See All-SCFA Northern Conference Selections
VC defensive tackle James Gillespie, along with running back Lamonte James and offensive lineman Jakob Lemus were all unanimous selections to the Southern California Football Association first team All-Northern Conference teams in a vote by conference coaches. Tight end Cody Hoffman and running back Jaylen Thompson also earned first team honors on offense while safety Zane Carter was named first team all-conference on defense.
Lemus, a Hueneme High School graduate, led an outstanding offensive front for the Pirates that had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers for the first time in program history. James, from Woodbridge, VA, was second in the conference with 1,201 yards in 12 games with 13 touchdowns while Thompson, a La Mesa High School alumnus from San Diego, racked up 1,136 yards and six scores, good for third in the Northern Conference. Thompson's 6.7 yards per carry was second in the conference among backs with 100+ carries while James gained 5.9 yards per rush, ranking third. Hoffman, a St. Bonaventure High School grad, had 16 catches for 199 yards and four touchdowns in eight games played, and was another key blocker on the offensive line for the Pirates.
Gillespie, also from Woodbridge, VA, had 67 tackles from his defensive end position, 39 solo, and recorded 17 tackles for a loss on the year. Carter, a Buena High School product, led the team with 76 tackles, 44 solo, and had a pair of interceptions in the defensive backfield. He also handled the punting duties for VC, averaging 37.4 yards per kick on 42 attempts.
Wide receiver Eli Aragon (Oxnard HS), quarterback Chris Irvin (Couer D'Alene, ID), placekicker Ryan Pimentel (Hobart, IN) and offensive lineman Julio Rey (Pacifica HS) all were named to second team All-Northern Conference while cornerbacks Jaylen Blizzard (Calabasas HS) and Jaylan Wesley (Calabasas HS), and linebacker Spencer McKelligon (Portland, OR) earned second team honors on defense.
The Pirates finished the season 8-4 overall and were 6-1 in SCFA Northern Conference play, sharing the conference title. It was the fourth straight crown for Ventura and the seventh conference championship in the past eight seasons. Ventura also upset Fullerton in the first round of the SCFA playoffs and hosted the SCFA Championship Game before bowing out in the state Final Four.