Lee Carries Royal Over Ventura, 16-13

Running back Jerome Lee rushed for 185 yards in 19 carries, including a 55-yard touchdown run, to lead Royal High to a 16-13 victory over Ventura in a nonleague game Friday night at Moorpark College.

Royal (2-1) jumped to a 16-0 lead, scoring on its first three possessions.

The first touchdown came 1 minute 40 seconds into the game when Christian Broussard, who finished with 46 yards in five carries, scored on a 12-yard run. The drive was highlighted by Lee’s 61-yard run to the Ventura 12.

After forcing Ventura (0-3) to punt, Royal marched to the Ventura 26 but settled for a 45-yard field goal by Matt Pitstick.

The Highlanders, who held Ventura to 145 yards, again forced a punt. Royal marched 95 yards in seven plays and capped the drive on a 55-yard touchdown run by Lee.

The Cougars got on the board with 45 seconds to play in the first half when quarterback Erik Olson (five of 11 for 69 yards) combined with Aaron Davis on a 21-yard pass.

After Ventura’s Ramsey Jay returned the second-half kickoff 78 yards, Davis scored on a two-yard run.