In the Moorpark College football season opener, true freshman quarterback Nick Davis led with four total touchdowns and ran in the winning score, crushing OCC 27-21 in triple OT at MoorparkWith the temperature at a cool 68 degrees at kickoff, Griffin Stadium came alive when the Raiders rushed the turf for the first time.
MC opened the game with a 3 minute drive, ending with a fumble on the 32 yard line. OCC methodically drove down the field, draining 7 minutes of time off the clock, finishing with a 20-yard run by freshman Larenzo Williams, putting OCC up 0-7. Late in the first quarter OCC quarterback Cameron Biedgoly threw a 24 yard strike to the 30 yard line. On the next play, MC linebacker Travis Key picked off Biedgoly to close the first.
To open the second quarter. MC head coach Will Thurston sent out sophomore Max Leffler in a surprising quarterback change.
“We were trying to change things up,” said Thurston “we are always evaluating our players and we gave Max a chance.”
Leffler only led one drive, before Davis was sent back out to lead the Raiders.
After two failed run attempts, Davis found WR Iheanyi Obinna in the corner of the end zone for a 15 yard strike, giving MC their first points of the season, tying it up 7-7.
Mid-way through the second quarter, OCC capitalized on a short punt, returning the punt to the 15. Two plays later, runningback Williams pounded the ball 5 yards out for another TD, to lead the game 14-7.
The Raiders got the ball back with 1:30 left in the half. Alabama native Raekeal Wilson broke off for a 15 yard blast to the right. Running in a no huddle, Davis threaded the needle on a 25 yard pass to wide receiver Lucas Civita. Eight seconds later Davis hit slot receiver Raymond Bolden for 15 more yards. The half ended when Davis threw an interception in the end zone.
The third quarter went scoreless for both teams, and both teams’ defenses looked exhausted.
At the 13 minute mark of the fourth, OCC botched a punt return, and linebacker Travis Key stole the ball on the 9 yard line, giving MC possession. Two plays later, Davis scampered in the end zone, scoring his second touchdown of the night, and bringing the score to 14-14. The Pirates answered with a 60 yard pass down the sideline, as freshman Spencer Ludin dived over the pylon into the end zone. Just like that, OCC regained the lead 21-14 with 10 minutes left in the game. On 3rd and 15, Davis called an audible from Moorpark’s 1 yard line, he dropped the ball off on a screen pass to Obinna on the left side of the line of scrimmage. Obinna broke three tackles, turned up the field in the opposite direction, and took it to the house on a 99 yard pass. The tying score drove Griffin Stadium into frenzy as everyone stood on their feet.
With 2 minutes left OCC was held to 4th down on the 2 yard line by the Raider defense. The Pirates lined up for the game winning field goal, only to shank the ball wide right to send the game into overtime.
OCC took the first possession in OT. The Raiders made a costly mistake with an illegal hit to the Pirate receiver, putting OCC on the 15. Kicker Griff Aimes lined up to take the kick, once again sending the ball wide right.
The Raiders’ first possession didn’t go much better, the line broke down and Davis got pummeled with a sack. Kicker Chris Taylor lined up for a 41 yard attempt, missing the goal post completely.
MC started the 2nd overtime with possession. Runningback Josh Robles caught a pass out of the backfield with a 10 yard gain. Taylor set up for another kick, only to have the ball bounce of the side of the goal post, keeping the score at 21-21.
On the second play from scrimmage in triple overtime, quarterback Biedgoly was thrown a high snap, leading to another Pirate turnover on 4th down.
On their possession, Davis threw two straight incompletions and was sacked on 3rd down. Taking a gamble, the Raiders sent the offense back out on 4th and 15. Davis aired the ball out on a 25 yard pass to Civila, who was tackled on the 1 yard line. Moorpark lined up in the goal line formation, as Davis broke the plane on a 1 yard sneak, winning the game for the Moorpark.
Griffin Stadium erupted in cheers, as the students attempted to rush the field.
Quarterback Nick Davis finished the game with 4 total touchdowns, 2 running and 2 passing. Receiver Iheanyi Obinna caught two touchdowns of his own. Linebacker Travis Key finished with a fumble recovery and 1 interception.
“Both teams wanted (a win),” said Thurston, “Our boys just wanted it a little more, they earned it.”
Coach Thurston gave insight on the Raiders’ 27-21 win.
“Its on to the next,” Thurston continued, “We have four days to prepare.”
The Moorpark Raiders (1-0) travel to Citrus College next Friday, Sept. 14, to face the Owls (1-0) at Citrus College at 1 p.m..
