Moorpark Raiders Football defeat Santa Monica Corsairs with walk-off field goal

Raiders sophomore quarterback Trae Johnson runs an option play with freshman running back Donovan Davis in the first half. Johnson had a great game that led to a 44-41 Moorpark victory on Oct.16 in Moorpark, California. Photo credit: Hunter Deniaud

By Hunter Deniaud
November 1, 2021

Moorpark College football defeated Santa Monica City College with a game-winning field goal from Scooter Carranza.

The Oct. 16 game was the conference opener for the Raiders, and possibly their best game of the season, as they dominated both offensively and defensively in their 44-41 win.

Moorpark freshman linebacker Andrew Tilson had little playing time at the beginning of the season but has worked his way into a starting role. Tilson made the biggest play of the night as he secured the game sealing interception to ensure Moorpark’s victory.

“Not starting just made me want to work harder and become a starter,” said Tilson. “I can honestly say being a starter is amazing. I worked so hard to get here, and now I only want to work harder and I am more motivated.”

Moorpark sophomore cornerback Cashton Haffery had two interceptions in the game, totaling for three this season. Haffery has been a star in the secondary and has continued to lock down the oppositions’ number-one receiver each week.

“It feels great to get a home win and also a conference win,” said Haffery. “We have been becoming more and more locked in each week, especially because we are starting conference play.”

With this win, the Raiders are now 2-4. Moorpark sophomore quarterback Trae Johnson also had a game to remember, throwing for two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Moorpark Raiders sophomore defensive back Cashton Haffery intercepts a pass near midfield. The interception was crucial to the Raiders 44-41 victory over Santa Monica College on Oct. 16 in Moorpark, California.
Moorpark Raiders sophomore defensive back Cashton Haffery intercepts a pass near midfield. The interception was crucial to the Raiders 44-41 victory over Santa Monica College on Oct. 16 in Moorpark, California. Photo credit: Hunter Deniaud

Another star who has been shining as of late for Moorpark is freshman running back Joe Llanos. Llanos has now had back-to-back weeks with a touchdown and has been an electric force on the field as he accounted for 95 yards and a rushing touchdown this game.

Recently, Moorpark Head Coach Mike Stuart Stuart named freshman quarterback Trevor Jungman, freshman wide receiver Jacob Carbajal, freshman defensive end Payton Casillas and sophomore linebacker Andrew Roland as captains.

“Those guys have really shown what it means to be a Raider by doing the little things like showing up to the weight room and going over film,” said Stuart. “I have seen a big change in that alone since last week.”