Southern Section Roundup : Newbury Park Stifles Royal in League Opener

Newbury Park High continued to suffocate opposing offenses as the Panthers posted their second consecutive shutout with a 21-0 victory Friday night over Royal in a Marmonte League opener at Newbury Park.

The Panther defense has not allowed a touchdown all season. Newbury Park (3-0-1) shut out Buena, 15-0, last week and defeated Agoura, 17-3, three weeks ago. Ventura tied the Panthers, 7-7, two weeks ago but the Ventura touchdown was scored on an interception return.

The Panthers’ stingy defense and ball-control offense held the Highlanders to 28 first-half yards, all by way of the pass. Newbury Park fullback Jason Sands scored the only touchdown in the half on a two-yard run as time ran out in the first quarter. Royal’s defense committed a key blunder in the Panther drive--a holding penalty on a fourth-and-seven play at the Royal 33. Sands, a senior, finished with a game-high 62 yards rushing in 15 carries.

Newbury Park, taking a play from the Chicago Bears’ book, had some fun late in the game. Phil Pederson, a 275-pound tackle, ambled in a la William Perry from one yard for Newbury Park’s final touchdown with 1:39 left.

After halftime, Royal (1-3, 0-1) conducted its best drive of the game but could not convert a 49-yard field-goal attempt by Steve Prchal. Highlander quarterback Ryan Fien, a sophomore, completed 15 of 24 passes for 120 yards but threw one interception.

Newbury Park junior tailback Walter Thomas carried 16 times for 59 yards and caught a 10-yard pass for a touchdown as time ran out in the third quarter. Royal gained only 25 yards rushing and 145 total yards.