Ventura Sneaks Past Pierce, 29-22

Quarterback Patrick Bartley’s second one-yard touchdown run with 7:35 left in the game gave Ventura College its first victory of the season and sent Pierce to its 24th consecutive defeat, 29-22, in a Western State Conference Northern Division opener at Ventura High.

Brandon Scott rushed for a school-record 309 yards in 41 carries, and touchdown runs of 12 and three yards that helped Ventura (1-5) build a 15-7 halftime lead.

Pierce (0-6) tied the score, 15-15, in the third quarter on a Jeremy Coleman’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Rob Anamizu and a two-point conversion pass from Coleman to Basil Duncantell.

Bartley’s first touchdown gave the Pirates a 22-15 lead later in the quarter but Coleman got the Brahmas even again in the fourth quarter on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Vaughn Corley.

Coleman, who was subbing for injured Dan McMullen, completed nine of 19 passes for 89 yards.

McMullen, who was leading the WSC in passing, re-injured his right hip early in the second quarter and did not return. He completed three of seven passes for 46 yards and a 10-yard touchdown to Shaun Griffin.

The teams combined for 205 yards in penalties and 10 turnovers.