10-Year Wait Over as Ventura Beats Rival Moorpark

Travis Rogers rushed for 153 yards in 28 carries to lead Ventura College to a 26-9 Western State Conference interdivision victory over Moorpark on Saturday at Ventura High.

It is the first time the Pirates (2-0) have beaten rival Moorpark since 1988.

Leading, 6-3, early in the second quarter following a 38-yard field goal by Paul Czerniak, the Pirates increased their lead to 13-3 midway through the quarter when Brian Shubin scored from one yard on a quarterback sneak.

The drive began on a blocked punt by Torrance Heggie. The ball was recovered by Brent Walker at the Moorpark 25.

Ventura’s lead grew to 20-3 when Moorpark quarterback Farhead Azimi fumbled in the end zone and the ball was recovered by Ryan Cuthbert with 2:52 left in the first half.

It was the second of five fumbles by Moorpark, which also had two passes intercepted.

Azimi was one of five for 43 yards with one interception before breaking his collarbone on a sack by Cuthbert late in the first half.

Carl Richardson paced Moorpark (0-1) with 152 yards and one touchdown in 19 carries.

Richardson’s 40-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter cut Ventura’s lead to 20-9.