Gordon Emerges for Moorpark

Jason Gordon, a freshman running back from Agoura High, helped propel Moorpark College to a 38-17 victory over Ventura in a Western State Conference football game Saturday night at Moorpark.

Gordon, who had seen limited action this season, rushed for 146 yards and scored on runs of 74 and 47 yards.

On both touchdowns, it appeared the Ventura defense had Gordon contained. But once he turned the corner, he easily outran several Pirates.

“I haven’t seen much playing time, so I wanted to do something,” Gordon said.

“The line opened some holes and once I got there, I took care of the rest.”

Gordon’s first touchdown came at an opportune time.

Ventura had closed to within 24-10 early in the fourth quarter when Gordon broke loose down the left sideline on his 74-yard run.

“Jason opened our eyes tonight,” Moorpark Coach Jim Bittner said.

“We’ve always felt we had three good tailbacks here, but he made our eyes pop out with those runs.”

Moorpark (2-3) sprinted to an early 14-0 lead thanks to Aaron Lewis.

Lewis returned a punt 88 yards to give the Raiders their first score. He added a 19-yard touchdown reception from George Jones.

Ventura (0-5) had trouble holding onto the ball.

The Pirates fumbled four times without losing possession and were hurt by four interceptions thrown by quarterback Patrick Bartley.

Bartley completed 14 of 38 attempts for 211 yards and scored both of Ventura’s touchdowns on one-yard runs.