Hueneme Returns to Win, 26-24

Eric Watkins returned a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown and Keary Colbert returned a punt 74 yards for a score to lead Hueneme High to a 26-24 victory over Channel Islands in a Pacific View League game Friday night at Hueneme.

Watkins gave the Vikings (4-4, 2-1 in league play) a 6-0 lead on the game’s opening drive after recovering Robert Vorba’s fumble near the goal line and returning it for a score. Colbert, who also had a 23-yard touchdown reception, extended Hueneme’s lead to 20-8 in the third quarter on a punt return.

Channel Islands (2-6, 1-1) took an 8-6 lead by driving 79 yards on its second drive. Omar Ortega capped the march with a two-yard run and a two-point conversion run.

Lemar Patterson gave Hueneme a 14-8 halftime lead with a two-yard touchdown run. Lee, Hueneme’s leading rusher, was forced to play quarterback because of an injury to starter Gordie Pinedo. Lee was held to two yards in eight carries. His touchdown pass was the only Hueneme completion in the game.

Channel Islands scored fourth-quarter touchdowns on a 35-yard pass from Vorba to Matt Bills and a one-yard run by Ortega with 15 seconds to play.