Ventura College took the Citrus Cup, Sep.3, defeating Moorpark College for the fourth consecutive year, sealing the victory, 31-26, behind dominant defense and a little luck on special teams to start the game.
VC took an early 7-0 lead when running back Jalen Craver ran the opening kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, leading to the only scoring of the first quarter. MC and VC both came out fired up on defense, not allowing a single first down on either end in the opening quarter.
Quarterback Matt Koman for VC attributed special teams and defense to VC’s hard fought victory.
“Thank god for the defense and our special teams,” said Koman. “It feels good to get the win, it wasn’t pretty, and we got some things we can work on, on offense. But it’s good to come in here and get this rivalry win.”
VC had a commanding lead at the end of two. Fumbles returned for touchdowns by Jordan Howard and Daniel Miller put VC up 20-7 after a blown PAT attempt. Koman extended VC’s lead, 26-7, with a 22-yard pass to receiver Tim Vizzi. Koman finished with 121-yards and one TD.
Steve Mooshagian, head coach of VC, worried about MC’s attempted comeback, but knew his defense would hold out till the end.
“We work hard on special teams, and we said early on in the season that games are won on special teams and defense,” said Mooshagian.
MC came together early on, in the second quarter, with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback, Nick Owens to receiver Donnel Robinson. Leading the attempted comeback for MC, Owens finished with 211-yards passing and three scores.
MC made a roaring come back in the second half cutting the deficit to three points, with the score 29-26 VC, and MC going for the PAT , VC blocked the extra point and ran it back to take the final 31-26.
Head coach for MC, Jim Bittner received an award prior to the game for his 200th win; Bittner appreciated the award but would trade it for a few more points and a win.
“We made too many mistakes on special teams and turnovers and that’s what cost us the game, we made a valiant comeback, but didn’t quite make it,” said Bittner. “The (award) is very nice, and I’m appreciative, but I would trade it in for a few more points.”
The Pirates celebrate with the Citrus Cup Trophy at Griffin Stadium on September 3, 2011. The Pirates held onto the cup with a 31-26 win over the Raiders. (Photo by Jeffrey Farrar)
