Despite finishing fourth in the Southern California Football Association RPI rankings, the Ventura College football team will not be heading back to the playoffs to defend their SCFA title from a year ago. But fresh off their win at Long Beach on Saturday to clinch a share of the program's sixth conference title in eight seasons, the Pirates (8-2) will host the Beach Bowl on Saturday Nov. 23 at the VC Sportsplex against No. 8 Cerritos College (6-4).
This will be the ninth consecutive post-season appearance for the Pirates under head coach Steve Mooshagian. It will be the fourth time since 2011 that Ventura has hosted the Beach Bowl.
The Pirates come into the game after sharing the Northern Conference championship with Canyons and Long Beach. VC lost to the No. 3-seeded Cougars 48-38 on Nov. 2, but defeated No. 7 LBCC 30-26 on Saturday. The Pirates' only other loss was a 48-24 setback to No. 2 Saddleback on Sept. 14.
Cerritos, meanwhile, comes into the game after finishing tied for second place in the Central Conference of the SCFA. They were ranked No. 8 in the final RPI rankings used to determine post-season and bowl placements.
"We can only control what we can control," said Mooshagian about being left out of the playoffs.
"We can get these Sophomores their 20th win and add a bowl championship to go with a share of the conference championship. Let's get one more trophy to add to the case!"
Kickoff for the Pirates and Falcons is scheduled for 6:00 pm Saturday Nov. 23 at the VC Sportsplex. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $8 for all students and seniors, and free for children under six years old. Only CCCFCA, CCCAA Gold Card, CCCADA, SCFA passes will be accepted.