Ventura’s Rally Against Hancock Incomplete

Reserve quarterback Adrian Maciel’s pass fell incomplete with 30 seconds to play and Ventura College’s rally fell short in a 29-23 Western State Conference Northern Division loss to Hancock at Righetti High on Saturday night.

Maciel replaced injured Taru Dailey two players earlier.

The Pirates (1-2, 0-1 in conference play) had minus-10 yards of offense in the first half and trailed, 23-2, at the end of the third quarter. Hancock converted three of four Ventura turnovers into 17 points.

Running back Sammy Ayala scored on a one-yard run and receiver Lee Lewis threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Johnson to cut Hancock’s lead to 23-17 with 4:55 left.

The Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0) recovered Ventura’s onside kick and scored three plays later on a 35-yard run by Reggie Scales.

Dailey completed five of 13 passes for 139 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown pass to Lewis that pulled Ventura to within 29-23 with 2:03 remaining.

Ventura received a final chance when defensive back Keddrain Bowen recovered a fumble at the Bulldogs’ 48 with 1:53 left.

But Dailey had to leave the game after being sacked for nine-yard loss. Maciel scrambled for a 12-yard gain on the next play, but he couldn’t find his mark on fourth down and the drive stalled at the Hancock 43.

Andre Nickelson of Hancock ran for 69 yards in 20 carries.

Moorpark 21, Pierce 15--Mike Argo intercepted a pass in the end zone with 1:20 remaining to preserve the Raiders’ WSC Northern Division victory at Moorpark.

Pierce (0-3, 0-1), which suffered its 11th consecutive loss, out-gained Moorpark, 341-209.

But the Brahmas were hurt by six turnovers. Jamaal Washington completed 11 of 27 passes for 107 yards but had four passes intercepted.

Donald Carpenter of Pierce rushed for 150 yards in 33 carries and Micah Arnold had three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders (2-1, 1-0), who won despite five turnovers, were led by running back Ray Carmel with 63 yards rushing and a touchdown in 22 carries. He also caught a 31-yard touchdown pass.