Ebell Opens Big, Ventura Sprints Past Simi Valley

Tyler Ebell, a sophomore, made his first varsity game a memorable one, rushing for 183 yards and two touchdowns in 12 carries to pace Ventura High to a 31-13 victory over Simi Valley in a nonleague opener at Simi Valley.

Ebell broke loose for touchdown runs of 69 yards in the first quarter and 56 yards in the second quarter to help Ventura take a 24-7 halftime lead. He did not play in the fourth quarter because of a muscle cramp in his leg.

Ventura quarterback Mike Anderson rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown in 16 carries and completed four of 15 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Simi Valley was led by Tim Bird, who completed 17 of 34 passes for 157 and two touchdowns with one interception.

Kenny Davis had eight catches for 69 yards and Calvin Bell had seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown for Simi Valley.

Ventura, which has 23 underclassmen on its 38-man roster, gained 418 yards and limited Simi Valley to 184.