Valley Edges Ventura With 20-Point Rally

The rest of the players on the Valley College football team did what they could to lose their 1987 season opener at Ventura on Saturday night, but Barry Hanks, James Reaves and Dondre Bausley just wouldn’t let it happen.

Hanks and Reaves, the Monarchs’ talented passing combination, made the big plays down the stretch to help Valley overcome its mistakes and come from behind to defeat Ventura, 26-21.

The former El Camino Real High teammates combined on two late touchdowns as Valley scored 20 fourth-quarter points.

Trailing, 21-12, Hanks hit Reaves with a seven-yard touchdown pass, then again for a four-yard score that. Robbie Padden’s PAT kicks put Valley ahead, 26-21, with 2:47 to play.

The Monarchs then turned to their defense, which stopped a late Ventura drive on the Valley 13.

Hanks, the nation’s passing efficiency leader last season, completed 21 of 33 for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown on a two-yard run in the second period.

Reaves, a transfer from Moorpark College, finished with 106 yards on seven receptions.

Valley also got a strong performance from Bausley, who gained 213 yards on 24 carries.

The Monarchs needed such strong performances to to help them overcome three fumbles, an interception and two missed field goals.