They broke records and broke open games. They became two of the most effective offensive players in their schools' history.

Then they moved on.

It will not be easy for the Ventura College and Moorpark College football teams to replace Antavius Sims and Chris Gant, respectively, this fall.

It's no wonder that both schools seem to be reinventing the position within their systems this month.

Sims set school records for single-season (2,960 yards) and career total offense (4,866), and also finished his two-year career second all-time in scoring (25 touchdowns), passing (3,273), touchdown passes (24) and rushing touchdowns (25).

Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian has turned to a pair of quarterbacks to replace the Washington recruit, former Fresno State quarterback Ebahn Feathers and former University of Charleston quarterback Matt Koman, but neither will be asked to carry the type of load Sims bore for the Pirates over the past two seasons.

"I'm going to use them both," said Mooshagian. "Both are good kids. I just want them to be products of the system. I'm not going to ask them to do all the things that Tay did. If they play within the system, they'll be fine."

Feathers, a dual threat from Washington Union High, completed 2-of-3 passing for 7 yards and a touchdown and ran 11 times for 57 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs in 2009.

Playing under Mooshagian at Feather River College in 2009, Koman completed 33-of-67 passing for 540 yards and four touchdowns in four games before suffering an ankle injury.

"I want them to be able to manage a game, not try to win it themselves, and utilize the talent around them," said Mooshagian, who will continue to call the plays and coach the quarterbacks this fall, despite ceding the offensive coordinator label to assistant Jason Bendinelli.

Despite lining up on the periphery before each play, Gant was every bit the impact player for the Raiders that Sims was for the Pirates.

The Hawaii recruit set school records for receptions in a game (17), season (81) and career (145), as well as career receiving yardage (1,945).

"Chris was an unusual guy," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner. "He was a guy that could catch the ball whether he was doubled or tripled covered.

"He came back after that losing season (in 2009) and he made a commitment to his teammates. You have to give the guy credit. He did a great job for us and they did
everything they could to stop him, but he pretty much had his way with everybody."

Having also lost Dominick Markham, who excelled in the last month of the season, the Moorpark receiving corps will be a completely new group this fall.

"Our wide receivers are a bunch of no names right now," said Bittner. "We don't have a guy that we can say 'This is our guy.' "

It remains to be seen if there's a player on the roster who can be that lead target, although preseason standouts include Moorpark High graduate Cheldon West and Taft High product Donnel Robinson.

The new group received Gant's stamp of approval during spring practice.

"When he was out here in the spring, Chris said 'I wish I was coming back. You have
better receivers than when I was here,' " said Bittner. "I said, 'What they hell are you looking at?' "

As a sophomore, Ventura quarterback Antavius Sims finished second in Southern California in total offense (2,960 yards), fourth in scoring (15 touchdowns) and fifth in rushing (1,014 yards).

He set school records for single-season and career total offense (4,866 yards).

He also finished his two-year career second all-time in career scoring (25 TDs), passing (3,273 yards), TD passes (24), rushing TDs (25) and finished fourth in rushing (1,593 yards).

With no more football to play, the Ventura College football team can turn to recruiting. Head coach Steve Mooshagian estimated that as many as 12 of the 17 sophomores should earn scholarships, including the big three of Sims, linebacker Brenden Daley and defensive end Jon Lattimore.

"Half of my day is answering the phone calls," said Mooshagian. "Not just for Tay, but there's a whole bunch of others."

Mooshagian said Sims, Daley and Lattimore have attracted about a dozen schools apiece.

The list is too long to publish, but Washington, Ole Miss and Rutgers are three of the bigger schools interested in Sims, whose destination will hinge on whether he wants to continue to play quarterback or another position.

"Some people are recruiting him as a quarterback, some as an athlete," said Mooshagian. "We'll see what he decides to do."

Iowa State, Baylor and Hawaii are three of the schools recruiting Lattimore, who finished third in SoCal with eight sacks.

Daley is being pursued by Washington, Utah, Hawaii and Cincinnati, among others. The Moorpark High product plans to travel south Saturday to see the Utes play San Diego State.

Other in-demand Pirates include running back Mike Davis, center Ramon Diaz, punter Kyle Dugandzic and kicker David Brown, who are all eligible to transfer after next month.

The football season may have just ended, but Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims is already making the transition to basketball season.

The sophomore from Americus, Ga. practiced with the Ventura College men's basketball team (2-1) Monday and Tuesday and is expected to play this weekend in the Irvine Valley tournament.

"He might be a little worn down form taking the hits every weekend on the football field, so we'll bring him along slowly," said Ventura coach Will Cowen. "But he worked hard today and had great enthusiasm."

Sims averaged 7.6 points and 3.6 rebounds as a freshman, but was slowed by an ankle injury sustained on the football field. He scored in double figures in six of his final 10
games.

"He'll probably play limited minutes this weekend, until he gets his legs under him and learns the stuff we've been doing," said Cowen. "I don't anticipate him taking long."

Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims and defensive end Daniel Miller were honored as Northern Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week Monday.

Sims, a sophomore from Americus, Ga., was responsible for six VC touchdowns in Saturday's 48-19 win over Hancock, throwing for four and running for two.

He ran for a 54-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage and the Pirates never looked back.

"It was his read and he darted through the defense and the secondary," said Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian. "It was a nice play by him."

Miller, a freshman from Thousand Oaks, had 12 tackles, four tackles for losses, two sacks and a forced fumble.

Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims was honored as the Northern Conference's offensive Player of the Week Tuesday.

The sophomore from Sumter High in Americus, Ga. had 280 yards of total offense, completing 13-of-21 passing for 121 yards and running 22 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns, in Saturday's 33-29 win over Pasadena City.

Averaging 304.0 yards per game, Sims is No. 5 in the state in total offense.

University of Washington football coach Steve Sarkisian was in town Thursday, perhaps hunting for a replacement for senior quarterback Jake Locker.

Sarkisian flew in Thursday afternoon and attended Ventura College football practice, where he observed and briefly met with Pirates' quarterback Antavius Sims and linebacker Brendan Daley.

"That's legit," said first-year Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian. "He wouldn't be spending his time if he wasn't genuinely interested."
Washington recruiting coordinator Johnny Nansen also attended the VC practice.

Washington receiving coach Jimmy Dougherty went further down Telegraph Avenue to St. Bonaventure High, where he checked in on recruits Jalen Jefferson and Cody Kurz. The Huskies offered scholarships to both seniors in the spring.

The coaches were then scheduled to fly to Stockton for Thursday night's game between Sacremento Grant and Edison High.

Midseason recruiting interest in the Pirates' players is the highest point in recent memory. SuperPrep.com released separate stories Thursday on Sims, Daley and defensive end John Lattimore.

"I tell them they have to have the three Ts," said Mooshgian. "You have to have a good team, you have to have the transcripts and you have to have the tape."

Sims has been offered a scholarship by Florida International and is also being recruited by Ole Miss. Daley is also being recruited by Utah. Lattimore is being recruited by Iowa State and Auburn. Kansas State has also shown interest in all three players.

Ventura is 2-1 entering Saturday's home game against 2-1 Chaffey. Sims leads Southern California in rush attempts (68) and is No. 2 in total offense (336.3 yards per game), No. 3 in rushing (115.3 ypg) and No. 7 in passing (221.0 ypg).

Daley, a Moorpark High product, and Lattimore are two playmakers for a defense that leads the state with 34 tackles for losses.

Nearby Moorpark College also seemingly has a big-time prospect in receiver Chris Gant, who leads the state in receptions (31), receiving yards (406), touchdowns (8) and scoring (48).

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is expected to pay a visit to a Ventura College football team practice later this week, according to Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian.

"We'll have a couple guests," said Mooshagian Wednesday. "Two guys that I recruited when I was at Fresno State."

Once upon a time, Mooshagian recruited Sarkisian, who was a quarterback at El Camino College before starring a BYU, and Washington recruiting coordinator Johnny Nansen.

"I've known Steve for quite a long time," said Mooshagian. "I told him he can't be giving any secrets to El Camino (who the Pirates play on Nov. 13).

Instead, the former USC offensive coordinator probably wants to take an in-person look at Pirates quarterback Antavius Sims as a possible replacement for outgoing quarterback Jake Locker.

"They really like our kids," said Mooshagian.

Still unconvinced about whether the Ventura College football team has several sophomore stars who are capable of playing in a Bowl Championship Series conference?

Check out highlights of quarterback Antavius Sims (No. 1), running back Michael Davis (No. 3), linebacker Brendan Daley (No. 27), linebacker Kenny Breaux (No. 23) and kicker David Brown (No. 9) in the Sept. 11 game against Fullerton, then ranked No. 2 in the nation.

After three games in Southern California Football Association play, five different local products lead Southern California in eight different statistical categories.

1. Moorpark receiver Chris Gant is No. 1 in receptions (31), receiving yards (406), touchdowns (8) and scoring (48).
2. Ventura running back Michael Davis is No. 1 in all-purpose yardage (208.0 ypg).
3. Ventura quarterback Antavius Sims is No. 1 in rush attempts (68).
4. Moorpark defensive back Marquise Mouton is No. 1 in passes defended (3.0 per game).
5. Agoura High product Justin Arias, the Canyons quarterback, is No. 1 in total offense (350.3 ypg).

Sims is also No. 2 in total offense (336.3 ypg), No. 3 in rushing (115.3 ypg) and No. 7 in passing (221.0 ypg).

It may be early in the recruiting process, but the University of Washington showed some interest this week in both the Ventura College football team's sophomore stars, quarterback Antavius Sims and linebacker Brendan Daley, according to coach Steve Mooshagian.

Sims, who is second in Southern California with 1,009 yards of total offense, has been offered by Florida International. Ole Miss has also shown interest in him.

Utah, where Daley's former Moorpark High teammate, Brian Blechen, is playing safety, has also inquired about Daley. Kansas State is also scheduled to visit campus soon.

Mooshagian said he also expects demand for running back Michael Davis, defensive end John Lattimore and kicker David Brown

"Those are the five guys right now that are getting the most interest, but it's still early," said Mooshian. "I told them today, there's a place for all of them. They just have to take care of business in the classroom and get some film."

Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims was named SCFA Northern Conference offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Pirates' 40-27 loss to Fullerton Saturday night.

Sims, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore from Americus, Ga., piled up 390 yards of total offense by throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns and running for 140 yards.

He completed 23 of 33 passes and carried the ball 31 times.

Fullerton coach Tim Byrnes called Sims "an unbelievable football player."

After two games, Sims is now second in Southern California in total offense (670 ypg) -- seventh in rushing (215 yards) and fifth in passing (455 yards).

The loss of head coach Jon Mack may be a big hit publicly for the Ventura College football team.

But at least three of its key freshmen said this week that the core of the coaching staff that predated Mack and will postdate his departure next month to Crespi Carmelite High will ensure the Pirates continue to compete for the Northern Conference.

"We're going to be a force to be reckoned with," said linebacker Brenden Daley. "The only hit we take is in the recruiting. He did help us out a lot there. But I feel like if everyone stays on board, coach Mack's departure will not be that big of a loss. Although it is a loss."

Daley said his linebacker coach, defensive coordinator Gary Anglin, was every bit as important as Mack to his success.

"Mack was a recruiting coach," said defensive lineman Tommy Stuart. "He got it done. He got everyone fired up. But I still think everything will be fine at VC if the other coaches stay."

Stuart singled out his defensive line coach, Ted Lawrence, for the "motivation and knowledge of most four-year college coaches."

"He just loves the county too much to leave," said Stuart.

"The coaches basically ran practice" continued Stuart. "Coach Mack was there screaming and yelling, getting people fired up, but the position coaches are all excellent coaches, some of the best coaches in the nation for (community college)."

Anglin, Lawrence, special teams coordinator Tom Lawrence and offensive coordinator Tim Gutierrez, who all predate Mack with a combined for 63 years of service at Ventura, are all expected to stay.

"Coach 'G' (isn't) going anywhere," said freshman quarterback Antavius Sims Wednesday, before he faced Oxnard College in men's basketball. "We'll be fine."

Gutierrez, who also coached with Mack at St. Bonaventure, said earlier this week that he still "had a lot to think about," before equating the situation this week to "breaking up with your girlfriend over the phone."

"We're all here and moving on and continuing our recruiting," said Anglin. "We're up for the challenge."

Mack, who held a press conference in Encino Saturday to be unveiled as Crespi coach, visited VC campus Tuesday to meet briefly with the team and file his resignation.

That enabled the VC administration to begin the process of opening the search for his successor.

"I hope that we'll be able to fill it quickly," said Calote. "It's an important time to have a full-time coach."

The good news for the Ventura College men's basketball team (1-5) is that freshman point guard Paul Batausa has recovered from a calf injury and, with the end of the VC football season, the Pirates have added 6-foot-7, 270-pound Mike Melonas and active wing Antavius Sims.

"We will have some very interesting debuts this weekend," said Ventura coach Will Cowen.

Cowen recruited Melonas when he was at Ventura High. His addition gives the Pirates the ability to play a 6-7, 6-8, 6-9 front line with Pierce Brooks, Melonas and Eysan Toole.

"It's going to take him a little while to get his feet into basketball, but he can play," said Cowen. "He has very soft hands. He rebounds well."

Sims, the Ventura quarterback, is an intriguing athlete.

"He's an energy player on the perimeter," said Cowen. "He's electric, he's much like he is at quarterback.

"It's going to take him a little while to learn out system, but he will instantly help us athletically."

The Ventura College football team took a 7-0 lead at Pasadena City after one quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Antavius Sims.

Sims now has eight touchdown runs on the season.

Only four players in the state have more rushing touchdowns than the seven scored by Ventura College quarterback Antavius Sims.

Ventura College comes from behind to have a chance to tie the game with nine seconds to play -- at home no less -- and head coach Jon Mack elects to go for the game-winning two-point conversion.

"We're here to win it," said Mack, after linebacker Jack Francis protected Cerritos' 36-35 win by stopping Sims on the conversion attempt.

"It's a non-conference game. We're not here to fool around.

"It's my call and I'd do it 100 times again."

Down seven points with 81 yards to go and 1:09 to play, the Ventura College drove the length of the football field against visiting Cerritos College Saturday night at the VC Sportsplex.

Only to come up short.

Rather than use his record-setting kicker to force overtime, Ventura coach Jon Mack elected to attempt the game-winning two-point conversion after quarterback Antavius Sims found receiver Nick Karam for a 9-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds to play.

Ventura (3-1) fell despite kicker Tyler Stampler setting a school record by converting five field goals on five attempts and All-State cornerback Travaun Nixon intercepting three passes in the first 18 minutes, returning one 27 yards for a touchdown.

Ventura College football team's season-opening 35-13 win over Los Angeles Valley was a collective effort.

Especially on offense, where two different quarterbacks gave the ball to 13 different ball carriers (including the two quarterbacks) and threw the ball to eight different receivers.

"That's something we're really stressing," said Ventura coach Jon Mack. "There are no individuals, just the team.

"What I really liked, offensively. There wasn't anybody saying 'I need more touches.' It was a collective unit. Everybody was excited and involved. We probably played 50 or 60 guys."

As a group, the Pirates rushed for 306 yards on 43 attempts. Sophomore Kraig McPherson rushed for 87 yards on 11 carries. Sophomore Dominic Morris rushed for 70 yards on nine carries. Sophomore Gabriel Bostic earned 51 yards on five carries.

First-year quarterbacks Greg Jimenez and Antavius Sims seemed perfectly happy to alternate snaps on offense.

Sims, who both threw and ran for touchdowns, said he was "real comfortable" with the "good rotation."

Asked how he expects to keep two quarterbacks happy, Mack responded, "You just get unselfish kids who care as much about the team as they do themselves."

Freshman quarterback Antavius Sims turns a third and 18 into one of the highlights of the night, a winding 25-yard touchdown run that gives VC a 28-13 lead with 14:28 to play.