Moorpark Calls On Richardson, Who Finishes What He Starts

It was Carl Richardson from start to finish Saturday night.

Richardson returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Richardson ran 31 yards for a score with 31 seconds to play.

In between, Richardson, a sophomore for Moorpark College, had a one-yard touchdown run in a 236-yard performance, and the Raiders came from behind to defeat Bakersfield, 42-27, in a Western State Conference interdivision game.

The victory was the first for Moorpark (2-1) over the Renegades (2-2) since 1994.

“We’ve never beaten Bakersfield like that before,” Moorpark Coach Jim Bittner said.

Richardson carried 36 times, bolting up the middle for the clinching score while Moorpark was attempting to run out the clock.

Despite Richardson’s kickoff return, Moorpark trailed, 21-7, after Bakersfield scored on each of its first three possessions.

Bakersfield’s Jermaine Ervin ran 67 yards for a touchdown four plays after Richardson’s score and dove one yard for a touchdown four minutes later.

Quarterback Jeff Dover capped a 71-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Damian Romero on third and goal late in the quarter.

Richardson, meanwhile, had just two carries for 15 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Bryan Spencer, starting in place of injured Scott Ange, pulled Moorpark even with second-quarter touchdown passes to Christian Humphreys for 17 yards and Shayne Sobel for 20.

Spencer, inspired by the opportunity, completed 12 of 17 passes for 157 yards while firing several pinpoint spirals.

“He made some very nice choices tonight,” Bittner said. “He can throw it.”

Spencer connected with six receivers, including former Oxnard High teammate Ross Randolph, who had four receptions for 25 yards.

“I always felt like I should be the starter,” Spencer said. “Nobody really gave me the opportunity to throw the ball.”

Yet it was Richardson, who amassed 329 total yards, who claimed the spotlight. Despite having a roster with several talented backs, Bittner called on Richardson exclusively.

Spencer gave Moorpark the lead for good early in the third quarter with a 22-yard pass to tight end Marcus Helfman, who made the catch in the end zone despite tight coverage.

Dover passed three yards for a touchdown on Bakersfield’s next possession, but Jason Martin’s point-after attempt was blocked.

With Richardson running, Moorpark controlled the ball and clock for the rest of the second half.

Richardson’s one-yard dive gave Moorpark a 35-27 lead with six minutes to play.

Bakersfield’s final series ended when Moorpark linebacker Kamran Salem batted down a Dover pass at midfield.