The Ventura College football team used a strong defensive effort and timely scoring in the second half to pull away from Moorpark 37-12 Saturday in the 56th edition of the Citrus Cup rivalry at the VC Sportsplex. The Pirate defense allowed just one drive of over seven plays against the Raiders, and created five turnovers, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Jake Murphy ran 23 times for 155 yards and a touchdown to lead VC (5-1, 3-0) while Ty Ely visited the end zone twice on the ground.
In a relatively quiet opening quarter, the Pirates drew first blood when Ely ran the ball to paydirt from one yard out punctuating a 12 play, 59-yard drive. Ryan Pimentel's kick made it 7-0 for VC with 5:52 remaining in the period.
FB��: Touchdown Pirates. #29 Pimentel's extra point is good. 7-0 Pirates. @vcscolleges @scfafootball @TheAcornSports pic.twitter.com/2XHUTa6do7
— VCPirateAthletics (@VCAthletics) October 20, 2024
Moorpark responded with what would be their longest drive of the night, marching 69 yards in 10 plays to score a touchdown. The extra point kick was wide and Ventura maintained a 7-6 edge at the close of the quarter.
The teams traded turnovers and punts on the next four possessions before Ventura got untracked with a 55-yard drive culminating in Ely's second score of the night, another 1-yard run. Pimentel again added the PAT for the 14-6 score with 6:29 remaining in the first half.
FB��: Touchdown Pirates. #29 Pimentel's extra point is good. 7-0 Pirates. @vcscolleges @scfafootball @TheAcornSports pic.twitter.com/2XHUTa6do7
— VCPirateAthletics (@VCAthletics) October 20, 2024
After a Raider punt, the Pirates again matriculated down the field, ending in a 35-yard field goal by Pimentel for a 17-6 halftime edge.
On the third play from scrimmage in the second half, VC had a pass intercepted by the raiders, who returned the ball to the Pirate 1-yard line. On the next play, MC pushed the ball into the end zone, and although their two-point point after touchdown try failed, climbed back to within one score, 17-12.
The Pirates were unable to generate much offense through a majority of the third quarter, but the Ventura defense held fast, also limiting the Raiders to short possessions and punts.
Pimentel connected on a 38-yard field goal with 4:09 remaining in the third quarter to extend the lead to 20-12.
FB��: #29 Pimentel's field goal attempt is good. 20-12 @VCPirateFB leads.
— VCPirateAthletics (@VCAthletics) October 20, 2024
4:09
3Q@vcscolleges @scfafootball @TheAcornSports pic.twitter.com/5r7ZMBvOjP
On Moorpark's second play of the ensuing drive, VC cornerback Ty Morris forced a fumble that was recovered by Zane Carter at the MC-25. Two plays later, Jerry Martin rushed 15 yards to paydirt for a quick Pirate score. Pimentel's kick secured the 27-12 advantage for the Pirates heading to the final stanza.
FB��: Touchdown Pirates! #9 Martin (pictured) runs it in to put the Pirates up 27-12.
— VCPirateAthletics (@VCAthletics) October 20, 2024
3:13
3Q@vcscolleges @scfafootball @TheAcornSports pic.twitter.com/hgsDVccq9y
Pimentel connected on another field goal early in the fourth for a 30-12 lead.
Robert Owen Adams recovered a Raider fumble following a VC punt to set up Murphy's 9-yard touchdown run with 6:11 remaining in the game. Ashley McMichael connected on her second PAT of the season to set the final 37-12 margin.
Pirate quarterback Daniel Duran was 16-31 through the air against MC for 159 yards. Silas Kemp led the VC receivers with four catches for 72 yards.
Ethan Nicely led the Ventura defense with five tackles, including one for a loss, while Brayden Beck had four tackles and an interception. Ty Morris totaled three tackles with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The victory was the 35th in the series for Ventura against 21 defeats. Ventura has now won 16 straight Citrus Cup games dating back to the 2008 season.
Ventura next hosts Antelope Valley on Saturday Oct. 26. Kickoff at the Sportsplex is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
