work,” said Serrano, who’s majoring in kinesiology with an emphasis in athletic training. “It (playing football at a four-year college) is goal I set for myself before I entered high school. I want to make my parents proud. I want people to know where I come from and my last name.”

Missouri State and Colorado-Mesa have both expressed interest in signing Serrano.

He’s also considering joining Fresno State as a walk-on player.

Fresno State and Missouri State both compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

“Missouri State likes my physicality,” Serrano said. “They want to see me get my grades up. Once I get my AA degree, they’ll talk to me again.”