Thousand Oaks Upsets Royal For First Victory

It took five lead changes and some help from Royal High, but Thousand Oaks finally earned its first victory, 28-20, in a Marmonte League game Friday night at Thousand Oaks.

Tony Ferrara’s second touchdown run, a two-yard dash with 3:52 to play, secured the victory for Thousand Oaks (1-5, 1-1 in league play).

But the pivotal play proved to be a missed extra point by Ryan Keys of Royal (4-2, 1-1) with seven minutes to play following a 64-yard kickoff return for a touchdowns by Mike Carr. That left Thousand Oaks with a 21-20 lead.

Mike Sinacori’s 65-yard reception carried Royal to the Thousand Oaks eight-yard line with three minutes to play, but the Lancers held Royal on downs. On third down, Brian Moak dropped a pass from James Cox in the corner of the end zone.

Ferrara rushed for 55 yards in 15 carries. Ferrara gave Thousand Oaks a 13-7 lead in the second quarter with a seven-yard touchdown run.

Greg Morris of Royal was held to 84 yards in 17 carries, including a two-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter that tied the score, 7-7.

Ben Olson of Thousand Oaks completed 16 of 27 passes for 247 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Dave Anderson caught 10 passes for 127 yards, scoring on plays of 38 and 15 yards.