Ventura College offensive coordinator Tim Gutierrez was obviously unhappy with the Pirates' performance in the scrimmage against Cal Lutheran today.

Ventura's first and second offensive groups did not get into the end zone against the NCAA Division III opposition.

"Our play was below expectations," said Gutierrez. "I think it's just a matter of our guys playing together."

Ventura returns sophomore Lee Mondol, who played so well in the second half of last season, at quarterback.

"The quarterback has to do a better job of managing the football game," said Gutierrez.

To be fair, Mondol was missing perhaps three top targets -- playmaking receiver Tim Pope (toe infection), speedster Donovan Estes (hamstring) and converted defensive back B.J. Washington (shoulder).

But the high level of both competition and expectations this season leave no room for excuses.

"Expectations are really high this year," said Gutierrez. "These guys need to know they have to play with a sense of urgency. They didn't do that today.

"When you have the horses we do, there's no reason not to have any points on the board."