The kickoff for Saturday's 45th Citrus Cup game between the Ventura College and Moorpark College football teams at Griffin Stadium has been pushed back 7 p.m.
The game at Moorpark was originally scheduled to be an afternoon kickoff, like the Raiders' first two home games against Citrus Sept. 8 and Santa Ana Sept. 15.

"As heated as the rivalry is with our sister college, the most important outcome is that all student athletes leave the game as healthy as possible," Moorpark athletic director Howard Davis said in a release. "Our first game was warm, with a short period of extreme heat. But, the last home game was brutal throughout the game.

"There is no reason to risk anyone's safety when a simple game time change can make it more comfortable for all parties."

Moorpark's last two home dates Oct. 20 and Oct. 27 remain unchanged.

The Ventura College men's basketball team (7-7) will face Antelope Valley (9-2), the No. 4-ranked team in Southern California, in the first round of the Cougar Holiday Classic at College of the Canyons today at 1 p.m.

The host Pirates, who remain unranked but are No. 16 in the state in RPI, lost to Antelope Valley, 83-78, Nov. 11. In its last game, Dec. 18, VC routed 2009 state champion Riverside, 92-63.

The Western State Conference season opens Jan. 4.