Ventura Is More Than Respectful

VENTURA — Ventura College spent most of last season as a doormat for opposing teams. The Pirates scored only 40 points and finished 0-10.

So when Antelope Valley came visiting Saturday night, Ventura Coach George Rosales was thinking about payback and respect.

Rosales hit the jackpot, as Ventura defeated Antelope Valley, 20-12, in a nonconference game at Ventura High.

The victory--the Pirates’ second in a row--avenged last year’s 35-0 loss to Antelope Valley (0-2).

“Now we have got some confidence that we can play,” Rosales said. “We beat a pretty good football team tonight.”

A pair of first-quarter touchdowns staked Ventura to a 14-0 lead. Ivan McCrae scored on a four-yard run and Ira Brown caught a five-yard pass from Aaron Trianna.

Antelope Valley countered with a drive in the second quarter. Roosevelt Miller scored on a one-yard run for the Marauders to trim the lead to 14-6. Matrai Zoltan’s kick was wide left.

Ventura running backs McCrae and Gordy Abellera combined for 157 rushing yards.

Trianna was seven of 20 for 61 yards.