VENTURA COUNTY FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Newbury Park 35, Simi Valley 12--Quarterback Cameron Merrill threw for two touchdowns and running back Marcus Crawford ran for three scores to lead the Panthers (3-2, 2-0) to a Marmonte League victory at Simi Valley (0-5, 0-2).

The Panthers scored on their first possession as Merrill culminated a 70-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Eric Sanford.

Julian Santiago of Simi Valley took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 81 yards to cut the Newbury Park lead to 7-6.

Newbury Park then scored 28 consecutive points. Crawford, who had 30 carries for 168 yards, scored on runs of two, one and three yards.

Merrill, who completed 12 of 21 for 240 yards, also had a 55-yard touchdown pass to L. Ray Hawkins. Hawkins finished with five receptions for 156 yards.

Led by safety Matt Burcher’s interception and fumble recovery, the Panthers’ defense forced five turnovers and had five sacks.