Ventura Edges Newbury Park, 21-20, on 68-Yard Pass on Game’s Final Play

Newbury Park High controlled the clock, but Ventura dominated the highlight film after beating the host Panthers, 21-20, on a last-second, 68-yard desperation pass. All three of Ventura’s scoring plays were of 53 yards or more.

With six seconds remaining, Ventura quarterback Jeff Dietz lofted a long pass to Tommy Ruelas, who caught the ball and was tackled as he fell over the goal line. After a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was marched off against the rejoicing Cougars, kicker Trevor Rumsey booted a 35-yard extra point that hooked just inside the right upright as time expired.

The last-second heroics were set up by junior defensive tackle Chris Haynes, who pounced on a Newbury Park fumble at the Ventura 42-yard line with 55 seconds left.

Newbury Park (0-2) had a three-to-one advantage in time of possession during the first half, but Ventura (2-0) stayed close with a number of big plays. Ventura running back Derek Swafford burst up the middle on a 70-yard scoring run in the second quarter to give the Cougars a 7-3 lead. Dietz, from his defensive back position, picked up a fumble and raced 53 yards for a score and a 13-10 third-quarter lead.

Swafford finished with 119 yards in 11 carries.

Newbury Park running back Dave Roberts rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown in 22 carries.