Ventura 41, Simi Valley 6--Backup quarterback Jason...
Ventura 41, Simi Valley 6--Backup quarterback Jason Branch, a junior, completed seven of 15 passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns to lead host Ventura. All of the Cougars’ points were scored in the second half.
Ventura starting quarterback Mike Anderson (four of five, 58 yards) suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and did return. Branch threw an interception on his first pass, but recovered and commanded Ventura to 41 second-half points.
Ventura tailback Ismael Martin rushed for 105 yards and a touchdowns in 21 carries. He also caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Matt Appel caught five passes for 74 yards and one touchdown.
Simi Valley led, 6-0, at halftime on field goals of 37 and and 28 yards by Lee Chatman.
But the Pioneers sputtered in the second half and finished with only 39 yards of offense.
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