Pierce Thunders Past Ventura, 42-13

A running of the bulls took place at Pierce College on Saturday night as the host Brahmas cut a swath through Ventura in a 42-13 Western State Conference win.

Pierce, blanked, 10-0, by Harbor last week, rushed for 348 yards in trampling a battered and beaten Pirate defense that has allowed 105 points in three games.

Dan Reynolds led the Brahma ground game, gaining 138 yards in 17 carries, mostly by sprinting through holes he could have skipped through.

“We thought we were more physical and that was our plan, to see if it was true,” Pierce Coach Bill Norton said.

Pierce’s strategy was confirmed early. The Brahmas (2-1, 1-1 in WSC play) rushed for 255 yards in the first half. Reynolds had 115 yards in 13 first-half carries, but near the goal line Erik Thomas did the work.

Thomas, a freshman from Quartz Hill High, responded with touchdown runs covering three, six and one yards. He finished with 82 yards in 18 carries.

Kenny Herbs, who completes a potent trio of Pierce tailbacks, added 58 yards in nine carries and fullback Anthony Florence gained 57 yards in seven carries, mostly between the tackles.

With its ground attack fully established, Pierce occasionally took to the air in the second half, usually with spectacular results. Quarterback Cesar Parra completed only four of eight passes, but three went for touchdowns.

Parra’s scoring tosses went to different receivers. He hooked up with Dan Alexander on an 18-yard scoring play in the third quarter, then connected with Robert McIntyre for 27 yards and Xavier Foreman for 18 yards in the fourth period.

Ventura (0-3, 0-2) was outgained, 447-280, and the margin would have been more lopsided if not for quarterback-turned-receiver-turned-running back Vince Lampkin.

Lampkin, a former Birmingham High quarterback, gained 64 yards rushing and added 89 yards receiving. He also had a 65-yard kickoff return.

Lampkin set up Ventura’s first touchdown--a two-yard run by Ray Skeete--with a 31-yard run in the first quarter. He personally accounted for the Pirates’ other score, taking a short toss from quarterback Alan Sedacca and racing 68 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.