Ventura Saves the Best for Last, 27-14

Ventura High scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to surge past Simi Valley, 27-14, in a nonleague opener Friday night at Simi Valley.

Cougar J.J. Jackson rushed for 177 yards in 31 carries and had scoring runs of three and five yards.

Jackson also had scoring runs of 73 and 38 yards nullified by penalties.

After running back Chad Basalone scored on a 10-yard run to give Simi Valley a 14-13 lead, the Cougars began their fourth-quarter comeback.

Ventura marched 42 yards in five plays, capped by Jackson’s five-yard run with six minutes remaining.

Cougar defensive end Andy Gudaz had two interceptions in the final three minutes, the first going for a 16-yard touchdown to seal the victory.

Simi Valley recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff and took a 7-0 lead 15 seconds into the game on Mike Boyd’s 15-yard run.

Ventura countered with 65-yard drive in seven plays, capped by Jackson’s three-yard scoring run.

Kicker Jeff Collins added two field goals to give the Cougars a 13-7 halftime lead.