Despite losing coach Jeff Theiler and 7-foot center Josh Crawford, The Oxnard College men's basketball team doesn't look like missing a beat.

Assistant coach Jason Cunningham has taken the reins and isn't missing a beat. A stellar sophomore group revolves around point guard Jonathan Johnson and shooting guard Ryan McLucas.

"Jon John(son) has slimmed down and improved his jump shot," said Cunningham. We want to get more out of him defensively."

The Condors already get plenty out of McLucas defensively.

"He allows us to come into every game with the belief that we can win," said Cunningham. "He changes every game with the ability to defend the other team's best player."

High-scoring forward Bernard Burrell, who missed nearly all of last season with a back injury, is ready to go.

"For us, it' s a blessing," said Cunningham. "His leadership helps everyone else on the floor. When he's on the floor the ball never stagnates."

Stepping in for Crawford is 6-foot-11 center Matt Dewaal, who is already getting Division I recruiting interest.

"Matt is obviously an X-factor of a guy," said Cunningham. "If he can be a presence for us and rebound, we can be a very good team.

"We have a very powerful four guys there."

The buzz at Raider Pavilion is that the Moorpark College men's basketball team has its best team since the 2001 group that completed back-to-back state Final Four appearances.

Head coach Remy McCarthy isn't quite ready to agree with that sentiment, but he didn't quite disagree either.

"You just don't know how good everybody else is," said McCarthy. "But I will say this, we've never had this kind of depth."

In that vein, McCarthy has added three new assistant coaches, including former Moorpark College stars Greg Murphy and Kenny Plummer, to the staff.

"I'm glad we have five assistants because I'm afraid I wouldn't remember to put a guy in," said McCarthy. "Last year, Dwight played entirely too many minutes. We don't have to do that this year."

The Raiders' legions include former Westlake High backcourt Matt Mazarei and Kyle Olandt, former Oaks Christian star Matt Hornbuckle and Calabasas High product Redmond Parker, who redshirted at Long Beach State last year.

Hotshot freshman Justin Taylor had nearly 20 points and only missed one shot in the team's intrasquad scrimmage last week.

"Competition in practice has been fierce," said McCarthy. "Once they start playing together and stop killing each other all the time, we might develop some camaraderie."

Some thoughts by coach Ned Mircetic on the Ventura College men's basketball team's performance in its scrimmage Tuesday against Westmont:

"Dee Pinkard had a kind of coming-out party."

"Prince (Abidoye) played well. He was able to get to the rim and draw a lot of fouls."

"Will Faiivae was active, but he was foul prone."

"Danny Benson is a breath away from being a tremendous player for us."

The sophomores mostly stood out. But there was one freshman who was highlighted, Channel Islands High product Jordan Harris.

"Jordan Harris showed energy on the board and patience in the high post."

Mircetic was upset that point guard Mike Diacos, a Camarillo High graduate who transfered from Nebraska, didn't see more playing time.

"Diacos did fine. I didn't play him enough. I was trying different combination and he got squeezed out of the combinations. That was more on me looking at different combinations."

If score had actually been kept, the Ventura College men's basketball team might have lost to Westmont College Tuesday night over five 10-minute periods by 15 points.

But, for the first and perhaps last time this season, winning wasn't the goal at the VC Athletic Event Center.

"They let us know what we need to improve," said head coach Ned Mircetic, "like shot selection and communication on defense.

"If we're a little more patient of offense, we spread the floor a little bit better and if we trust our system through the entire shot clock, we can be a pretty good team.

"It'll be really on us to coach them, to teach them those things and for the players to buy in and execute it."

Outside hitter Una Siljegovic had 13 kills and libero Roxy Ghassemi had nine digs as the Moorpark College women's volleyball team wrapped up an unbeaten first swing through the first round of play in the Western State Conference's North Division with a three-game sweep of county rival Ventura Tuesday night at Raider Pavilion.

Moorpark (15-4, 5-0), ranked No. 8 in the state, swept Ventura (7-10, 2-3) 25-16, 25-18 and 25-15.

"Our goal every year is to be No. 1 on Nov 1," said Moorpark coach Burkhart. "That's where we're at.

"Now it's just a matter of playing better against every team the second time around.

The cross-county rivals combined from seven straight WSC titles from 1999 to 2005. Yet Burkhart presented his team with plenty of examples of conference-winning teams that dropped cross-county rivalry matches.

Need a first look at the Ventura College men's basketball team? The Pirates will host Westmont College in a scrimmage Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Click the jumb for the unofficial box from Moorpark College football team's 40-22 loss Saturday at Hancock.

Tailback Dan Mosier, slowed by injury for nearly a month, returned to form, running for 127 yards and two touchdowns, but the Moorpark College football team still dropped its third straight game, 40-22, to Hancock College Saturday night at Righetti High in Santa Maria.

Moorpark (3-4) led 22-19 at halftime behind Mosier scoring runs of 8 and 10 yards, plus a 2-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Donald Senegal to Nathan Largen.

But the Raiders were outscored 21-0 in the second half to drop to 0-3 in the Northern Conference.

"We were up by a couple points at the half," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner Sunday. "The fog came in and they just blasted us.

"They just out-physicaled us. They wanted it a little bit more than we did."

Diondre Bryant ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns and Thomas Sua and quarterback Eric Anderkavich also ran for scores as the Bulldogs (5-3) improved to 2-2 in conference play.

Hancock rolled up 345 yards rushing on 54 carries, good for 6.4 yards per carry.

"They just ran the ball right down our throat," said Bittner. "They went double tight (end). It was the second week in a row we saw that.

"We have to be able to stop the run."

In its previous game, Moorpark allowed 366 yards rushing in a 30-0 loss to Bakersfield.
Moorpark quarterback Donald Senegal completed 17 of 31 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.

"Mosier did a good job and we also had a better job from our quarterback also," said Bittner.

"We had some dropped balls that were touchdowns. He was putting the ball on the money."

Despite two late touchdown passes by Cody Holland, the Ventura College football team fell for the fourth straight time, 52-29, at College of the Canyons Saturday night.

Moorpark College is shut out in the second half in Santa Maria and the Raiders fall for the third straight game to Hancock.

Hancock has outscored Moorpark 14-0 in the second half to lead 33-22 with seven minutes to play in Santa Maria.

Canyons scores 35 straight points, including three touchdowns in the final 3:32 of the first half, to take control at Cougar Stadium.

Despite only 17 yards on his first 11 carries, Fred Winborn has three touchdowns. Brad McClellan has two touchdown passes to Hayo Carpenter.

Two Danny Mosier touchdowns and a Donald Senegal scoring strike to Mark Urbina push Moorpark ahead, 22-19, at the half against Hancock in Santa Maria.

The Ventura College defense holds high-powered Canyons to a three-and-out on its first possession and Patrick Hebert blocked the punt.

James Jackson scooped at the Canyons 17 and scored with 10:17 left in the first quarter.

Moorpark RB Danny Mosier is back in the end zone. His 4-yard run means that the Raiders only trail 9-7 after one quarter against Hancock College at Righetti High in Santa Maria.

I'll be out in Santa Clarita tonight, where Ventura will tackle College of the Canyons, the No. 2 ranked team in the country. I'll be posting updates here on the blog. Also, it looks like I'll be providing color commentary alongside Ryan Miller for the broadcast at HomefieldSports.com.

We were unable to send a reporter to Santa Maria for Moorpark's visit to Hancock, but I'll attempt to contact people up there and provide some live updates.

Looking to regain the crown it has worn for 11 of the past 12 seasons, the Ventura College women's soccer team opened up a five-point lead atop the Western State Conference's North Division with four matches to play.

Ventura beat West Los Angeles, 3-0, Friday afternoon behind two more goals by Jazmarae Strozier.

Meanwhile, second-place Santa Barbara City dropped two points with another scoreless draw with Moorpark at La Playa Stadium

Ventura improved to 6-0 in WSC North play (18 points) while Santa Barbara fell to 4-1-1 (13 points). Moorpark is 4-2-1 (11 points).

"The conference is tough this year," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "It's up to us to take it one game at a time.

"Our destiny is in our own hands, which is nice."

By now you've probably seen the video of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia being tackled by Wilbert Hackett, a former college linebacker who is now an SEC official, during Saturday's game against LSU.

If you haven't seen it, you have to:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a good story on Hackett's background.

Jeremy Allen scored three goals and had two assists, Mike Crowley and Tyler Pool had two goals and two steals apiece and goalie Lance Park made nine saves as the Ventura College men's water polo team wrapped up a first-place finish in WSC round robin play with a 8-4 win over host Cuesta in San Luis Obispo Wednesday.

Ventura (13-8) improved to 4-0 in WSC play. It will be the top seed in the WSC tournament Nov. 7-8 at Los Angeles Valley College.

With its 1-0 victory over Santa Barbara City Friday, the Ventura College women's soccer team not only took over first place in the WSC North, it replaced Santa Barbara as the No. 7-ranked team in the NSCAA's national poll.

Santa Barbara City (9-1-4) fell to No. 11.

The Pirates (11-1-3), who have also risen to No. 2 in the statewide power ranking, extended their 11-game unbeaten streak with a 5-0 win over Cuesta Tuesday. Jazmarae Strozier and Alyssa McDonald, who sit first and second in the WSC in scoring, found the net for the 14th and 13th times, respectively, this season.

The Moorpark College women's volleyball team officially became the team to beat in the Western State Conference's North Division Tuesday.

The Raiders, ranked No. 8 in the state, traveled to San Luis Obispo and swept Cuesta, the two-time defending WSC North champion, in under an hour, 25-17, 25-10, 25-11.

I've played up there 18 years and I can't remember being so dominant," said Moorpark coach Steve Burkhart. "We were just ready to play.

"It was by far the best match that we've played this year. I'm just hoping it can be the catalyst to move on.

Outside hitters Savannah Thomas and Una Siljegovic had 16 kills and 11 kills, respectively, Roxy Ghassemi had seven digs and Kayla Ingraham added five blocks.
Middle blocker Rachel Olinyk leads the WSC with 36 blocks and is third in the WSC in hitting (.341).

"We've been passing pretty well, but we passed unbelievably," said Burkhart.
"When you go play there, you don't know what to expect. You travel for two and a half hours and everything seems to be against you.

"We went up 10-3 in the first game and we never looked back."

Moorpark hosts local rivals Oxnard and Ventura Friday and Tuesday, respectively.

Here is today's college coverage:

NCAA Division III

Cal Lutheran 23, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 14: CLU earns a victory, but it's one sided by David Lassen in Claremont

Community College

Bakersfield 30, Moorpark 0: Moorpark makes too many mistakes by Loren Ledin in Moorpark
Ventura Hall of Fame induction ceremony: VC honors its stars from the past by Joe Curley in Ventura

NCAA Division I

UCLA 23, Stanford 20: Craft makes up for poor play by Ken Peters, Associated Press, in Pasadena
USC 69, Washington State 0: USC lives up to its favorite status by Greg Bell, Associated Press, in Pullman, Wash.
College notebook: Belak-Berger putting her best foot forward by Rhiannon Potkey

Three weeks into the SCFA Northern Conference season, No. 2 College of the Canyons is alone atop the standings as the lone 3-0 team as the conference's other 2-0 team, Pasadena, was upset by Hancock. Conversely, the two Ventura County programs are a combined 0-4, the only winless teams in the conference.

Week 7 results
Bakersfield 30, Moorpark 0
Canyons 43, Glendale 23
Hancock 45, Pasadena City 42

Standings through seven games
Canyons 3-0 7-0
Pasadena 2-1 4-3
Bakersfield 2-1 3-4
Glendale 1-1 3-3
Hancock 1-2 4-3
Moorpark 0-2 3-3
Ventura 0-2 3-3

Click on the jump for Star teammate Loren Ledin's unofficial box from the Moorpark College football team's 30-0 loss to Bakersfield Saturday.

Bakersfield piled up 351 yards rushing, including 178 yards from star running back Bruce Frieson, in its 30-0 win over Moorpark Saturday night at Griffin Stadium.

The Raiders, now 3-3, have been outscored 78-3 in consecutive weeks since its bye.

Moorpark College football coach Jim Bittner's fears have been realized as the Raiders trail visiting Bakersfield, 30-0, in the fourth quarter at Griffin Stadium, Star teammate Loren Ledin reports.

The Moorpark College women's volleyball team, ranked No. 7 in the state, traveled to Santa Barbara City and improved to 2-0 in the WSC North with a four-game victory Friday night, 25-20, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19.

Moorpark is 13-4 overall.

Santa Barbara City coach John Sisterson on the Ventura College women's soccer team's 1-0 win in Friday night's battle of WSC North unbeatens:

"We defended very poorly on their goal. We just didn't have the fire tonight, they were quicker to the ball.

"We didn't have any shots on target and we didn't deserve to win. It was disappointing but it was also a wakeup call."

By Joe Curley
jcurley@VenturaCountyStar.com

The Ventura College women's soccer team took a big step towards recovering its crown Friday night.

Alyssa McDonald's first-half goal stood up as the Pirates handed previously unbeaten Santa Barbara City its first loss of the season, 1-0, at the VC Sportsplex.

Ventura (10-1-3), unseated by Moorpark after 11 years of Western State Conference dominance last season, improved to 4-0 in the WSC North. Santa Barbara (9-1-4), ranked No. 7 in the nation by the national coaches' association, fell to 4-1.

Santa Barbara, which was averaging nearly four goals per game, was shut out for only the third time this season.

"Our feet are on the ground," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "We've got to play again next week."

McDonald and Jazmarae Strozier, the WSC's two leading scorers, combined for the game's only goal.

In the 27th minute, Stozier flicked a ball forward that McDonald latched onto atop the penalty area and sent a deflected shot into the Vaqueros' net.

"Santa Barbara has always been a rival for me," said McDonald. "I almost went to that school."

It was the culmination of half that Hoffman called the best of the Pirates' season.

"We played them off the field in the first half," said Hoffman. "It was probably the best 45 minutes we've played this season."

McDonald's goal holds up as the 11-time WSC North champion Ventura College women's soccer team took a big step towards No. 12 with a 1-0 win over nationally-ranked Santa Barbara City Friday night at the VC Sportsplex.

Alyssa McDonald scores from a Jazmarae Strozier pass in the 27th minute as the Ventura College women's soccer team takes a 1-0 halftime lead over Santa Barbara City, ranked No. 7 in the nation by the NSCAA, in the undefeated WSC North showdown.

With the Ventura College football team off this weekend, here's the only capsule of the weekend, Moorpark's welcoming of Bakersfield Saturday night.

Click the jump for an unedited look at tomorrow's cap.

Tucker Zimmerman scored three goals and goalie Max Hollander made seven blocks as the Ventura College men's water polo team improved to 3-0 in Western State Conference play with a 16-7 win over Santa Monica Wednesday.

Friday night isn't only for prep football.

The Ventura College women's soccer team will host a football showdown of its own Friday night at the VC Sportsplax against Santa Barbara City.

The two teams have combined to win their first seven matches in the Western State Conference's North Division.

Santa Barbara City (9-0-4, 4-0) is ranked No. 7 in the NSCAA's national poll. Ventura (9-1-3, 3-0) was ranked No. 12 last week, before falling out this week despite a nine-game unbeaten streak.

The Vaqueros, who have never won a WSC title, just may be the favorites this season. Ventura, which is 19-3-3 against SBCC all-time, has won 11 of the past 12 WSC North titles.

"They've had some good games against some good teams, but they're not scoring tons of goals," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "If we can stick a few away, we might be all right."

The Ventura duo of Jazmarae Strozier and Alyssa McDonald is 1-2 in the WSC in scoring.

"We've got two of the best strikers in the state," said Hoffman. "We're going get goals. It's whether we defend well enough."

Moorpark College women's volleyball team (11-4), which started WSC North play strong Tuesday night with a sweep of visiting Hancock, is ranked No. 7 in the state this week by the coaches association.

"I saw that," said coach Steve Burkhart. "I like to think we're worthy of that, although I'm not so sure all the time.

"We're still struggling at times to find consistency."

Two of the most consistent Raiders have been outside hitters Savannah Thomas and Una Siljegovic.

"In women's volleyball, you've got to have a hammer," said Burkhart. "You need to have someone who can put the ball on the floor consistently. When you have two of those players, it only makes you better."

Moments after the Moorpark College football team's loss at Canyons Saturday night, head coach Jim Bittner was already worried about the next opponent.

Old foe Bakersfield had started 1-4 and Bittner didn't want to face the Renegades this weekend with a 1-5 record.

"Bakersfield is going to beat the hell of out somebody and I don't want it to be us," said Bittner, laughing.

Which means Bittner must have been "relieved" to hear that Bakersfield beat Hancock, 34-17, Saturday.

Basketball season opened Wednesday with the first official day of practice.

Which means Ned Mircetic coached his first official back-to-back practices in the experiment that has the veteran coach heading up both the men's and women's programs this season on an interim basis.

"It's a lot of work," said Mircetic. "But we've got some good kids. There's some good learning going on.

"Some of them are really coming along in the cognitive department."

The men's team will scrimmage Westmont later this month.

"We're having a good time," said Mircetic. "I'm enjoying myself."

Mircetic will make his radio debut Thursday night on KVTA 1520 AM at 6 p.m., which HomefieldSports.com plans to develop into a weekly timeslot during the season.

Looking for a preview for the upcoming women's basketball season?

The Ventura College women's basketball team will be hosting 23 other teams from around the state in its second annual Ventura Scrimmage Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The field includes four of last March's Great Eight, six reigning conference champions and 11 playoff teams.

Ventura, featuring freshman point guard Erica Ward, will scrimmage Los Positas at 10 a.m., Cypress at 12 p.m. and Fullerton at 4 p.m.

The event also features the return to action of former All-American Jessi Selleh, who sat out last season with a back injury.

Savannah Thomas had 12 kills and Rachel Olinyk added nine kills and three blocks as the Moorpark College women's volleyball team started WSC North play strong Tuesday night with a sweep of visiting Hancock, 25-18, 25-13, 25-14.

Moorpark (11-4, 1-0 WSC North) is ranked No. 7 in the state by the coaches association.

Ventura (5-8) opened with a four-game loss in San Luis Obispo, falling 19-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-18 at Cuesta despite 14 kills from Danielle Vaughn and 22 assists from Justine O'Connor.

The Oxnard College men's soccer team scored five times as the defending Western State Conference champion finally earned its first conference win of the season, 5-1, against Glendale.

Enrique Carranza, Emilio Ramirez, Jonny Martinez, Willie Gutierrez and Jesus Lopez scored for Oxnard (5-5-3, 1-1-3). Glendale is 5-7-2, 2-3.

"We finally scored a couple of our chances," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney. "It's late, but we've still got a chance."

Craig Davis' free kick from 30 yards out after 34 minutes was the difference as the Moorpark College men's soccer team fell to Santa Barbara City, 1-0, Tuesday afternoon in Moorpark.

As a result, Santa Barbara (9-4, 4-1) takes over first place from the Raiders (7-2-3, 3-1-1), 12 points to 10.

"It was a workmanlike effort," said SBCC coach John Sisterson in a school release. "It's always nice to get three points on the road."

It's coming up on a year since the Ventura County Community College District first opened up its investigation into the Ventura College and Oxnard College men's basketball programs.

Rob Briner, the Ventura district attorney's chief investigator, said today that the DA's investigation continues, as well.

"It has not been completed as of yet," said Briner. "We're still following leads on that case. There is still evidence and documentation that we are receiving and evaluating.

"That still is an ongoing investigation with active leads."

Ned Mircetic's double season as Ventura men's and women's basketball head coach begins Wednesday with the opening of practice.

Community College

Canyons 48, Moorpark 3: Canyons routs Moorpark by Joe Curley in Santa Clarita.
Pasadena City 38, Ventura 21: Pasadena stuns VC in the fourth quarter by Loren Ledin in Ventura.

NCAA Division III
Cal Lutheran 44, Pomona-Pitzer 13: Kingsmen find winning formula by David Lassen in Thousand Oaks.

NCAA Division I
USC 28, Arizona State 0: USC win one-sided by John Nadal, Associated Press in Los Angeles.

How lopsided was the Moorpark College football team's 48-3 loss to College of the Canyons Saturday night? The Raiders were outgained 597 to 139

Here's the unofficial box score from the Ventura College football team's 38-21 loss to Pasadena City Saturday night.

Here's the unofficial box score from the Moorpark College football team's 48-3 loss at College of the Canyons Saturday night.

Pasadena City 38, Ventura 21
Canyons 48, Moorpark 3

Ventura QB Lee Mondol has thrown consecutive interceptions, including one for a touchdown, as Pasadena has taken a 38-21 lead late at Larrabee Stadium.

The Lancers have scored 17 points in less than four minutes.

Less than three minutes remain.

A 9-yard touchdown run by sophomore Semaj Washington has put Ventura ahead, 21-17, with 7:30 left at Larrabee Stadium.

Fred Winborn ran for his fourth touchdown of the game to push Canyons' lead to 41-3 after three quarters.

Ventura leads Pasadena 14-9 at the half. QB Lee Mondol has thrown touchdown passes to Patrick Hebert and Tim Pope.

Hayo Carpenter turned the corner and races to the pylon on third down for a 11-yard touchdown catch with five seconds left in the first half to give Canyons a 34-3 halftime lead against visiting Moorpark in Santa Clarita.

Carpenter has 9 catches for 192 yards, the receiving touchdown and a 95-yard kickoff return to open the game.

Canyons QB Brad McClellan completed 15-of-16 for 264 yards and a TD. Fred Winborn has run for three touchdowns on only seven carries.

Moorpark QB Donald Senegal has completed only 5 of 15 passes for 52 yards.

Fred Winborn has run for three touchdowns and Hayo Carpenter has 258 yards of all-purpose yardage as College of the Canyons leads Moorpark 27-3 after one quarter in Santa Clarita.

Ventura leads Pasadena, 7-6, after one quarter according to Star teammate Loren Ledin at Larrabee Stadium.

RB Fred Winborn's 14-yard touchdown run with 9:10 left in the first quarter gives Canyons a 14-3 lead.

Moorpark had a 11-yard TD run by Dan Mosier nullified by a holding penalty and had to settle for a 36-yard Jorge Vasquez field goal.

Hayo Carpenter returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown as College of the Canyons jumps out to a 7-0 lead in Santa Clarita.

We're settling into the press box here in Santa Clarita, getting set for the Moorpark College football team's national Top 25 showdown with 5-0 College of the Canyons.

Star teammate Loren Ledin is at Larrabee Stadium for Ventura's home game against Pasadena.

We'll have regular updates as the night progresses.

USC cornerback Kevin Thomas, a Rio Mesa High graduate, just stepped in front of a pass by Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter and returned the interception 46 yards for a touchdown to give the Trojans a 21-0 lead in the second quarter at the Coliseum.

This is Rhiannon Potkey's Cal Lutheran University notebook, which features notes on football player Antoine Adams,

This is Rhiannon Potkey's feature on Westlake High product Greg Newman, who is starting at Utah.

Freshman Joclyn Cooney scored off a Jazmarae Strozier pass as the Ventura College women's soccer team beat rival Moorpark, 2-1, Saturday night at the VC Sportsplex.

After a scoreless first half, Jennifer Aruz-Martinez opened the scoring for Ventura in the 58th minute. Kaitlin Walters evened the score at 1-1 from the penalty spot with 12 minutes to play.

Ventura (9-1-3), ranked No. 12 in the nation by the NSCAA, improves to 3-0 in the WSC North. Defending champion Moorpark, which ended Ventura's 11-year WSC North title streak last year, falls to 9-3-1, 2-2.

Moorpark's Augie Cazarez cancelled out the opener by Oxnard's Jonny Martinez as the Ventura County derby ended in a 1-1 draw for the third straight meeting.

The ongoing stalemate between the Oxnard College and Moorpark College men's soccer teams continued Friday afternoon.

Ninety minutes later, after the teams split the spoils, Moorpark (7-2-2, 3-0-1) still sat alone in first place and Oxnard (4-5-1, 0-1-3) was still searching for its first conference win.

"We're developing into a team of fighters," said Moorpark coach Sean Roche.

"We've outplayed every single team," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney, "but we can't seem to finish teams off.
"We took it to them today."

Click on the jump to get an early, unedited look at my community college capsules for tomorrow's games, in which Moorpark (3-1) visits Canyons (5-0) and Ventura (3-2) hosts Pasadena (3-2).

As coach Jim Bittner tells it, the Moorpark College football team may just be healthy for their trip to Santa Clarita Saturday.

"(Danny) Mosier went live for the first time today," said Bittner Thursday. "He's been at practice every day,

"He looked real good today. He looked like he's willing to go"

Mosier was leading Southern California in rushing and touchdowns when he was injured in the Raiders' third game against Fullerton.

Another key questionmark is linebacker Miller Aupui.

"Miller is ready to go," said Bittner. "Also (safety) Alex Tennyson.

"We feel like we'll be ready to go."

In facing 5-0 College of the Canyons Saturday night, the Moorpark College football team just may be up against the top running back and wide receiver in the state.

The Cougars feature RB Fred Winborn and WR Hayo Carpenter.

we've been in a lot of big games over the years.

Vc football hour
Jim bitnter, moorpark college

Canyons' offense

"They are both fantastic players," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner. "They run through tacklers and they run by tacklers.

"They have a lot of weapons."

The dynamic duo are first and third in Southern California in all-purpose yardage per game. Carpenter (34 rec., 613 yards, 8 TDs) is averaging 188.4 yards per game, while Winborn (50 att., 465 yards, 4 TDs) is averaging 171.7 yards per game.

(Of course, Moorpark's Dan Mosier sits between the two Cougars at 173.7 ypg.)

"They're definitely very talented athletes," said Canyons coach Garrett Tujague of his duo. "But one of the things that we try to do here is get our kids to understand what it is we're trying to do... When you watch us, you'll see Hayo or Fred talking to the younger players."

However, Winborn has sat out two of the Cougars' past three games. Tujague said that he will definitely be in the lineup Saturday.

"It's not necessarily an injury issue," said Tujague. "We just want to make sure he's ready. He got a little banged up after Fullerton (two weeks ago)... He's fine.

"It's just the question, 'Do I take a risk in not letting him heal completely.' "

The Moorpark College football team faces powerhouse College of the Canyons Saturday night in Santa Clarita in a meeting of the No. 21- and No. 2-ranked teams in the nation, according to JC Gridwire.

Since being reborn in 1998, 17 years after being disbanded, the Canyons' program is 98-22 with six conference titles and state and national championships in 2004.

Second-year head coach Garrett Tujague says the Cougars' credo is to out-work their opponents:

"We're going to out-work our opponent. We're going to work harder in the offseason. We're going to work harder in the weight room... That's been the on-going characteristic of Cougar football."

Moorpark College middle blocker Rachel Olinyk leads WSC women's volleyball with 30 solo blocks.

A week before WSC North play begins, Moorpark (10-4) enjoys the division's best record.

The Moorpark College men's soccer team (7-2-1) rose atop the WSC standings alone Tuesday by improving to 3-0 in conference play with a 2-0 win at Hancock.

Rei Stern had a goal and an assist. Augustin Cazares also scored.

The Raiders, who have yet to allow a goal in WSC play, host defending champion Oxnard Friday at 4 p.m.

"Interesting isn't it?" asked coach Sean Roche.

Moorpark has allowed a WSC-best seven goals in 11 matches and hasn't allowed a goal in four of its last five matches.

Previous joint leader Santa Barbara City (7-4, 2-1) was beaten 3-2 by Citrus on Tuesday.

Updated WSC standings after the jump.

Ventura College football coach Jon Mack is still trying to figure out why his team has, in consecutive weeks, been shut out in the first half, before falling short with furious late rallies.

Ventura trailed Cerritos 12-0 Sept. 27 and Glendale 14-0 Saturday, before falling 18-13 and 17-14, respectively.

"I don't know, I don't know," said Mack Tuesday. "The last two weeks, why have we started slow the last two weeks? We haven't been able to figure it out yet.

"That's my job."

Mack continues to applaud his team's character, but that has been unable to help the Pirates from falling from the No. 11-ranked team in the country to a team with no room for error.

"We're showing great character," said Mack. "No one's quitting. But getting behind like that is just terrible."

Moorpark coach Jim Bittner said his team will be boosted in its Top 25 clash at No. 2 College of the Canyons by some of the players who missed games with shoulder injuries last month, although it remains unclear who.

Running back Danny Mosier, who was leading Southern California in rushing and touchdowns when he was hurt against Fullerton, is expected back, as well as cornerback Roy Holmes and safety Alex Tennyson.

"They're questionable, but I think we'll get them back," said Bittner.

Middle linebacker Miller Aupiu is one of the wounded who still has some healing to do.

"We haven't been able to get him in pads yet," said Bittner Tuesday. "Until we can get him back in pads, I won't know if he'll be able to make it."

The title test comes early for the Moorpark College football team Saturday.

Despite being idle over the weekend, Moorpark (3-1) rose four spots to No. 21 in JC Gridwire's national Top 25 entering its showdown at No. 2 College of the Canyons (5-0) Saturday in the Raiders' SCFA Northern Conference opener in Santa Clarita.

"I don't know where they're ranked, but they're the best team we've seen," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner.

A state and national championship contender this year, Canyons has been far and away the team of the decade among former Western State Conference programs, winning division championships for six straight years from 2000 to 2005.

Yet the Raiders have given Canyons some trouble during that span. Canyons' 44-game WSC winning streak from 2000 to 2006 fit snugly between two trips to Moorpark.

Ray Carmel's 95-yard kickoff return with four minutes left earned Moorpark a 31-26 win over the Cougars on Oct. 28, 2000.

Less than seven years later, Cameron Merrill threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns, including an 80-yard strike to Tony Washington and an 82-yard strike to Conrad Meadows, as Moorpark snapped the Cougars' WSC streak 35-28.

"One thing, we've never been intimidated by them," said Bittner. "We've always played them.

"We have an opportunity. Our only advantage is they've annihilated everybody."

Canyons leads the state in scoring, averaging 50.4 points per game.

We're working on a table of contents that will give readers, as we grow The College Blog, the ability to call up only posts from the sports, league or school about which they care. More to come.

Ventura County enjoyed one week of having two nationally-ranked community college football teams.

The Ventura College football team dropped out of the JC Gridwire national Top 25 by losing for the second straight week, 17-14, at Glendale Saturday night.

Moorpark was idle Saturday, yet moved up four spots to No. 21 nationally. The Raiders visit No. 2 College of the Canyons Saturday night in a Top 25 showdown.

Last week was the first week in recent memory in which both Ventura County programs were ranked in the Top 25.

Click the jump to see the entire rankings.

NCAA Division I
USC 44, Oregon 10: USC rebounds with rout of Oregon by Joe Curley in Los Angeles

Community College
Glendale 17, Ventura 14: Ventura's second-half rally comes up short by Loren Ledin in Glendale

The Ventura College football team's late rally fell short for the second straight week, 17-14, Saturday night in its opening SCFA Northern Conference game at Glendale College.

Down 17-0 in the third quarter, running back Semaj Washington had a 1-yard touchdown run and running back Michael Lee broke a 56-yard touchdown run to pull within three points with 8:14 to play.

But the Pirates did not earn a first down with their two final possessions.

Lee rushed for 109 yards on 15 carries.

Ventura outgained its opponent for the fifth straight game, 416 to 379, but is 3-2.

Quarterback Lee Mondol finished 16 of 30 for 253 yards and two interceptions.

"I don¹t know what happened," said Ventura coach Jon Mack. "We¹ll look at everything and go back to work."

One game after Jaquizz Rodgers gashed the USC defense for 186 yards rushing, USC allowed just six yards on the ground in the final three quarters in Saturday's 44-10 win over Oregon, which entered play as the fourth-best rushing team in the country.

Safety Kevin Ellison, who had a career-high 12 tackles -- all in the first half -- was a big part of the solution as USC moved eight men into the tackle box.

"We had an emphasis this week on having me be the eighth man and stacking the box," said Ellison. "They have a great running game, but we had seen that other teams had some success with eight men in the box."

In the aftermath of the USC football team's impressive 44-10 win over Oregon Saturday night at the Coliseum, USC head coach Pete Carroll took the blame for the 27-21 loss at Oregon State that knocked the top-ranked Trojans out of the Top 8.

"We just weren't right," said Carroll. "As much as I hate to say it, coming off the win against Ohio State, we didn't handle it well enough.

"We just totally didn't get it done. I just didn't get it done. I'll forever be frustrated by (the performance)."

"It was a tremendous learning opportunity that no one game is more important than another. I'm still bitter about how it played out. I loved this win tonight, but I'm still pissed about last week."

The USC defense bounced back from its stinging defeat 10 days ago at Oregon State, partly because of the way Hueneme High product Josh Pinkard played in his second straight start at cornerback.

"We bounced back," said Pinkard, who recorded five tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. "We weren't really trying to answer any more questions.
"As a defense, we just felt like we need to make a statement for ourselves."

Pinkard recovered the Jairus Byrd fumble in the final minute of the first half that allowed USC to build a 27-10 halftime lead.

"I was just making a play on the ball," said Pinkard. "Fortunately, the ball came out. It was a race to the ball... my instinct was to pick it up and try to score."

Using those insticts, Pinkard, with both knees on the ground, tried to protect the ball without possessing it, so he could get on his feet and get in the end zone.

That's exactly what happened, only the officials spoiled the fun by calling Pinkard down.

"A little strategy, but it didn't work," said Pinkard, who did draw a facemask penalty for his trouble, however, that set the Trojans up on the Oregon 11.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez hit receiver Patrick Turner for a backbreaking touchdown pass on the next play.

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez says he is fine after leaving the game midway through the third quarter with a knee injury following a sack by Oregon defensive end Nick Reed

"I think it's going to be just fine," said Sanchez. "It just kind of bent a little funny... It didn't pop or anything. Good thing I was wearing a brace."

The USC football team's 44-10 win over Oregon was seconds old when the Matthews family, which was credited with 13 tackles and a sack, met at midfield.

Older brother Clay, an Agoura High product, started for USC and made five tackles. Younger brother Casey, an Oaks Christian School product, came off the bench for Oregon and made eight tackles and a sack.

"It was exciting," said Matthews. "They both made a few players and neither of them got hurt, which always makes for a good night."

As they huddled for photos after the game, family members showed off their "Matthews Showdown" t-shirts.

When the two brothers were both on the field for the kickoff, it reminded their father, NFL Hall of Famer Clay Matthews Jr., of facing off against his brother Bruce twice a year when the Cleveland Browns and Houston Oilers competed in the AFC Central.

"Those games were always miniature Super Bowls," said the father.

The USC football program mourned the loss of former player and assistant coach Craig Fertig, who died Saturday morning of kidney failure in Newport Beach, before and after its 44-10 win over Oregon.

Before kickoff, USC held a moment of silence. After the game, head coach Pete Carroll opened his postgame press conference by saying, "Today, the Trojan family got hit in a big way."

"We're gonna miss Craig."

Fertig was known for his special sense of humor and for throwing the game-winning touchdown pass to Rod Sherman in USC's come-from-behind win over unbeaten, top-ranked Notre Dame in 1964.

The first half shutout at Glendale means that the Ventura College football team, despite having the top-rated quarterback in the state, statistically, has been shut out in a half for the third straight game.

Ventura failed to score in the second half against Santa Barbara City and the first half at Cerritos.

For the second straight week, the Ventura College football team has fallen behind by double-digits, 17-0, Saturday night at Glendale, reports Star teammate Loren Ledin.

Host Glendale has taken a 3-0 lead on Ventura College in the first quarter.

Three plays after David Buehler's 36-yard field goal, Josh Pinkard's fumble recovery sets up Mark Sanchez's 11-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Turner with 16 seconds to play in the first half.

After trailing 10-3 in the second quarter, USC leads 27-10 at the half.

After being sacked by Oregon's Nick Reed midway through the third quarter, USC quarterback Mark Sanchez stayed down before limping off the field. He seemed to wrench his knee.

Mitch Mustain took over on the next USC possession and was intercepted in the end zone by Jairus Byrd.

A USC spokesperson just announced in the press box that "Sanchez might return."

This Oregon football team, currently leading 10-3 at USC in the second quarter, is lead by several former California community college stars.

Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli lead City College of San Francisco to the state title last year. Receiver Terence Scott was a handful for both local programs at College of the Canyons. Punter Tim Taylor is a transfer from Santa Barbara City.

Former St. Bonaventure High linebacker Rey Maualuga is one of four USC football players not in uniform today at the Coliseum.

The Butkus Award candidate injured a knee in last week's loss to Oregon State.

Other Trojans out of action include bruising tailback Allen Bradford (hip), right guard Zach Heberer and tight end Rhett Ellison.

Right guard Alex Parsons, tight end Anthony McCoy, tailback C.J. Gable and nose tackle Christian Tupou are among the USC starters.

Maualuga's injury and the demotion of nose tackle Averell Spicer and defensive end Everson Griffen means that Matthews is at defensive end, Michael Morgan starts at strongside linebacker and Brian Cushing moves to middle linebacker.

After Josh Pinkard broke up a third down Jeremiah Masoli pass, Oregon was forced to kick a 44-yard field goal.

But Clay Matthews was flagged for roughing placekicker Matt Evensen.

Four plays later, Jeremiah Johnson gave Oregon a 7-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run, capping a 14-play, 70-yard scoring march.

Agoura High product Clay Matthews Jr. will start for USC at defensive end this afternoon.

His younger brother Casey is Oregon's backup middle linebacker.

Hueneme High graduate Josh Pinkard makes his second straight start at cornerback.

Moorpark College athletic trainer Vance Manakae has been plenty busy this fall dealing with the football team's injury situation, including an incredible eight shoulder injuries.

"We've had a combination of separations and dislocations," said Manakae. "We've had one surgery already (cornerback Evan Yabu)."

The rash of bum shoulders has hit the Raiders across the roster, including star running back Dan Mosier, who was leading the state in rushing before his injury, and a series of linebackers.

"It's the Year of the Shoulder," said Manakae. "But we should be healthy by the time we go to Canyons, as long as we don't pick up any more injuries in practice."

The Moorpark College football team (3-1), which has suffered a head-scratching eight shoulder injuries this season, is gladly enjoying its one bye of the season today.

I just spoke to head coach Jim Bittner, who is on his way to Santa Maria to watch 4-0 Canyons, ranked No. 2 in the nation by JC Gridwire, open Northern Conference play at Hancock.

Moorpark will travel to Santa Clarita next week to face Canyons, which leads the state in scoring (52.5 ppg), total offense (530.5 ypg) and rushing offense (304.2 ypg). The Cougars feature the regions top running back, Fred Winborn (155.0 ypg), and top receiver, Hayo Carpenter (30 rec., 537 yards, 7 TDs).

To update those of you who've e-mailed in, asking where I'll be today:

I'm currently in the press box at the Coliseum, getting ready for No. 23 Oregon (4-1) at No. 9 USC (2-1).

I'll be adding live notes from here as the game goes on, as well as providing live updates from Ventura College's Northern Conference opener at Glendale College.

Here's my preview of the Northern Conference season, which opens tonight with No. 9 Ventura's trip to No. 18 Glendale. Moorpark is off.

Click the jump for my preview capsule.

A season full of potential for the Moorpark College wrestling team has been marred by injuries.

The Raiders fell to Fresno City, coached by former Moorpark boss Paul Keysaw, 42-6 on Sept. 24. Injuries and illness forced the Raiders to forfeit four weight classes to the Rams, ceding 24 points before the match began.

"We have guys injured and we have guys sick," said Moorpark coach Aaron Jackson. "Half the team is hurt."

Moorpark's points were provided by Shane Crosley, a freshman from Royal High, who pinned his opponent at 149 pounds.

The Ventura College women's volleyball team (5-6) is nearly back to .500 after winning three of its last four matches.

"We're pulling together," said coach Mandy Rodriguez. "It took us a while to kind of find our way."

The Pirates are led by sophomores like Danielle Vaughn, who has moved to setter this year, right side Kilei Phipps, libero Justina Zenner, outside hitter Shalisa Young and defender Micheala Adame.

Former VC basketball players Randi Hicks and Rebecca Kolbeck have also joined the team as outside hitters.

"They're kind of battling it out right now," said Rodriguez. "But, come on, their basketball players, they've got great work ethic."

The Oxnard College women's volleyball team will be able to enjoy every milestone separately.

Tuesday night's three-game win over West Los Angeles was the first win for first-year head coach David Fischer.

The win wasn't, as previously suspected, the Condors first Western State Conference win since 2004, even though both are WSC programs.

The two teams are in opposite divisions. Only divisional play counts in the WSC North and WSC South standings.

But, based on Tuesday's performance, the Condors (1-2) won't have to wait long for another win.

"It's not unexpected with this group," said Fischer, who has two returning players, Victoria Seui and Becca Helling.

"The rest didn't know the history," said Fischer. "They came here with a fresh attitude and a willingness to work.

Five years since its last Western State Conference title, the Moorpark College women's volleyball team may be ready to retake its throne.

Despite a loss Tuesday to top-ranked Los Angeles Pierce (16-1), the Raiders are 8-4 and ranked No. 8 in the state and No. 5 in Southern California.

"We're happy with our start," said Moorpark coach Steve Burkhart. "We have some solid players this year.

"This is probably our best group in the last three or four years."

The Raiders are led by outside hitters Una Siljegovic and Savannah Thomas and middle blockers Kayla Ingraham and Rachael Olinyk.

Siljegovic is the sister of former Moorpark All-American Nena Siljegovic. Both Siljegovic and Ingraham are Royal High products.

Moorpark has beaten four ranked teams, including No. 14 San Joaquin Delta, No. 17 Irvine Valley and No. 19 Long Beach and No. 20 Bakersfield. No other WSC North team is ranked.