Showing the fight this past Saturday, the Moorpark Raider football program did what they had to do, and that was to play a complete football game.
Taking a trip down south, this Raider team showcased their star sophomore running back Isaiah Johnson, who led the team to a 31-26 victory over the Palomar College Comets.
Starting at quarterback for the Raiders was backup quarterback Trenton Thornton, who got the nod in place of Kado Brown. Brown was forced to take the backup role as a precautionary measure due to a possible concussion suffered in last week’s game versus Long Beach.
Although Brown was available on an emergency basis, Thornton filled in just fine throwing for 244 yards, completing 19 of 30 passes and one touchdown. Teammates didn’t feel as if going into a game with a backup quarterback would pose many issues for this offense.
“I have a lot of confidence in all our quarterbacks,” said freshman defensive tackle Richard Watkins. “His performance was no surprise to me. Trenton has been a great player and works hard every day.”
After a few stalled drives by both teams to start the first quarter, Thornton and the Raiders took over on their own 34 yard line. Without the run game Brown usually brings to this offense, they were forced to heavily utilize their other offensive weapons. Driving down to the Palomar 36 yard line, Thornton connected with Emmanuel Osuchukwu for a 28-yard pass, and it was Isaiah Johnson who capped the drive off with an eight-yard touchdown run.
Moorpark stuffed Palomar on their next drive and quickly answered back with a well-orchestrated, 11-play, 65-yard drive resulting in a field goal, bringing the score to 10-0 Raiders in the second quarter.
A huge break for Palomar came at 10:22 in the second quarter, when Hunter Turner forced a sack-fumble, with Dominique Love returning it 50-yards for a touchdown.
On the following kickoff, Raider running back DJ Farmer took the return 63-yards into Palomar territory, where Isaiah Johnson took a handoff 33-yards for his second rushing touchdown.
Just before the half, the Comets finally got some offense going when quarterback Matt Romero hooked up with Johnny Arzola for a 3-yard score, bringing the score to 17-14, Raiders.
Romero finished the game with 245-yards and 2 touchdowns through the air.
A three-and-out from Moorpark to open up the third quarter, opened the door for Palomar to take the lead, but the Raider defense held strong and only allowed a field goal which tied the game.
The Raider defense has really been the rock of the team, and this week they forced the Palomar offense to eight three-and-outs. One of which came at 10:13 in the third quarter and only ran 55 seconds off the clock.
Watkins spoke on what drives this defense to play at such a high level.
“The offense has really been moving the ball pretty well lately. Makes us want to go make plays and get our offense right back on that field.”
In addition, the defense totaled seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and five quarterback hurries.
After the Palomar punt, the Raiders got the ball on their own 21-yard line, and on the fifth play of the drive, Thornton and Osuchukwu connected for a huge 60-yard touchdown catch and run.
Emmanuel Osuchukwu padded the stats once again, compiling 180 yards on nine receptions.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Moorpark led 24-20 and need one score to put the pressure on the Comets.
At 10:53 in the quarter, and the drive starting from their own 13-yard line, the Raiders showed why this was a complete game from the offensive side. On the eighth play on a nine play drive, Johnson rushed 14-yards for his third touchdown of the game, giving Moorpark a 31-20 lead.
In one last shot to make this a close game, the Comets drove downfield and scored on a nine yard pass to Robert Ursua. Being down by 11, Palomar elected to go for the two-point conversion to bring the game within a field goal.
Having a huge game already, Moorpark defensive back Josh Chickumbindi intercepted the pass sealing the deal and ensuring a week 4 win for the Raiders.
Showing major improvements from last week to this past Saturday, this Moorpark team is quietly proving themselves.
“Everyone is getting familiar with each other, and starting to know what certain people can do,” said Watkins. “Of course there’s always room for improvement, but I feel like when everyone starts clicking, (the) sky’s the limit for us.”
The Raiders(2-2) will take on Fullerton next Saturday as they take to the road once again in a pivotal game, kickoff will be at 12 p.m.
