Moorpark College, Ventura College open conference play with Citrus Cup
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The script has put the Moorpark College football team in good position in each of the first three games of the season.
“It’s been consistent the first three weeks,” said Moorpark head coach Mike Stuart. “We’ve put points on the board … and our defense has come up with a takeaway or a stop.”
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But the 0-3 Raiders have yet to capitalize on three straight first-quarter leads.
“Guys are stepping up, but we don’t have as much depth as we need when we have these guys injured like this,” Stuart said. “That’s where you’re seeing the fall off right now, in that fourth quarter.”
Finishing in the fourth quarter is the focus as the 58th Citrus Cup game arrives on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Ventura College Sportsplex. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
No. 6 Ventura College (2-1) hosts Moorpark (3-0) in the SCFA Northern Conference opener for both teams.
“This game is important,” VC head coach Steve Mooshagian said. “It’s conference. Everyone is 0-0 and you have to take it one game at a time.”
Mooshagian has been impressed with how the Raiders have played in losses to Fullerton, Cerritos and Chaffey.
“We have great respect for Moorpark,” Mooshagian said. “They’ve been in every ballgame. They could easily be 3-0 rather than 0-3. … They’ve got a brutal schedule. Some teams have a tougher preseason than others.”
Moorpark quarterback Sirawn Evans has completed 52 of 89 passes for 498 yards, two TDs and an interception. He’s also run for three TDs. Running back Ethan LaSecla (Grace) has rushed for 176 yards and two TDs on 33 carries.
After dropping its opener 19-6 to Palomar, VC has responded with consecutive road wins at Fullerton (33-20) and Bakersfield (21-13).
“We had this big puzzle thrown out all the table,” Mooshagian said. “It’s just been a matter of putting the pieces together. … The focus and the resolve have been really good. Winning two games on the road at tough places (is promising).”
Sophomore running back LaRevious Woods — aka “Fresh” — leads Southern California with 423 yards on 57 carries, scoring four TDs.
Braden Graham and Damon Wrighster have shared the quarterback duties for the Pirates. Graham has completed 42 of 70 passes for 440 yards, one TD and three interceptions. Wrighster has completed 24 of 38 passes for 221 yards, one TD and one interception.
“Ventura looks like Ventura,” Stuart said. “They’re fast. They’re long on the outside on defense. They’re a good size up front.
“To me, they’re a top 10 team in the state again. It makes it hard when you have to travel there. We’re going to have to play a perfect game and be smart when it comes to penalties and being disciplined.”
Joe Curley covers football for The Star. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more coverage, follow @vcspreps on Twitter/X, Instagram/Threads, Facebook, Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Moorpark College, Ventura College open conference play with Citrus Cup