Late score by Ventura hands Bulldogs first loss of the season

No. 5 Ventura College traveled to Santa Maria to defeat Hancock College 29-28 in the Bulldogs home opener Saturday afternoon.

Coach Kris Dutra was coming off his 101^st victory at the helm of the Bulldogs program and both teams were undefeated before the showdown.  

After a competitive first quarter, the Pirates capitalized off of a Bulldogs fumble, scoring 16-straight points during the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters.  

Down 22-7 in the 3^rd, the game appeared to be out of reach for the Bulldogs. But Hancock charged back, scoring 21 unanswered points, including a 16-yard touchdown by sophomore running back Isaac Bausley, to give Hancock new life and the lead by 6 points.

The comeback celebration was short lived after Ventura completed 3 plays for 80 yards and reached their end zone late in the fourth quarter, cementing the final score of 29-28.

Sophomore running back Ryheem Skinner had another impressive game with 162 rushing yards and a touchdown. Sophomore running back Isaac Bausley, from Nipomo High School, punched in 2 touchdowns of his own.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back when they host West L.A. College next Saturday at 2 p.m.