Historically, it's almost never an easy game for the Pirate football team against Allan Hancock and Saturday was no different as Ventura outlasted the Bulldogs to claim a 32-28 win on the Northern Conference opener Saturday in Santa Maria. Chris Irvin had a solid day at quarterback with 307 passing yards and four touchdowns, including the game-winner to Eli Aragon with 4:26 remaining in the game. Lamonte James rushed for 120 yards and Aragon caught nine passes for 137 yards and two scores.
Ventura (2-2, 1-0) wasted little time getting on the board. After a running into the kicker penalty gave the Pirates a first down at their own 48, Jaylen Thompson had runs of 34 and 18 yards, respectively, on successive plays for VC's first touchdown less than two minutes into the game. The PAt failed, however, and Ventura led 6-0.
Hancock came right back, marching down the field 80 yards in four plays, reaching the end zone on a 48-yard run. Wit the successful extra point, the Bulldogs took the lead, 7-6.
Undeterred, VC came right back, marching 51 yards down the field to the Bulldog 14-yard line. On fourth down, the Pirates' field goal attempt was blocked. however, and AHC returned the ball all the way to the end zone for a touchdown and a 14-6 lead.
The Bulldogs made another visit to paydirt early in the second period and led 21-6 before the Pirates got untracked.
After an 18-yard return by jake Murphy on a short kickoff, the Pirates took over on their own 38. On the arm of Irvin and the legs of James, VC drove 62 yards down the field in nine plays, cashing in a score on Irvin's 6-yard strike to Cody Hoffman. THE Pat again failed to set the 21-12 deficit with 10:39 left until halftime.
On Ventura's next possession, the Irvin to Aragon connection grew in popularity. They pair combined for four passes and catches for 45 yards, including a 24-yard scoring strike. Ryan Pimentel's kick was successful and the Pirates trailed 21-19 at halftime.
After a scoreless third period, Hancock opened the final stanza with another touchdown for a 28-19 lead with 12:07 remaining in the game.
On the ensuing drive, James ran the ball 59 yards on five carries to set up Irvin's 7-yard scoring strike to Hoffman with 8:56 on the clock. Pimentel's kick was good and VC trailed 28-26.
The Pirate defense came up big on the next drive, stopping AHC with a three-and-out, forcing a punt.
Irvin then took over, completing five of five passes for 58 yards on the following possession. He also ran for eight more yards, punctuating the drive with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Aragon. After a two-point conversion failed, VC led 32-28 with under three minutes remaining.
Larry Avila forced and recovered a fumble on the next Bulldog drive to all-but-seal the victory for the Pirates.
Ventura totaled 574 yards of offense in the game compared to 403 for Hancock. In addition to Irvin's 300-yard passing game, VC totaled 267 yards rushing, led by James and Thompson with 120 and 97 yards, respectively.
Anthony Albanez led the defense with 11 tackles while Zane Carter and Alijah Hamilton recorded eight and seven stops,respectively.
The Pirates return home for the next game on Saturday Sept. 30, hosting Santa Barbara. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Sportsplex.