Moorpark in Need of Calculator

MOORPARK — Who goofed? We’ve got to know.

Until this week, Moorpark College led state junior college football teams in total defense, allowing only 152.5 yards a game.

But it turns out those numbers didn’t exactly add up.

Moorpark coaches say there have been discrepancies between the statistics they have reported to Don Adams, Western State Conference sports information officer, and what has appeared in the weekly statistical releases.

Adams reports conference statistics to the state junior college athletic bureau.

“He has incorrectly added some totals,” said Will Thurston, Moorpark offensive coordinator who reports statistics to Adams.

Adams told this story.

“They give me game stats and call right at deadline (2 p.m. Sunday),” Adams said. “Each school is supposed to give me season totals. Whatever (Thurston) gives me, I have to total real fast to send to the state office.”

At Moorpark, Thurston said, coaches designate a reserve players on offense and defense to keep statistics on the sidelines. Game films are reviewed only when inaccuracies are suspected.

“I don’t have a statistician that sits in the stands,” defensive coordinator Gil Mendoza said. “I try to make it someone who will do a good job.”

Sometimes, it doesn’t seem to work out quite smoothly.

Take, for instance, Moorpark’s 23-20 upset of Bakersfield on Oct. 8. According to the team, Moorpark allowed 112 yards rushing, 187 yards passing and 299 total yards.

Bakersfield, however, claimed 188 yards rushing, 202 yards passing and 390 total. The Times--does this sound like a boxing score card?--had it 201, 200 and 401.

The Raiders could use a little creative bookkeeping now.

Moorpark (3-2) allowed 515 yards in a 28-14 loss to Valley last Saturday, falling to fourth in the state at 235.0 yards a game.

Seems like a lot of folks on defense goofed on that one.