Moorpark’s Roberts Injures Shoulder in 59-10 Rout of Pierce

Moorpark College capitalized on Pierce’s mistakes Saturday while showcasing a strong running game to rout the visiting Brahmas, 59-10, in a Western State Conference game. It was a costly victory, however, as Larry Roberts, who leads the WSC in rushing, left after being injured in the third quarter.

Coach Jim Bittner said that Roberts, who suffered a separated right shoulder, is expected to be out for the rest of the season. The Raider fullback gained a game-high 153 yards in 16 carries and scored twice before leaving.

With Moorpark (4-0, 3-0) leading, 21-10, at halftime, the Raiders converted 4 of Pierce’s 5 second-half turnovers into touchdowns.

Moorpark did not play an error-free game, either. The Raiders fumbled 5 times, including 4 in the first half, and they have 8 fumbles in the past 2 games.

Quarterback Ronnie Lopez connected with wide receiver Chad Zeigler on a 7-yard pass with 8:29 left in the first half for the Brahmas’ only touchdown.

Moorpark running back Noel Baker scored on touchdown runs of 12 and 5 yards and quarterback Jayson Merrill completed 6 of 10 passes for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns. Merrill completed a 35-yard scoring pass to Darren Romano and a 5-yard touchdown pass to James Gambrell.

Moorpark outgained Pierce in total yards, 534-148. Tony Kerr added 115 yards in 6 carries as the Raiders rolled up 427 yards on the ground.

Lopez completed 10 of 28 for 74 yards and 1 touchdown. He threw 2 interceptions. Pierce (0-4, 0-3) has been outscored, 108-10, in its past 2 games.