The Pirates improved their record to 4-1 as they defeated the Glendale Community College Vaqueros at Ventura in a 20-13 victory Saturday evening.
The first score came in the opening four minutes of the game with a 41-yard field goal from Pirates kicker Tyler Stampler. Stampler would go on to kick another successful field goal with 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter, as well as two extra point attempts off of later touchdowns.
The first half ended well for Ventura College when Pirates quarterback Antavius Sims threw a touchdown pass to running-back Dominic Morris on third-and-goal.
The Pirates led 13-6 at the half.
Sims came up with another touchdown after the first 4 minutes of the second half when he ran into the end zone on first and goal.
Despite his successes on offense, Sims made a costly mistake near the Pirates’ own goal line when he fumbled the ball, allowing Vaquero defensive back Josh Harmon to recover it and dive in for a touchdown.
Following the touchdown, the Vaqueros’ extra point attempt was no good as kicker Garret Hernandez was wide right.
The fumble was not Sims’ only mistake; he also threw two end zone interceptions in the third and fourth quarter. As a result, Sims struggled to make consistent completions.
Pirates Offensive Coordinator Tim Guiterrez explained that Sims’ mishaps were nothing to worry about and is certain that the freshman quarterback will learn from his mistakes.
“It’s part of the learning process for a young quarterback,” said Guiterrez. “He has to brush it off and come back for the next game.”
Sims’ fourth quarter interception near midfield may have cost the Pirates the game. With 4:13 left in the fourth and the Pirates up 20-13, the interception gave the Vaqueros the ball at the Pirates 32 yard line and a chance for a comeback.
Fortunately for the Pirates, their defense was able to hold off the Vaqueros on four downs. The Pirates were then able to run out the clock to end the game.
Despite certain offensive difficulties, Guiterrez knows better than to take the win for granted.
“We walked it off with a W and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
