The Ventura College football team was left frustrated by a season-opening 19-6 loss to visiting Palomar College on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Pirates, ranked No. 4 in Southern California, were kept out the end zone as their 10-year winning streak on Week 1 was snapped.
“We had plenty of chances,” Ventura head coach Steve Mooshagian said. “We made some mistakes that were out of character.”
Five red-zone trips, including a trip to the 1-yard line, netted just a pair of Teague Fritsch field goals.
“They had a good defensive front,” Mooshagian said. “I’m not going to take anything away from them.”
VC last lost an opening game in 2014, when it fell 29-10 to Fullerton. It also last was held without a touchdown in 2014, when it fell 27-3 to Mt. San Antonio.
“It’s a headshaker, but every bit of it is fixable,” Mooshagian said. “We’ll be better this week.”
Quarterback Braden Graham completed 17 of 34 passes for 147 yards and two interceptions. LaRevious Woods rushed for 86 yards on 13 carries. Jude Walker caught seven passes for 51 yards.
VC was without former Ventura High star receiver Jack Cunningham because of an injury.
Safety Marcellus Brigham led the defense with seven tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
“The defense played lights out, well enough to win,” Mooshagian said. “The offense has got to get better.”
The Pirates (1-0) visit Fullerton (1-0) this Saturday.
Fullerton College 31, Moorpark College 24
Visiting Fullerton scored 24 straight points as the Raiders dropped their season opener at Griffin Stadium, despite an early lead.
Ethan LaSecla’s 56-yard TD run and Sirawn Evans’ 24-yard TD run put the Raiders ahead 14-7 with 9:23 left in the first quarter.
LaSecla, the former Grace School star, rushed for 111 yards and a score on 12 carries.
Evans completed 19 of 34 passes for 165 yards and a TD and ran for 66 yards at quarterback.
Trevin Kalai Po’opa’a caught four passes for 92 yards and a TD for Moorpark.
Sophomore defensive end Evan Watts led the Raidres with seven tackles, including a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss.
Moorpark (0-1) visits Cerritos this Saturday.
Joe Curley covers football for The Star. He can be reached at joe.curley@vcstar.com. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura College, Moorpark College football teams drop season openers
