Football Unable to Hold Off Ventura's Comeback in League Opener

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College football team was unable to hold off a fourth quarter comeback attempt by Ventura College on Saturday afternoon, dropping the National Northern League opener to the Pirates in a 32-28 decision. Ventura now holds the all-time series record, 23-18, and has won the last 11 consecutive matchups between the two programs. | BOX SCORE

ALLAN HANCOCK (1-3, 0-1) vs VENTURA (2-2, 1-0)

QUARTER 1: AHC 14 | VENTURA 6

The Bulldogs defense forced a quick three-and-out on Ventura's opening drive, but a penalty for running into the kicker gave the Pirates a second chance to score. The visiting squad capitalized on the opportunity with two long rushing plays that covered the 52-yard gap to the goal line but failed on the extra-point attempt after the score.

Hancock bounced back on the next possession, which ended with a 48-yard rushing touchdown from Caden Harris and a successful PAT by Arath Acosta. 

The home squad scored once more in the opening quarter after Dearion Prothro blocked VC's 36-yard field goal attempt, which was scooped up by J'syon Joseph and returned 86 yards for a touchdown.   

QUARTER 2: AHC 7 | VENTURA 13

The Bulldogs extended their lead early in the second quarter with a 13-play drive that spanned 90 yards. The drive was capped off when Jackson Clavel connected with JP Luketu on a 23-yard touchdown pass with 13:51 remaining. 

The Pirates responded by building a scoring drive of their own on the ensuing possession, which ended with a six-yard completion before a failed two-point conversion try. Ventura managed to score once more with a 24-yard completion before the intermission after forcing an AHC punt on the next drive and entered the break trailing by three. 

QUARTER 3: AHC 0 | VENTURA 0

The defense stood tall for both programs in the third frame as neither side managed to find the endzone. Each program opened the quarter with a turnover on downs, followed by a punt on their second possessions. Hancock was forced to punt once more before JaTe'vius Franklin broke up a pass that forced another turnover on downs in a 4th and 13 situation. 

QUARTER 4: AHC 7 | VENTURA 13

Hancock marched down the field to open the final frame, using a 31-yard pass from Clavel to Joey Garza to close a seven-play drive with a score. 

Ventura cut the deficit back to a two-point difference with a 10-play drive that ended with a seven-yard toss into the endzone and a successful PAT. The Pirates regained possession with just under seven minutes remaining in regulation after forcing Hancock to put after a quick three-and-out showing. The visiting crew used two eight-yard rushes and completed five passes on as many attempts, including a 37-yard touchdown heave, to take the lead before recovering a forced fumble by the Bulldgons on the next possession to all but seal the victory.

LEADERS

Tackles: Keyshawn Pu'a - 13 / Jack Gentile & Mike Mills - 9
Receptions: Makai Puga - 3 
Receiving Yards: Makai Puga - 32 / Joey Garza - 31
Rushing Yards: Caden Harris - 129 (1 TD) / Ferrari Busby - 73
Passing Yards: Jackson Clavel - 111 (2 TD)

NOTABLES

• Ventura registered 574 yards of total offense in the game while Hancock posted a final tally of 403. The Bulldogs operated primarily on the ground (292) while the visitors mainly worked through the air (307).
• Arath Acosta finished the day with a perfect 4-for-4 showing on PATs, bringing his season total to 19-for-19 and his career percentage mark to 94%. He also registered 248 yards off the tee and 144 punting yards.
• Caden Harris registered his first 100+ rushing yard showing and set a new career-long mark (48 yards) at the college level.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs are set to continue league action on Saturday, September 30th, with a road trip to Moorpark College. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM.