California Heisman Trophy candidate junior TB Jahvid Best addressed the media Wednesday following a Cal football practice at Memorial Stadium. Comments selected by Cal Sports Information:

On whether there's a different feeling on campus this week with the upcoming game against USC on Saturday
"I go to class and come to practice, so I don't even know. It's Berkeley; everybody's focused on school down there [on campus]."

On the USC defense
"They get different faces every year, but they get the same productivity. It's a typical USC defense."

More on the USC defense and the defensive numbers the Trojans have posted in 2009
"It's definitely going to be a challenge. It's going to be a physical game, and we've just got to be ready for it."

On Cal's troubles running the ball over the last six quarters
"Lack of execution. Any time you can't get something going offensively it's because of execution."

On whether not being able to execute weighs heavily on him
"It goes around the table."

On the USC game becoming a rivalry game
"Yeah, I think so."

On whether it's a rivalry game because of geographical connections or become both teams are good
"I think it's both."

On whether it's important to get a win against USC
"It's important to win every week, but SC week we've got to win."

On whether he hears anything from seniors that haven't beaten USC yet
"Those seniors are hungry for a Pac-10 championship. Getting a Pac-10 championship means beating SC, so it makes it that much more important."

On his troubles during the 2008 USC game
"It just gives me a little bit more motivation to go out there and produce this weekend, just to show that I can produce. That's pretty much it, just a little bit more motivation."

On why the 2008 game versus USC was so difficult for him
"They just dominated the line of scrimmage. We didn't execute as an offense, either, and that's basically what it boils down to."

On the team's confidence level heading into the USC game this Saturday
"We're real confident. We've put last week [at Oregon] behind us, and we're ready to go this week."

On whether playing against USC is a reason he came to Cal
"No [it's not a reason], but it is a perk."

On USC safety Taylor Mays
"He's a tremendous athlete, just how big he is and mixed in with how fast he is. He is going to be someone to watch out for on the field."

On how it's different playing USC at Cal instead of in Los Angeles
"It's going to be an exciting atmosphere. I'm pretty sure it's going to be packed, over-packed probably. People all on the hills everywhere, there's going to be cameras everywhere. It's going to be an exciting atmosphere."

On whether it matters that the national perception of him in the Heisman race will change if he and team do well against USC this Saturday
"No, it doesn't matter, but I hope that happens. I hope it happens, but it really doesn't matter to me."

On what the 2008 game vs. USC felt like
"Frustration would be the best way [to put it]."

On whether he felt like Cal was close to breaking through against USC in 2008
"We were close. A couple of different plays, and it would have been a whole different game. But, that's last year."

On how he deals with being patient when he gets bottled up like he did against USC in 2008
"That's probably the hardest thing I've got to do. But, if I trust in my coaching and techniques then good things will happen."

On whether he is a more patient person now than when he started at Cal
"Definitely."

Oxnard High graduate and former Oxnard College baseball coach and athletic director Jerry White on his hire as Western State Conference commissioner.

"We are at a tough point in the history of the conference for a number of reasons. These are tough times, but I think there are things that can be done to make things better."

(on succeeding Aviva Kamin, who was hired in 1982)

"I've sat at that table for a number of years with Ed Wagner and Aviva Kamin. I've seen a lot of changes that we were made because of their leadership. (Kamin) has done a lot of really good things that have influenced our conference."

(on the future of community college athletics)

"The economic problems that we all have right now just seem to permeate every decision and every consideration that we have. It's all about economics, where we are right now and how we try to solve these problems.

"That's paramount. That starts every conversation."

The Moorpark College and Oxnard College men's soccer team share first place in the Western State Conference after one round.

The two county teams were the only WSC schools to win Tuesday. Oxnard beat Citrus on a 92nd minute goal by Alberto Anguiano. Augie Cazarez's free kick was the highlight of Moorpark's 4-1 win over Canyons.

Both Oxnard (6th, 2.0625) and Moorpark (9th, 1.9083) are in the Top 10 in the SoCal power rankings.

TEAM OVR WSC PTS
Moorpark 3-2-1 1-0-0 3
Oxnard 5-2-1 1-0-0 3
Hancock 2-4-2 0-0-1 1
Glendale 2-4-2 0-0-1 1
LA Mission 3-4-1 0-0-1 1
Santa Barbara City 0-4-2 0-0-1 1
Canyons 3-4-0 0-1-0 0
Citrus 0-3-0 0-1-0 0

Moorpark College men's basketball coach Remy McCarthy has found his assistant. The Raiders have hired former Cal State Northridge director of basketball operations Ryan Dodd, who previously coached at Servite and St. John Bosco high schools.

"We really feel fortunate to have him available at this particular time of year," said McCarthy. "He's been at Cal State Northridge and anyone that knows Bob Braswell knows he's incredibly demanding."

Dodd won CIF and state basketball titles as a Servite High player, before walking onto the UCLA football team in 1992 and playing basketball at Cypress College in 1995-96.

"He's the kind of guy that's going to spend all his time in the gym," said McCarthy. "He's going to be able to recruit the Valley for us, which is critical.
"We're lucky as heck to have him."

Moorpark College freshman quarterback Ian Shultis was named SFCA Northern Conference Offensive Player of the Week after his record-setting performance in Saturday's 51-36 loss at Santa Ana.

The 6-foot-2 Thousand Oaks High product set school records for passing yardage and touchdowns by completing 25 of 38 passes with 432 yards and five touchdowns.

Former Oxnard College baseball coach and athletic director Jerry White will be named Western State Conference commissioner at the Oct. 7 conference meeting.

White, a 1955 graduate of Oxnard High, will succeed longtime WSC commish Aviva Kamin, who stepped down earlier this year after 27 years of service.

White was the choice of the selection committee which included Jody Wise of Citrus College, John Cicuto of Glendale College, Kim Ensing of Allan Hancock College, Steve Aggers of West Los Angeles College and Jonas Crawford of Oxnard College.

More on this later today.

Sophomore Alberto Anguiano's goal two minutes into second half stoppage time ensured the Oxnard College men's soccer team opened Western State Conference play with a win, 1-0, against Citrus.

After 91 minutes of scoreless soccer, freshman midfielder Jose Rivelo chipped a ball behind the Owls' defense. Anguiano ran onto the pass, beat one defender and cut inside to score the game-winning goal.

Oxnard improves to 5-2-1, 1-0 in the WSC.

Jazmarae Strozier set a school record by scoring 14 seconds into play as the Ventura College women's soccer team took a 3-0 halftime lead against visiting Cuesta Tuesday night.

Strozier also set up the Pirates' second, scored by Monique Orocio in the 12th minute. Orocio set up Alyssa McDonald for Ventura's third goal in the 21st minute.

Hancock is the conference's only 4-0 team and is looking like a favorite entering conference play this weekend.

Ventura makes a fateful choice. A record day for Moorpark isn't enough for a win. Canyons bounces back against No. 4 Fullerton. Glendale and Bakersfield fall in big non-conference games.

Week 4 Results
Canyons 26, Fullerton 13
Cerritos 36, Ventura 35
Hancock 48, Citrus 23
El Camino 40, Bakersfield 24
Pasadena City 38, Riverside 7
Orange Coast 10, Glendale 6
Santa Ana 51, Moorpark 36

Week 4 Standings
Hancock 4-0
Bakersfield 3-1
Canyons 3-1
Glendale 3-1
Pasadena City 3-1
Ventura 3-1
Moorpark 0-4

Community College football

Cerritos 36, Ventura 35: VC tries for 2 and loses by 1 to Cerritos by Joe Curley in Ventura.

Santa Ana 51, Moorpark 36: Shultis' huge day not enough as Moorpark loses by David Lassen in Santa Ana.

Click the jump for the official box score of Ventura College football team's 36-35 loss to Cerritos Saturday night at the VC Sportsplex.

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.

Go to our Twitter page for live updates.

Click the jump for the box score from Moorpark's 51-36 loss at Santa Ana.

The net result of a wild, 50-point fourth quarter (27 points for Moorpark, 23 for Santa Ana) was Moorpark's fourth loss, but also a record passing day.

The Raiders passed for 461 yards, with quarterback Ian Shultis throwing for 432, setting team and individual marks for passing yardage. Shultis finished 25 of 38, with Justin Bradley catching 12 passes for 201 yards and a TD and Chris Gant collecting nine passes for 190 yards and three TDs.

Thanks to David Lassen for a great job with the updates.

Shultis just threw his fifth touchdown pass, a 15-yarder to Chris Gant. It's 51-36 Santa Ana with 2:58 remaining.

The fourth quarter has gotten wild, with six touchdowns and a defensive conversion (by Santa Ana) which leads 51-29 with four minutes remaining.

Unofficially, Moorpark quarterback Ian Shultis is 22 of 33 for 398 yards and four touchdowns, which according to the Moorpark website would be a school record for passing yardage.

Santa Ana -- now hammering away with its ground game -- opened the second half with an 80-yard, 14-play scoring drive ending in Eric Pesante's 3-yard TD run with 7:51 remaining, and is on another extended march, facing third and goal at the Moorpark 3, as the quarter ends. Moorpark had the ball for just six plays in the quarter.

Down 9-7 to Moorpark, Santa Ana took a 21-9 halftime lead on two Jordan Thomas TD passes -- 7 yards to Andrew Zamora and 15 yards to Johnny Privitelli.

The first came two plays after Moorpark lost a fumble on its own 7-yard line and the second came with 31.1 seconds left in the first half.

Moorpark has been wholly unable to establish a ground game (18 rushes, minus 8 yards) but has 136 yards from QB Ian Shultis, who is 9 of 16 with a touchdown pass to WR Justin Bradley.

For Santa Ana, Thomas is 11 of 20 for 149 yards. Eric Pesanta (eight carries, 43 yards) leads the rushing game.

The Moorpark College football team rallied to lead 9-7 on a safety and a 17-yard TD pass from Ian Shultis to Justin Bradley with 12:30 left in the first half.

It is the Raiders' first lead since Jonathan Mesa's 1-yard run with 17 seconds left in the first half of the opening game against Los Angeles Pierce.

Moorpark had gone two hours, 37 minutes and 30 seconds without the lead.

Santa Ana took 7-0 lead on 8-yard run by Eric Pisante with 10:56 left in the first quarter.

Just seven of Moorpark's 17 plays have gone for positive yardage, for a total of 18 yards.

We'll have live updates on the blog and on Twitter (@vcscolleges) of our two local community college football games.

Here's my preview of today's Cerritos-Ventura and Moorpark-Santa Ana football games.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No. 6 Cerritos (3-0) at No. 14 Ventura (3-0)
VC Sportsplex, 7 p.m.
INTERNET RADIO: http://HomefieldSports.com.
LAST WEEK: Cerritos 47, Long Beach City 10; Ventura 35, Santa Barbara City 7
SERIES HISTORY: Cerritos leads, 2-0. Cerritos won 18-13 last season.
GAME FACTS: Having beaten up second-rate opponents for three weeks, these two teams are ready for a real challenge. Ventura is winning games at the point of attack, running for 209.3 yards and allowing minus 12.3 yards per game. Cerritos has been gaining yards (9.0 yards per snap) and scoring points (54.0 ppg) in bunches. QB Chris Morales (46-of-67 passing, 807 yards, 9 TDs, 2 ints.) leads the most efficient passing offense in SoCal (188.0), which is averaging 552.0 passing yards per game. WR Michael Willie (15 rec., 328 yards, 2 TDs) averages 21.9 yards per catch. RB Marshawn Friloux (12 att., 187 yards, 3 TDs) is averaging 15.6 yards per carry, while RB Tylik Carter (26 att., 179 yards, 2 TDs) only piling up 6.9. The game pits Southern California's top passing offense (188.0 efficiency rating) against the No. 3 pass defense (71.2 efficiency rating against). VC has seven interceptions, including three by state-leader Travaun Nixon. Cerritos also leads Southern California in scoring defense (6.3 ppg) and is No. 2 in total offense (552.0 ypg). Ventura has had 18 ball carriers and 17 pass receivers. QB Antavius Sims (14-of-25 passing, 198 yards, 1 TD) has rushed for 139 yard and five TDs. RBs Dominic Sims (30 att., 149 yards, 1 TDs) and Kraig McPherson (29 att., 119 yards, 1 TD) have also been effective. WR Nick Karam (11 rec., 168 yards) already has rushing and receiving scores.

Moorpark (0-3) at No. 15 Santa Ana (2-1)
Santa Ana Stadium, 1 p.m.
LAST WEEK: Fullerton 70, Moorpark 17; L.A. Harbor 47, Santa Ana 45.
SERIES HISTORY: The series is tied 3-3. Moorpark won 26-20 last year.
GAME FACTS: The numbers made ugly reading for Moorpark, which has been outscored 134-49 through three games. The Raiders have allowed 526.0 yards per game, including 303.0 rushing. Only two teams in SoCal have allowed more. The offense has only completed 37.1 percent of its passes. In his first game on offense, RB Evan Yabu was a bright spot last week, when he rushed for 109 yards on 11 carries in his first game before suffering an injury. QBs Darren McGee (27-of-70 passing, 351 yards, 1 TD, 2 ints.) and Ian Shultis (15-of-43 passing, 135 yards, 2 TDs, 3 ints.) are still sharing snaps. WR Justin Bradley (8 rec., 137 yards) is the big-play target, but Chris Gant (7 rec., 88 yards) has a pair of receiving TDs. Santa Ana is lead by QB Jordan Thomas (57-of-91 passing, 818 yards, 11 TDs, 4 ints.)

The No. 14 Ventura College and No. 6 Cerritos College football teams have combined to outscore their opponents 259-50 through the first three weeks of the community college football season.

But their six opponents are a combined 1-17.

That one win? Santa Barbara City's shocking upset of Canyons.

VC and Cerritos meet Saturday night at the VC Sportsplex.

The Ventura College football team holds steady at No. 14 in this week's Southern California poll.

Cerritos is No. 6.

Click the jump for the full poll.

Steve Burkhart was surprised this week when the Moorpark College women's volleyball team opened up ranked No. 6 in the initial state coaches poll.

"For me that's a little high," said the Moorpark coach.

But it's difficult to argue about the Raiders' start.

Moorpark improved to 6-1 Tuesday with a straight game win at West Los Angeles.

"I like the start and we hope we can continue it," said Burkhart. "We've beaten some good teams."

Moorpark's only loss came to two-time defending state champion El Camino, the top-ranked team in the state.

"We've got a ways to catch them," said Burkhart, "so there's some work to do."

All-State outside hitter Savannah Thomas has moved on to UC Riverside, but Moorpark returns key sophomores in outside hitter Una Siljegovic and middle blocker Rachel Olinyk.

"We relied on (Thomas) a lot last year," said Burkhart of the 2008 Western State Conference Player of the Year. "I think we have a little more balance this year."

Moorpark has been boosted by setter Olivia White, a La Reina High product who transferred from the San Francisco Institute of Art, and outside hitter Shakila Balkhi, a Simi Valley High product who transferred from the University of Newfoundland.

"That's about as far as you can bounce back," said Burkhart. "She's been the biggest surprise for us so far. She's been terrific."

Newbury Park High products Chelcy Westphal and Erika Smith, whose twin sister Rachel is playing at Cal Lutheran, have moved right into the lineup as freshmen.

They will all be needed if Moorpark is to retain its WSC North title.

"The league is going to be much better this year," said Burkhart. "Ventura has taken a big step up. Even a team like Oxnard (is looking good).

"Santa Barbara has already beaten two teams from the Orange Empire (Conference) in Golden West and Fullerton."

Ventura (4-4) has a strong freshmen class, including outside hitters Shelbee Younce (Buena High) and Chelsea O'Mara (Oxnard High), as well 6-foot-2 middle blocker Kayla Phipps (Buena)

Oxnard (4-0) is off to its best start in recent memory behind sophomore outside hitter Dominique Franz and freshman setter Vanessa Valdez. Eight of the 10 players on the Condors roster are from Oxnard.

After a 5-1 win over six-time state champion Santa Ana Tuesday, the Oxnard College men's soccer team has now scored 19 goals in four matches.

Oxnard (4-2-1) is 4-0-1 since opened the season with consecutive losses to last year's state finalists, Cerritos and Mount San Antonio, which are ranked No. 2 and No. 4 in the national coaches poll.

Western State Conference play begins next week.

After opening 3-0 in non-conference play, the Ventura College football team is gearing up for the first big test of its schedule Saturday night against 3-0 Cerritos, which has outscored its three opponents 168-32.

"We'll find out how good we are Saturday," said Ventura coach Jon Mack. "Cerritos is very good."

Ventura's 2008 season came off the rails following controversial 18-13 loss at Cerritos, which snapped the Pirates' 10-game winning streak and began a four-game losing streak.

"It's just another game on the schedule that we certainly want to win," said Mack. There's nobody I don't want to beat."

Ventura is hoping for the return of sophomore running back Gabriel Bostic, who has been unavailable after rushing for the opening touchdown in the VC Sportsplex because of a leg injury.

The Moorpark College football team will make its second straight trip to Orange County Saturday for an afternoon game at Santa Ana College.

The Raiders hope this trip is less painful than Saturday's 70-14 loss at No. 4 Fullerton, which saw the Hornets break their 42-year-old record for points in a game.

Fullerton's 70 points were the most by a Moorpark opponent since a 73-40 to West Los Angeles in Sept. 1984.

"Their coach actually apologized to me," said Bittner. "I said, 'Hey, it's not your fault. You have to play the game.' "

Bittner continues to be optimistic despite the 0-3 start.

"I know that we can play," said Bittner. "We play for a while and then we stop playing.

"We're not being pushed around physically. We're just making small mistakes."

Western Michigan men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins, a Ventura native, has a big name for his 2010 recruiting class -- Juwan Howard Jr., according to Slam Magazine.

Freshman Yadira Toraya followed her own rebound to score the game-winning goal with seven minutes to play as the Ventura College women's soccer team beat host Bakersfield, 2-1, Tuesday night.

Taylor Benton opened the scoring in the 49th minute from Kristi O'Connor. Aslyn Rau made six saves for Ventura (6-2-0).

Dominique Franz had 11 kills, Vanessa Valdez had 30 assists and Stacey Guijo had 19 digs as the visiting Oxnard College women's volleyball team, off to one of the best starts in program history, improved to 4-0 with a five-game win against Citrus College in Glendora Tuesday night.

Ashley Lajoie had 13 digs and Valdez and Shanna Wright had 12 digs apiece as the Condors prevailed 21-25, 25-13, 25-20, 13-25, 15-11. Franz added four aces and seven blocks.

Olivia White had 30 assists and two aces, Rachel Olinyk had 10 kills and three blocks and Mimi Sander had 10 digs as the Moorpark College women's volleyball team improved to 6-1 with a three-game win at West Los Angeles College Tuesday night.

Game Scores: 25-14, 25-10, 25-15

Sophomore winger Alberto Anguiano set up the first goal and scored the second via the penalty spot inside 12 minutes as the host Oxnard College men's soccer team routed six-time state champion Santa Ana, 5-1, Tuesday afternoon.

Max Madrigal converted an Abel Pacheco pass for the third as the Condors (4-2-1) took a 3-0 halftime lead. Freshman Jerry Ponce scored twice in the second half, including one from the penalty spot.

Oxnard has now scored 19 goals in its past four matches.

Ella Ambriz recorded an assist in each half as the Oxnard College women's soccer team drew 2-2 with Chaffey College in 100 degree temperatures at Rancho Cucamonga Monday afternoon.

Melissa Chavez and June Guillen scored for the Condors.

"The play started with a Maricruz Magana corner kick which went past the far post to Ambriz who volleyed the ball back across the goal mouth for a wide open Chavez to head into the goal," wrote Oxnard assistant coach Bill Propster of the first goal.

Propster also described the second goal:

"Ambriz got her second assist of the game when she won the ball in midfield, played a perfectly weighted through ball to send Guillen 1 on 1 with the Chaffey goalkeeper.

"Guillen calmly slid the ball past the keeper to the near post."

The Ventura College women's soccer team suffered its second loss of the season Sunday night against Santa Monica, 2-1.

Monique Orocio scored the VC goal in the 47th minute off an assist from Jaz Strozier.

Ventura fell to 5-2. Santa Monica (3-1-2) also spoiled Moorpark's 100 percent start to the season with a 2-2 draw Friday. Moorpark is now 3-0-1.

Cynthia Navarro finished third (18:46) in leading the Oxnard College women's cross country to a fifth-place finish Saturday at the Orange Coast Classic in Costa Mesa. Liz Robles finished 13th (19:44).

Tefany Gonzalez placed ninth (19:22) for Ventura.

Gabriel Soliz and Miguel Reyes were 35th (21:40) and 37th (21:46) as the Ventura College men's cross country team finished 10th.

Oxnard followed in 11th behind Isidore Herrera, who finished 21st (21:24).

Grace Edrada served an ace on match point as the Oxnard College women's volleyball team improved to 3-0 by picking up a dramatic five-game win at Los Angeles Harbor Friday night.

The game scores were 25-9, 18-25, 23-25, 25-13, 15-13.

Ventura: Carly Clark had a game-high five goals as the VC women's water polo team held off its Alumnae team, 13-12, in overtime Saturday.

Kelsey Michon, Laurie Anderson and Mary Dugan had two goals. Marissa Herold made 12 saves.

Danielle Rios scored three times for the VC Alumnae. Sandra Rios and Roxie Hacock had two goals.

The Ventura College men's water polo team beat Riverside, 11-9, and Cuesta, 15-10, to finish fourth at the Cuesta tournament in San Luis Obispo Saturday.

Tyler McClure had five goals and four steals against Riverside. Hayden Adler had three goals and two steals. Spencer McGrath added one goal and four steals.

Against Cuesta, Mike Crowley had six goals. Jonnie Pare had two goals and one assist. McGrath had three goals, two assists and two steals. Cody Womack had six saves in two games.

The Ventura College football team is facing a test Saturday at the VC Sportsplex. Cerritos is 3-0 as well, coming off a 47-10 beating of local rival Long Beach City.

Both teams must remember what happened the last time these two teams played.

The Moorpark College football team's 70-17 loss at Fullerton Saturday didn't just bow the Raiders spirits. Fullerton broke a 42-year-old record for points scored in a game.

The previous record of 68 came in a 1967 win over Cypress, according to the Orange County Register.

Week 3 Results
Bakersfield 43, Santa Monica
Hancock 42, Los Angeles Pierce 17
Glendale 10, Riverside 7
Ventura 35, Santa Barbara City 7
Pasadena 49, East Los Angeles 27
Canyons 59, Los Angeles Valley 7
Fullerton 70, Moorpark 17

Week 3 Standings
Hancock 3-0
Bakersfield 3-0
Glendale 3-0
Ventura 3-0
Canyons 2-1
Pasadena City 2-1
Moorpark 0-3

Community College football

No. 14 Ventura 35, No. 18 Santa Barbara City 7: VC defense shines again by Joe Curley in Santa Barbara.
No. 4 Fullerton 70, Moorpark 17: Moorpark no match for Fullerton by Loren Ledin in Fullerton.

NCAA Division III

Cal Lutheran 49, Pacific Lutheran 7: CLU leaves little doubt by Rhiannon Potkey in Thousand Oaks.

Click the jump for the box score of Ventura's 35-7 football win over Santa Barbara City Saturday night.

I'll be providing live updates on Twitter.

Over at JCFootball.com, the three community college football experts, Kevin Lustgarten, Hank Ives and Dave Roghan all predict Ventura will beat Santa Barbara City and Fullerton will beat Moorpark tonight.

No. 14 Ventura at No. 18 Santa Barbara and Moorpark at No. 4 Fullerton: VC hoping to continue 'Big Game' domination

Moorpark College defensive back Evan Yabu, whose injury in the opening game last year really shook up the Raiders secondary, was moved to the offensive backfield this week.

"We moved Yabu to running back," said Moorpark coach Jim Bittner. "He gives us a little more speed and we need that right now. The running back position is hurting. We're really looking for help there."

Yabu's move was just one of several positional switches this week as 0-2 Moorpark looks for a winning combination.

"We just haven't found the players yet," said Bittner. "We're in that process."

With 197 wins as head coach of Moorpark College, Jim Bittner is Ventura County's winningest football coach at any level.

He has seen plenty of football. He's been coaching at Moorpark since 1973 and coached for years at Oxnard High prior to moving east.

But this season may be the biggest test of his coaching career. His young Raiders have dropped their first two games and now face a six-game stretch in which they play six of the Top 16 teams in Southern California.

"It's a gauntlet," said Bittner. "If you really want to get killed, these teams will be more than happy to deliver. You better step up and fight for your life."

Moorpark opens the stretch Saturday afternoon against No. 4 Fullerton, which features the top-ranked defense in the region.

"It's a challenge, the biggest challenge I've had I think since I've been coaching," said Bittner, who is in line to coach in his sixth decade next fall. "If I can wake this team up, they're going to be pretty good. But they have to got to start believing it its talents.

"There's not been much difference between us and the rest of the teams. We've just been not playing with the type of energy that we have to play with."

Fullback Haley Wilson scored on a free kick from 40 yards out with four minutes to play as the Ventura College women's soccer team prevailed, 2-1, over previously unbeaten Los Angeles Pierce Friday night at the VC Sportsplex despite playing the final 35 minutes with only 10 players.

"It was a big game," said Ventura coach Steve Hoffman. "We needed that."

Taylor Benton had opened the scoring in the first half for Ventura (5-1). Pierce falls to 6-1.

Ventura College assistant Ted Lawrence on Saturday's visit to Santa Barbara City:

"They want to play smashmouth football and run it down your throat -- Old-school power football, old school football. There's no secret of what they're going to do. They're not a finesse team. It's 'Here's our plays, can you stop us?'

"(Quarterback John) Uribe is very good, mobile and very accurate.

"We've got a challenge to stop their running game and try to contain Uribe, who's much more mobile and accurate than the quarterbacks we've played.

"They're a great team on film. They look good... They're not a team that's down."

"They're to be taken seriously and it's a huge challenge for us."

Strong safety Trauvon Nixon (Hueneme High) is the unit's sophomore star. Linebacker Brenden Daley (Moorpark High) is the exciting newcomer, but the Ventura College football team has been dominant up front, defensively, allowing minus 22 yards rushing through two games.

"It's been a great start, but it's a humble group," said Ventura defensive line coach Ted Lawrence this week. "We know that we need to come and pack that lunch pail."

The nine-man defensive line is led by sophomores Derrick Clune (Ventura High) and Christian Mohan (St. Bonaventure High). Freshmen John Lattimore, Taylor Ramsey (Moorpark High), Tommy Stuart (Westlake High) and Jordan Paea (Ventura High) have also excelled.

"It's a really technically sound bunch of guys who are very coachable," said Lawrence. "They can take coaching."

Ventura has been starting, Lattimore and Clune at the ends with Ramsey and Wayne Blackwell inside. Tommy Stuart and Jordan Paea rotate in off the bench, along with Mohan, who is playing while recovering from injury.

"It's just a blessing to have all these healthy bodies," said Lawrence. "We've been wearing teams down. I'm able to roll nine guys in there."

Lawrence was quick to deflect compliments about how the group has played, statistically.

"They've done what they should have done against the offenses we've played," said Lawrence. "They've lived up to expectations. They have a long way to go to be one of the great defenses ever at Ventura College."

With the Santa Barbara City College football team on probation and unable to participate in the postseason, Ventura College coach Jon Mack sees a greater focus on the annual meeting of two Central Coast rivals Saturday at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara.

"For Santa Barbara, it's a huge game," said Mack. "They're not able to win their conference or go to the playoffs. For them, this is the Game of the Year."

Santa Barbara City was slapped with Southern California Football Association sanctions in June for "major violations, mostly involving subsidization of student athletes."

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

No. 14 Ventura (2-0) at No. 18 Santa Barbara City (1-1)
"The Big Game"
La Playa Stadium, Santa Barbara, 6 p.m.
INTERNET RADIO: http://HomefieldSports.com.
LAST WEEK: Ventura 27, Antelope Valley 11; Santa Barbara City 17, Canyons 14.
SERIES HISTORY: Ventura leads, 25-20-1, in a series that dates back to 1963. Ventura won 49-0 last season.
GAME FACTS: Ventura may have won 10 of the past 11 "Big Game" meetings with its northern rival, but the Vaqueros are coming off their biggest win in years, a shocking upset of Canyons, which was ranked No. 16 in the national preseason poll. QB John Uribe (38-for-76 passing, 378 yards, 1 TD) and his WRs, Oscar Medina (11 rec., 144 yards) and Brian Felt (11 rec., 118 yards) look to do it again. VC is No. 2 in rush defense (minus 10.5 yards per game), No. 3 in pass defense efficiency (74.5), No. 6 in scoring defense (12.0 ppg) and No. 7 in total defense (177.5 ypg) in SoCal. SS Travaun Nixon already has 16 tackles, including three for a loss, two interceptions and two passes defended. LB Brenden Daley has two sacks. SBCC has allowed 10 sacks, the second highest total in SoCal. VC is also playing well on special teams. Joe Reynoso is No. 2 in punting (42.6 ypp) and kicker Tyler Stampler has yet to miss, making all eight extra points and both field goals, including a school-record 53 yarder. VC is averaging 201.0 yards per game rushing. Sophomores Kraig McPherson (21 att., 107 yards, 1 TD) and Dominic Morris (26 att., 107 yards) both average 53.5 yards per game. QBs Greg Jimenez (28-for-54 passing, 4 ints., 1 TD) and Antavius Sims (5-for-7 passing, 64 yards, 1 TD) will continue to trade snaps. SBCC is No. 4 in pass defense (117.5 ypg).

Moorpark (0-2) at No. 4 Fullerton (2-0)
Fullerton District Stadium, 6 p.m.
LAST WEEK: West L.A. 29, Moorpark 12; Fullerton 37, L.A. Pierce 21.
SERIES HISTORY: In the first meeting between the two schools, Fullerton won 16-13 last season.
GAME FACTS: The matchup makes for ugly reading, statistically. Moorpark is only averaging 3.0 yards per carry and 23.1 yards per punt. It is No. 35 out of 37 SoCal teams in total defense (508.0 ypg). It's also No. 35 in rush defense (285.5 ypg), allowing 6.1 yards per carry and six touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Fullerton, ranked No. 6 in the national preseason poll, features the top defense in Southern California through two games and it is balanced - ranked No. 3 in rush defense (minus 5.5 ypg) and pass defense (117.0 ypg). It has only allowed 19 first downs and opponents are just 4 of 27 on third downs. The Hornets also feature RB Kenny Turner (27 att., 181 yards, 4 TDs) and QB Robert Fuller (28-for-55 passing, 347 yards, 1 TD). Although Fuller has thrown three interceptions. The Raiders did outplay Fullerton last season. Moorpark QB Darren McGee (21-of-51 passing, 263 yards, 1 TD) is averaging 173.0 yards of total offense per game. WR Justin Bradley (8 rec., 137 yard) is a weapon.

On his first day as an assistant coach for the Ventura College's men's basketball, Joey Ramirez was asked to speak to the team.

Midway through an emotional sermon in the school's team room, Ramirez, who earned 1994 Western State Conference co-Most Valuable Player honors in orange and black, glanced over the door, where the painted "Eye of Tradition" had been during his playing days.

"I looked up there and it was gone," said Ramirez.

The Moorpark College men's basketball team is still searching for a replacement for former assistant Mick Cady, who left because of a scheduling conflict.

"We are in the process," said Moorpark athletic director Howard Davis. "That's all I can tell you."

The Ventura College women's basketball team finished No. 2 in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's 2008-09 national Academic Honor Roll.

The Pirates, who went 34-1 and reached the state Final Four, earned a 3.352 overall GPA for the entire academic year, a program record.

It was the sixth straight year Ventura reached the national list. It trailed first-place Phoenix College by 0.026.

Click here for the official press release.

After a stutter-step start, the Oxnard College men's soccer team is
finding its feet. And the net.

Emilio Ramirez set up pair of goals as four different Condors scored
in Oxnard's 4-2 win at Chaffey in Rancho Cucamonga.

"We have powerful attackers all over the field," said Oxnard coach Ross Greaney.

Richie Vargas, Jerry Ponce, Abel Pacheco and Nate Lytle all found the
net for Oxnard (2-2-1), which has scored 14 goals in three matches since opening
the season with consecutive losses to last year's state finalists,
Cerritos and Mount San Antonio.

"We've figured it out," said Greaney. "We've got guys eligible and
healthy, and now we're starting to come together."

Joey Ramirez, who earned Western State Conference co-Player of the Year honors for Ventura College in 1993-94, has been hired as the Pirates' assistant coach, according to head coach and athletic director Will Cowen.

"There's several reasons why it's the ideal fit for VC," said Cowen. "The first reason is history, his legacy as a player, and the second is he's become an outstanding coach since playing here."

In the process, Ramirez stepped down as Oak Park boys' basketball head coach. He earned Tri-Valley Coach of the Year honors in 2007-08, having guided the Eagles to a league title and a 22-8 record. Oak Park was 16-11 last season.

Former VC assistant Jon Wyers was hired as Villanova Prep boys' basketball coach in April.

More to come on this developing story.

From UCLA Sports Information:

"UCLA head football coach Rick Neuheisel announced today that four players have been suspended from the team due to a violation of team rules and will miss this Saturday's game against Kansas State.

Sophomore cornerback Courtney Viney, freshman running back Milton Knox and freshmen wide receivers Morrell Presley and Randall Carroll will sit out the Kansas State game. The players will participate in team practices during the suspension.

"When you are a member of a team, you have a special commitment to the entities that make up that unit and to those that you represent," said coach Neuheisel. "When someone falls short in that regard, there have to be consequences, and then, we move on." "

From UCLA Sports Information:

"UCLA head football coach Rick Neuheisel announced today that four players have been suspended from the team due to a violation of team rules and will miss this Saturday's game against Kansas State.

Sophomore cornerback Courtney Viney, freshman running back Milton Knox and freshmen wide receivers Morrell Presley and Randall Carroll will sit out the Kansas State game. The players will participate in team practices during the suspension.

"When you are a member of a team, you have a special commitment to the entities that make up that unit and to those that you represent," said coach Neuheisel. "When someone falls short in that regard, there have to be consequences, and then, we move on." "

St. Bonaventure High product Lorenzo Booker worked out for the Giants Tuesday, confirmed to Booker's cousin, Curtis Richardson.

The former Dolphins and Eagles tailback was part of a contingent that reportedly included T.J. Duckett.

The Giants eventually plucked former Chargers draft pick Gartrell Johnson, who they can eventually place on the practice squad, out of the group.

San Jose State coach Dick Tomey named junior Jordan La Secla as his starting quarterback for Saturday's game at Stanford.

La Secla, a Newbury Park High graduate, took over for starter Kyle Reed at the end of the first quarter in SJSU's 24-14 loss to Utah last Saturday. He completed 21 of 33 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.

La Secla and Reed, who started the majority of games last year, were locked in a duel through fall camp.

The Ventura College women's water polo team opened up with a pair of wins and losses over the weekend.

The Pirates beat Pasadena City Friday, 9-5, behind three goals and three steals by Carly Clark. Clark also had eight goals in a 16-13 loss to Palomar. Courtney Davis added two goals and goalie Marissa Herald made 16 saves.

Saturday brought a pair of tight games as Ventura beat Saddleback 11-9 and fell to Grossmont 10-9.

Max Madrigal scored twice goals as the host Oxnard College men's soccer team earned its first win Friday by thrashing Pasadena City, 6-0.

Emilio Ramirez, Johnny Martinez and Alberto Angiano also scored for the Condors (1-2-1), which had opened up with losses to two of the top programs in the state, Cerritos, the 2006 and 2008 state champions, and Mount San Antonio, state semifinalists in 2007 and state finalists in 2008.

Ernie Ayala had an assist and Jesus Romero recorded the shutout in goal.

Jessica Brillantes scored in the fifth minute and host Santiago Canyon hung on for a 1-0 win as the Ventura College women's soccer team lost its first game of a promising season Friday.

Sophomore midfielder Jazmarae Strozier struck the crossbar twice for the Pirates (4-1), which skyrocketed to No. 3 in the national coaches' poll by outscoring its first four opponents 22-1.

Ventura County still has an unbeaten team, however. Olivia Geckle scored in the 42nd minute on an assist from Ashley Cheney as host Moorpark rallied for a 2-1 win over Santa Monica Friday.

The Raiders are 3-0.

Having allowed only 13 points and 177.5 yards per game defensively in opening up 2-0, the Ventura College football team is a "team to watch" in this week's JC Gridwire national Top 25.

Click the jump for the full polls.

From USC Sports Information:

"LOS ANGELES--USC's Sept. 26 home football game against Washington State will kick off at 7:15 p.m. PT and will be shown live nationally on FSN."

All you need to know about the first two weeks of the community college football season.

Ventura (2-0) is second in Southern California in rush defense, having held its first two opponents to minus 10.5 yards per game.

Moorpark (0-2) is 35th of the 37 Southern California teams in rush defense, having allowed 285.5 yards per game over its first two games.

We've begun a Twitter feed @vcscolleges.

We'll use the feed for live updates from the field, including game updates. I'm toying with the idea for a separate username for live updates (so I don't inundate followers with live in-game updates if they aren't interested in it), but we'll see what the feedback says.

I guess we'll test it out this weekend at the Big Game, the annual clash between Ventura College and Santa Barbara City College football teams.

Santa Barbara City football coach Craig Moropoulos on the Vaqueros' shocking 17-14 win over College of the Canyons Saturday night. SBCC visits Ventura this weekend.

"I told the guys that the only people who believe we can win are right here in this group," said Moropoulos told the school's Website. "I said, 'As long as you believe, we can do it.' They bought into it, kept coming after them and kept playing hard.

"I think this is a turning point for us. It keeps everybody believing that when you're maybe less talented, if you believe in yourself and you keep believing in family, you can still get it done."

Fascinating second week of the season in the SCFA Northern Conference. Big-time wins by Bakersfield and Hancock, which got past the No. 11-ranked team in NorCal, Reedley. Pasadena City, which only fell to No. 1 Mount SAC 35-30 in Week 1, rebounds by pummeling poor Compton as QB Nick Ponce takes over for Nate Montana and throws for 263 yards and four TDs. Ventura limits Antelope Valley to 107 yards of total offense in a strong win in Lancaster.

But the story has to be conference bellwether Canyons, which threw away a 14-3 halftime lead to Santa Barbara City. The Vaqueros, who visit Ventura Saturday for the annual Big Game, got 1-yard touchdown runs by RB Robyn Lawson and QB John Uribe 3:16 apart early in the fourth quarter for a shocking 17-14 win. Uribe converted a fourth and 20 before scoring the game-winning points with a 22-yard pass to Arturo Gonzalez. And Canyons twice turned the ball over inside the Santa Barbara 20-yard line in the final five minutes, on a Charles Thomas interception and then on downs.

I'll tell you what most of the coaches in the conference are thinking. "If Canyons is down this year, the conference race is wide open."

Week 2 results
Pasadena City 53, Compton 0
Bakersfield 55, Los Angeles Valley 7
West Los Angeles 27, Moorpark 12
Santa Barbara City 17, Canyons 14
Ventura 27, Antelope Valley 11
Hancock 10, Reedley 3

Standings after Week 2
TEAM Overall Conf.
Hancock 2-0 0-0
Bakersfield 2-0 0-0
Glendale 2-0 0-0
Ventura 2-0 0-0
Canyons 1-1 0-0
Pasadena 1-1 0-0
Moorpark 0-2 0-0

NCAA Division III

Willemette 20, Cal Lutheran 13: CLU drops opener by staff reports

Community College football

Ventura 27, Antelope Valley 11: VC breaks in another new stadium in style by David Lassen in Lancaster and Ventura Defense Dominates Marauders by Dave Rogahn for JCFootball.com
West Los Angeles 27, Moorpark 12:

Elsewhere in Southern California:

Hancock 10, Reeley 3: Hancock football wins road debut by Santa Maria Times
Santa Barbara City 17, Canyons 14: COC suffers stunning loss by Santa Clarita Signal and SBCC stuns Canyons by http://www.sbcc.cc.ca.us
Bakersfield 55, Los Angeles Valley 7: 'Gades score early, often in rout by Bakersfield Californian

Click the jump for the box score of Moorpark College's 27-12 loss to West Los Angeles Saturday night at Griffin Stadium.

Click the jump for the box score of Ventura College's 27-11 win at Antelope Valley Saturday.

Colorado sophomore running back Darrell Scott was the primary ball carrier for the Buffaloes in their second game of the season, but the outcome didn't change.

After just one carry in the season opener, Scott finished with 85 yards on 12 carries last night in an embarrassing 54-38 loss to Toledo.

Scott, a St. Bonaventure High graduate, also had eight kickoff returns for a school-record 204 yards. His 290 all-purpose yards ranks fourth all-time in school history.

Scott nearly caught a 30-yard touchdown pass, but the ball was overthrown by quarterback Cody Hawkins.

Arizona junior defensive end Ricky Elmore had five tackles and one sack in Arizona's season-opening win over Central Michigan last Saturday.

Elmore, a Grace Brethren graduate, told the Arizona Republic that extra playing time - the most of his career - in last allowed him to both get comfortable and be productive.

"It was the best game he's played, I thought," coach Mike Stoops told the Republic . "He looked better on his feet, and he was able to make more plays."

Elmore told reporters he benefited from the extra reps.

"I got to play a full game, get into a groove, get relaxed and just play the game," he said. "The biggest thing was getting able to play without all the stress on my shoulders."

Here's this week's football caps.

One quick note: I'm unfortunately off this weekend (using my one free weekend during football season to attend a friend's wedding). That means no in-game updates this week. But we'll resume regular service next weekend and continue it through the rest of the season.

Click the jump for the capsules.

Looks like Saturday's 37-20 loss to Los Angeles Pierce was a historic loss for the Moorpark College football program.

The result snapped Moorpark 24-year, 13-game winning streak over the Brahmas.

The Raiders had won the previous 13 meetings by an average score of 40-15, including a 52-32 win in 2007, 63-18 win in 2005, 52-14 in 2003, 55-22 in 1999 and 59-10 in 1988.

Pierce last defeated Moorpark 31-28 in 1985.

Ventura College has tread water in the Southern California football coaches poll, staying at No. 15 after Saturday's 35-13 win over Los Angeles Valley.

This week's opponent, Antelope Valley, should have stayed in the poll followed a 27-17 loss to College of the Canyons. But the Marauders fell out.

Click the jump for this week's full polls.

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."

Quietly, the VC defense, led up front by Wayne Blackwell, Taylor Ramsey and John Lattimore, had a dominating night, officially holding the Monarchs to minus 29 yards rushing.

"Overall, I was very pleased with the defense," said coach Jon Mack. "Certainly, there are things that we need to improve, but the defensive line stuck out. They had a great night.

Quietly, the VC defense, led up front by Wayne Blackwell, Taylor Ramsey and John Lattimore, had a dominating night, officially holding the Monarchs to minus 29 yards rushing.

"Overall, I was very pleased with the defense," said coach Jon Mack. "Certainly, there are things that we need to improve, but the defensive line stuck out. They had a great night.

He refused to wax poetic about opening of the VC Sportplex ahead of time, but it's clear that, looking back, Saturday night was a special night for Ventura coach Jon Mack.

"Now that it's over, you can reflect back on the flyover, the fireworks, turning around and seeing nothing but people in the stands shoulder to shoulder," said Mack. "Now the whole emotion of the event can sink in. There will be some great memories."

Moorpark College football coach Jim Bittner and the rest of the Raiders' coaching staff has been hard at work correcting the mistakes made in Saturday's season-opening 37-20 loss to Los Angeles Pierce, which included five turnovers, sloppy run defense and a scoreless second half.

"I went over... how you win a football game," said Bittner. "You don't turn the ball over, you don't make mental mistakes and you give maximum effort.

"We only got one of those things Saturday, the effort."

Bittner said the game made better watching from the couch than from the sidelines.

"It was a lot better," said Bittner. "We just had a couple real bad decisions made by quarterbacks, one malfunctioning offensive lineman... They are things that can be fixed.

"We think we can get all that cleaned up."

Bittner called Saturday's visit by West Los Angeles a "must win."

"We cannot afford to create a losing streak," said Bittner.

Especially since West L.A. is followed on the schedule by five of the Top 11 teams in this week's Southern California coaches poll.

The Ventura College women's soccer team has debuted at No. 3 in this week's National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association poll.

Click the up for the full poll.

After opening up 4-0 by scoring 22 goals and conceding one, which included a memorable 9-0 thrashing of six-time state champion Long Beach City, the previously unranked Ventura College women's soccer team skyrocketed up to No. 3 in the national coaches poll this week.

Sophomore attacker Jazmarae Strozier has already scored seven goals. Sophomore attacker Alyssa McDonald already has five assists. Freshman Monique Orocio already has five goals and two assists.

Darrell Scott's football career at the University of Colorado has gotten off to a rough start.

The much-hyped St. Bonaventure/Moorpark running back arrived late to camp last season and was out of shape. He struggled with injuries much of the year while CU's other running backs took advantage to show they were talented and worthy of carries.

Scott was hoping to make up for lost time this season, but it didn't happen in the season-opening loss to Colorado State last Sunday.

Scott received only one carry - CU's first rushing play - and it resulted in a 1-yard gain.

He did catch one pass for 14 yards, and was strong on kickoff returns, averaging 27.6 yards on five attempts.

Needless to say, the Denver Post reported this morning that Scott sounded frustrated and eager to get more rushing attempts on Friday night at Toledo.

"After meetings it was like, 'We're going to try to work you in,'" Scott told The Post. "That kind of reassured me on everything. (Getting carries) is what I was recruited for. We'll see on Friday. There's really not much I can say right now."

-----
Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla wrote about CU's paltry running attack against CSU:

"CU averaged just 1.4 yards per carry, including yardage lost on four quarterback sacks. Darrell Scott had just one carry, even though he looked good on five kickoff returns. Losing starting center Mike Iltis to an ankle injury in the first quarter didn't help matters, and CU had to adjust its game plan after falling behind early
This is not what Scott signed up for when he turned down a scholarship offer from Texas to join the Buffaloes. He could be sitting on the bench for the Longhorns.
In a loss to CSU, Scott primarily served as a kick returner. From the line of scrimmage, the sophomore carried the football one time for 1 yard and caught one pass for 14 yards.
Scott is the most ballyhooed CU recruit since Marcus Houston came to Boulder. And how did that turn out? Let the comparisons begin.
Scott was not made available for comment after the game. So in addition to not playing, he doesn't get to talk."

At the end of his column Kiszla wrote, "Nobody could blame Scott for asking: What am I doing here?"

-----
FYI: Scott's uncle - Josh Smith - has already jumped ship. He left CU and recently enrolled at UCLA. The junior will be eligible to play next season.

Several interesting results in the opening week of the season. Coming against Fresno, Bakersfield's win is impressive. Coming against Mount SAC, Pasadena's loss is impressive. After a strong opening night against Valley, Ventura looks like it has a tough trip to Antelope Valley, since the Marauders only fell by 10 points against Canyons.

Week 1 results
Glendale 51, West Los Angeles 29
Hancock 42, Santa Barbara City 6
Ventura 35, Los Angeles Valley 13
Bakersfield 33, Fresno City 14
Canyons 27, Antelope Valley 17
Mount San Antonio 35, Pasadena City 30
Los Angeles Pierce 37, Moorpark 20

Standings after Week 1
Team Overall Conference
Glendale 1-0 0-0
Hancock 1-0 0-0
Ventura 1-0 0-0
Bakersfield 1-0 0-0
Canyons 1-0 0-0
Pasadena City 0-1 0-0
Moorpark 0-1 0-0

Stanford sophomore kick returner Chris Owusu was named Pacific-10 Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
Owusu, an Oaks Christian School grad, returned three kickoffs for 143 yards, including an 85-yard return for a touchdown, in Stanford's 39-13 victory over Washington State.
Owusu suffered a minor concussion in the game, but has been cleared to practice this week by team doctors. Stanford plays at Wake Forest on Saturday.

USC tailback Marc Tyler still keeps in constant contact with his former QB at Oaks Christian Jimmy Clausen.

"I talked to him last night and he said he was going to have a big game," Tyler said on Saturday after USC's victory over San Jose State. "I have to go watch the highlights."

Clausen made good on his word, starting the season in much the same fashion he ended last year. The Notre Dame junior quarterback was nearly flawless in leading Notre Dame to a shutout victory over Nevada. Clausen completed 15 of 18 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns.

It was a good day all around for Oaks Christian products.

Tyler made the most of his opportunities for the Trojans. The redshirt sophomore rushed five times in the fourth quarter for 72 yards and scored a touchdown.

On his second carry of the game, Tyler took a pitch and zig-zagged 63 yards down to the 6-yard line. He followed with a 5-yard gain and a 1-yard dive into the end zone for his second career touchdown.

Up at Stanford, Chris Owusu scored two touchdowns in a Pac-10 win over Washington State. Owusu returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown and took a short pass 63 yards for another score. The sophomore wide receiver had three receptions for 86 yards and returned three kickoffs for 143 yards.

Owusu finished with a game-high 239 all-purpose yards. But the effort came with a bit of a price. Owusu suffered from concussion-like symptoms after taking a hit.

Community College football

Ventura 35, Los Angeles Valley 13: Pirates play inaugural game by Joe Curley in Ventura.
Los Angeles Pierce 37, Moorpark 20: Moorpark shows its youth in opener by Loren Ledin in Moorpark.

Click the jump for the full unofficial box.

Click the jump for the full unofficial box.

Ventura scores three times in the final 16:15 to win going away.

The Pirates held Los Angeles Valley to minus 27 yards on 27 carries.

We've heard that the pregame ceremony combination of a low flying plane and fireworks prompted a few conscientious Venturans to phone 911 in horror, suspecting a plane crash in a residential neighborhood.

Don't worry. We have confirmation that the pilot is safe on the ground.

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.

Valley nearly tied the score with 6:45 left in the third quarter, but Brandon Lluis missed the extra point following Brent Visciglia's 30-yard touchdown pass to Travion Odom.

The kicker had also had a 20-yard field goal blocked and a 27-yard field goal strike the right upright and bounce out.

Ventura went on to take a 21-13 lead on Rafael Washington's 4-yard touchdown pass from Greg Jimenez, which was set up by an interception by Ryan Panapa.

Pierce leads Moorpark, 37-20, with three minutes to play at Griffin Stadium.

The score is now final.

At quarterback, Greg Jimenez is 9 for 13 for 58 yards and Antavius Sims is 6 for 6 for 65 yards and a touchdown pass.

Gabriel Bostic, who opened the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run, leads seven VC ballcarries with 56 yards on four carries. Running back Kraig McPherson with 45 yards on six carries.

Besides the flyover and fireworks, the Ventura College special teams has been the talking point thus far, prolonging three Valley drives on fourth down with a pair of penalties and a fumbled punt. They also blocked back-to-back 20-yard field goals in the first quarter to thwart a 95-yard Valley drive.

Pierce has taken the lead, 23-20, at Griffin Stadium early in the fourth quarter.

Aided by three penalties, Valley running back Michael Johnson leans in from the 1-yard line to pull the Monarchs within 14-7 with 38 seconds to play in the first half.

Following Antavius Sims' scoring strike to Nick Karam, Valley started its next possession on the Pirates' 45-yard line after Kyle Dugandzic booted the kickoff out of bounds and Ventura picked up a personal foul.

Ventura freshman Antavius Sims connected with Nick Karam for a 21-yard touchdown pass for his first collegiate touchdown pass with 2:29 left in the first half.

The freshman from Americus, Ga. is 5 for 5 for 65 yards and a score. He's also rushed four times for 16 yards.

The VC defense may have given up the entire field, but it held firm midway through the second quarter to keep hold of its 7-0 lead.

Aided by a muffed Ventura punt which became a 45-yard gain, Valley drove 95 yards to the Pirates 1-yard line.

But the Pirates drove Valley tailback Michael Johnson back for a pair of losses and, following a completion, blocked back-to-back 20-yard field goal attempts by Wilmer Segura and Brandon Lluis to thwart the Monarchs' 19-play drive.

Redshirt sophomore Gabriel Bostic ripped through a big hole off left tackle for 27 yards and the first touchdown in VC Sportsplex history.

Ventura leads 7-0 with two minutes left in the first half.

Host Moorpark College leads Los Angeles Pierce, 20-16, at the half over at Griffin Stadium.

Phil Johnson returned a blocked punt 30 yards for a touchdown. Justin Bradley ran for a 20-yard touchdown. Thouand Oaks High gradaute Ian Shultis threw his first collegiate TD pass to freshman receiver Jonathan Mesa.

Pierce kicked a late field goal to pull within four points at the half.

The first play from scrimmage at the VC Sportsplex was a 4-yard screen pass from Greg Jimenez to Kraig McPherson.

Nick Karam's 14-yard end around gained the opening first down.

The VC Sportsplex was officially opened as a football venue with a flyover by a 1945 B41 Mustang fighter jet and a fireworks display.

It was going to be a great matchup between two of the top tight ends in the country.

But now there is no question BYU senior Dennis Pitta (Moorpark) will be the best tight end on the field tomorrow night when the Cougars take on mighty Oklahoma at the newly-built Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

The Sooners were dealt a blow yesterday when TE Jermaine Gresham was ruled unable to play because of a knee injury. Gresham was reigning Heisman-winning QB Sam Bradford's top target.

But it will be Pitta's chance to shine while catching passes from his brother-in-law BYU QB Max Hall.

"I don't think a whole lot of people outside of our program expect us to win that game," Pitta said. "So, it's kind of a good feeling going in as an underdog, having a lot to prove, kind of having a chip on our shoulder, and being able to play loose and relaxed because nobody really picked us to win. We understand that this is a big game for us and we respect Oklahoma and understand that they are a very good football team. But being able to beat a team like that would really set things up for us this season."

Pitta's story continues to amaze and give hope to overlooked recruits as he has gone from a grayshirt freshman to a potential NFL draft pick.

It seems music is a central component in the lives of many of the county's college football players.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Arizona State QB Samson Szakacsy (Camarillo) and Washington OL Greg "Preach" Christine (St. Bonaventure) teaming up to produce an album for their band.

Today, the Arizona Republic reported that Vaughn Dotsy (St. Bonaventure) also gets his groove on. The Arizona sophomore starting guard sings Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" in the locker room with fellow guard Conan Amituanai.

"We've got our singing bond," Dotsy told the Republic. "When we start singing, it's just awesome. The other guys start singing in with us. I don't have a terrible voice, but I'm more of the background singer. Conan's the lead."

One of the reasons wide receiver Josh Smith (Moorpark) gave for transferring to UCLA from Colorado this season was to further pursue his music career. Smith joined the Bruins in practice this week. Szakacsy and Smith used to rap together a few years ago, but have recently lost touch.

I suggest all the football musicians get together for a big jam session when they return to the area in the offseason. Maybe they can produce an album called "805 Football".

From the UCLA release:

"Saturday's UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl versus San Diego State will be played as scheduled, it was announced this afternoon.

'Based on the current and projected information regarding conditions at the Rose Bowl provided to us by the AQMD (Air Quality Management District) and Pasadena city officials, including fire and health personnel, and after consultation with our medical staff, we are confirming that the game will be played as scheduled,' said UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. 'We will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with city officials in Pasadena and the AQMD.'

'Based on recent air quality measurements from a monitor stationed at the Rose Bowl this week and expected weather conditions Saturday, it should be game on for UCLA,' said Barry Wallerstein, AQMD Executive Officer.

Cal State University Channel Islands athletic director Carl Reed is less than a month away from recommending the Dolphins' first two intercollegiate sports to university president Richard Rush.

"I should present something to Dr. Rush in two to three weeks," said Reed Thursday afternoon.

The Dolphins plan to begin intercollegiate athletics in Fall 2011 by opening with two sports and adding programs annually.

"Will this happen overnight? No," said Reed, the former Stanford assistant athletic director who was hired in March.

"We're gathering information. I'm in the process of putting together budget numbers."

The NCAA requires a minimum of nine athletic programs for full membership. CSUCI is aiming for membership in the CSU-laden California Collegiate Athletic Conference, which is an NCAA Division II conference.

"They know we're interested," said Reed.

CSUCI is considering six sports for its two inaugural programs -- men's and women's cross country, men's golf, men's and women's soccer and women's volleyball.

The Ventura College football team will host its first game in the VC Sports Plex Saturday night. Working on a story for Saturday's paper this week, I heard the opening ceremonies will include fireworks and a flyover, sponsored by Jersey Mike's Subs.

Festivities will begin at 6:40 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

At least one of the luxury boxes atop the stadium remains unsold. For $500, a group can have access to a large private box alongside the press and coaches boxes. The price includes dinner.

Call the Ventura College athletic office (805-654-6347) for more information.

Here's the latest UCLA release regarding the status of Saturday's game against San Diego State because of the Station wildfire:

"UCLA remains optimistic in regards to playing Saturday's football game at the Rose Bowl. It has requested additional information from officials and expects that information tomorrow."

With promotion and relegation built into the two-tiered SCFA, two top teams in the lower American Division replace two teams from the upper National Division every other year.

Since the Ventura College and Moorpark College football teams finished fifth and tied for sixth, respectively, in the seven team SCFA Northern Conference last fall, they would seem to be on the chopping block with a losing season this season.

SCFA bylaws state that only National Division teams with losing records can be dropped into the American Division, which would seem to say that Ventura (5-5 last year) needs five wins to guarantee safety while Moorpark (4-6 last year) would need six.

Glendale (3-7), Riverside (3-7) and Citrus (2-8) are in worse shape entering the season.

Ventura coach Jon Mack called safety the absolute minimum goal for this season.

"Anything less than that would be disgusting," said Mack.

It's been 54 years since Ventura College moved from Poli Street to Telegraph Avenue, about 10 years since the first planning stages of the VC Sports Plex, nearly eight years since the funding was secured by the Measure S bond, almost five years since construction broke ground and four years since the Ventura College women's soccer team began playing games in the new stadium without permanent seating.

Ventura actually played what was believed to be its final football game at Larrabee Stadium four times -- beating Santa Barbara City 45-13 in 2005, losing 44-13 to Bakersfield in 2006 and beating Santa Monica 46-0 to clinch a share of the WSC title in 2007.

When the Pirates finally line up on campus against Los Angeles Valley Saturday night, the program's final game at its previous 76-year home will become last year's sweet season finale, a 35-13 Citrus Cup win over Moorpark.

Were they just waiting for the right bit of trivia?

There will be a 30th year of Ventura College football after all for Gary Anglin.

One of the lasting memories of the Pirates' 35-13 Citrus Cup win over Moorpark last November was the sight of the veteran coach, cup in hand, being lifted on his players' shoulders after the end of his final VC football season.

The former VC baseball star and head coach planned to make a permanent move back to the diamond. A move that was reversed in the wake of the offseason budget crisis.

"We had a staff meeting last week and we all sang the song 'Reunited,' " said head coach Jon Mack. "It's so great to have him back, not only for his knowledge and his experience, but also himself. He's just a great man."

From safety Travaun Nixon to linebacker Ryan Panapa to defensive end Derrick Clune, the Pirates' defense is full of key returners. But none is more important than the experienced defensive coordinator.

Together, they should be the strength of the team this fall.

The Ventura College football preview arrives in print this morning.

Asked to sum up his first two seasons at VC, head coach Jon Mack responded, "Roller coaster, if you want the truth."

The Pirates were 8-3 in 2007, featuring the program's first WSC title and bowl berth in nine years.

They rose to No. 11 in JC Gridwire's national poll last fall by starting 3-0, which extended its winning streak to 10 games over two seasons.

A controversial defeat at Cerritos sent Ventura on a 2-5 tailspin to end the season. However, the two wins were over Bakersfield and Moorpark, marking the first time in school history the Pirates had defeated both regional powers in the same season.

On top of the on-field drama, the disappointment in the delays of the VC Sports Plex will come to an end Saturday night with the first on-campus home game in the history of the Telegraph Avenue campus.

So yes, "roller coaster" is an understandable description.

I spent Tuesday at Moorpark College and Wednesday at Ventura College for my annual community college football previews. My look at the Raiders ran today (see below). My look at the Pirates will be published tomorrow.

Come back later today for plenty of information on the two teams that didn't make it into the previews.

My Moorpark College football preview, Learning Curve, ran in today's paper.

My USC football preview: Goal is to finish close to home

My UCLA football preview: Bruins ready for fresh start

You have to like what the Dodgers did last night, acquiring another bat (Jim Thome) and another arm (Jon Garland) moments before the deadline to acquire players who can be eligible for the postseason roster.

I'm not the biggest Garland fan, but he's adds depth to a starting rotation in need.

Thome is a clever addition. He's been framed for a Matt Stairs-like role, which brings to mind bad memories of last year's NCLS for Dodger fans.

I really like that he gives the Dodgers a traditional designated hitter for the World Series. National League teams seemingly are put at a disadvantage on the road in the World Series, against a team that has had nine starting offensive players all season, as opposed to eight.

If the Dodgers get to the Fall Classic, they will not be at that disadvantage.