VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : JUNIOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

San Diego Mesa 40, Pierce 27--The Brahmas rallied from a 27-point deficit but lost in overtime after yielding a game-ending 86-yard interception return at Merril Douglas Stadium in San Diego.

Sophomore backup quarterback Scott Doherty entered the game with 1:52 remaining and Pierce trailing, 27-20, and took part in the three biggest plays of the game.

First Doherty scrambled 21 yards on fourth and 15 from the Olympians’ 46-yard line, then he hit Peter Gunny for a 20-yard touchdown to tie the score three plays later.

Doherty relieved starter Jamaal Washington, who was shaken up on a scramble. Washington completed nine of 24 passes for 78 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 74 yards in 13 carries.

“We fought hard to come back,” said Pierce Coach David Banuelos after his debut.

Chris Stodghill staked the Olympians to a 27-0 lead, scoring on runs of 49, one and 23 yards and a five-yard touchdown pass to Eric Nichols. Stodghill passed for 107 yards with three interceptions, and rushed for 92 yards.