Raiders’ Offense Awakens

For those who wondered where the Channel Islands offense has been, they no longer need fret.

The Raiders, less than dominant in 3 recent wins, rolled up 359 yards and routed Camarillo, 42-7, in a Marmonte League game Friday night at Camarillo.

“It was a refreshing evening,” Channel Islands Coach Joel Gershon said. “I think we’re getting better, growing up as a team, moving the ball.”

The Raiders scored 3 touchdowns in each half, primarily through a potent running game. Fullback Jerry Williams rushed for 126 yards and touchdowns of 39 and 52 yards in 9 carries. Running back John Johnson, 3 weeks removed from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, gained 80 yards and a touchdown in 14 carries.

Johnson, however, could have contended with Camarillo for the most frustration felt after the game. He had touchdown runs of 78 and 69 yards called back because of penalties. His touchdown came on a 5-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.

“I was kind of upset, but I know they didn’t do it on purpose,” he said with a shrug.

Mike King finished the scoring with a 47-yard punt return with 6:38 to go.

Williams, who plays in the shadow of the blue-chip Johnson when Johnson is healthy, led the defense at inside linebacker. Camarillo gained just 164 yards. Johnson, however, was more impressed with what he saw as a new and improved model of Williams.

“This was one of the best games I’ve seen him run in,” Johnson said. “He showed me he also has the speed to get around the end, and that’s good for the offense. We’re starting to pick up our passing game, so they not only have to worry about me, but Jerry, the receivers, Rod Jones and Vince Medina.”

Medina, Channel Islands’ left-handed quarterback, completed only 5 of 14 passes but threw for 95 yards.

The Scorpions (4-4 overall, 2-2 in league play) played without injured tailback Kris Kirksey, who twisted his knee last Friday against Roosevelt. In his absence they rushed for just 61 yards.

Camarillo managed 66 first-half yards, only 2 of those on the ground, and never controlled the line of scrimmage. The Scorpions scored when quarterback Wes Nathaniel scrambled in from 12 yards to make the score 28-7 with 6 minutes left in the third quarter.

The victory placed Channel Islands (7-1, 4-0) in a tie for first place with Thousand Oaks, which tied Warren, 10-10, in a nonleague game Friday night.