Ventura Rally Falls Short, 14-13

A halfback-option pass on a two-point conversion try failed with 52 seconds to play, leaving Ventura High a point short, 14-13, in a Channel League opener Friday night at Santa Barbara.

Tyler Ebell leaped into the end zone from one yard out, cutting Santa Barbara’s lead to a point. But Ebell’s two-point conversion pass, intended for Rashe Hall, fell incomplete.

Ruben Velez kept the game safe for Santa Barbara (5-2, 1-0) by recovering an onside kick with 49 seconds remaining.

Scott Ellis had two interceptions for Ventura, which took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a five-yard pass play from Mike Anderson to Ebell. Anderson completed six of 15 passes for 59 yards. He had two passes intercepted.

Ebell rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in 21 carries.

Santa Barbara was held to 112 yards--46 passing and 66 rushing.