Dana Hills Overcomes Fumbles to Win

In what was supposed to be a showcase for two running backs who had combined for more than 2,500 yards this season, the game was instead decided by an exchange of fumbles and a rash of penalties.

In the end, it was host Dana Hills defeating Ventura Buena, 21-7, in a Division II playoff game Friday night. It was Dana Hills’ first playoff victory since 1975 and advanced the Dolphins (7-3-1), ranked No. 8 in Division II, to the quarterfinals against Glendale.

With the score tied, 7-7, Dana Hills went ahead for good when Marcus Jenkins dived over the top for a two-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. The score was set up after a bizarre trading of fumbles. Dana Hills had the ball at first and goal at the six, but Nick Nosek fumbled.

Two plays later, Buena quarterback Aaron Triana fumbled when he was sacked by Robert Meeker. Ho Pak recovered to give Dana Hills the ball at the two.

Jenkins added a six-yard scoring run with 4 minutes 42 seconds remaining to cap a 16-play drive that was aided by several big penalties against Ventura Buena (8-3), ranked No. 10 in Division II.

In the final seven minutes of the game, Ventura Buena was called for three personal fouls and three unsportsmanlike conducts, including two by Coach Rick Scott, who was ejected with 4:37 left.

Jenkins finished with 91 yards and three touchdowns in 28 carries. Ventura Buena’s George Keiaho, who entered the game with over 1,300 yards on the season, was held to 76 yards in 18 carries.

Each team resorted to trick plays to try to break the stalemate in the first half. Ventura Buena tried a flea flicker that resulted in an interception. But it was Dana Hills’ fake punt attempt resulting in a 13-yard loss that led to a score.

The loss gave Ventura Buena a first and 10 at its own 48. Five plays later, Keiaho ran 42 yards for a touchdown.