Ventura, Calif. – After a week off due to an Allan Hancock forfeit, the No. 4-ranked Mt. SAC Football team was more than ready to return to action for their biggest matchup of the season — a high-stakes conference showdown against the No. 2-ranked Ventura College Pirates. Both teams entered knowing exactly what was on the line: the conference title and playoff seeding would all come down to this very game.
In a dramatic come-from-behind battle, the Mounties dug deep with grit, tenacity, and a few gutsy coaching calls to edge out Ventura, 55–54, in the final seconds. The thrilling victory crowned Mt. SAC co-conference champions of the National Northern Division alongside Ventura. With the win, the Mounties improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play — identical to Ventura's record — though Mt. SAC earned the higher playoff seed after handing the Pirates their only loss of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Ventura opened strong in the first quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run by Javarien Salter, followed by a 31-yard field goal from Bodie Ing to take an early 10-0 lead.
After starting quarterback Daunte Bell left the game with an injury, backup Hunter Herrera stepped in and immediately made an impact, connecting with Devon Anderson for a 31-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to put Mt. SAC on the board.
Ventura answered with a 1-yard touchdown run from Braesen Leon, but Mt. SAC kept pace as Aiden Ramos punched it in from 3 yards out, cutting the deficit to 17-14.
Before halftime, Ventura surged ahead with a series of scores — a 2-yard Salter run, a 31-yard touchdown pass, and a 1-yard run by Koen Glover — extending their lead to 37-14. Mt. SAC's Kenneth Junger Porta added a 27-yard field goal before the break, but the Mounties still trailed 37-17 heading into halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams trading blows. Herrera found Damari Wiggins for a 9-yard touchdown to make it 37-24, but Ventura responded again. Ramos then powered in for another 1-yard rushing touchdown before Ventura's Ing nailed a 36-yard field goal to make it 47-31 heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was electric. Herrera connected with Wiggins for a 20-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to narrow the gap to 47-39. Minutes later, Herrera hustled in from 7 yards out, followed by another clutch two-point conversion to tie things up at 47-47 with 10 minutes to go.
The crowd was roaring, the fog rolled in thick, and tension filled the air — it was anyone's game.
With six minutes remaining, Ventura's Tayvion McCoy hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Leon, and Ing's kick gave the Pirates a 54-47 lead.
Then came Mt. SAC's final drive — 16 plays, 61 yards, and a whole lot of determination. Ramos capped it off with his third touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run to bring the Mounties within one.
Facing a critical decision — play it safe with the extra point or go for the win — the Mounties chose boldness. Third-string quarterback Eric Najarro maneuvered around the Pirate's defense, leapt over the pile, and converted the two-point attempt to give Mt. SAC the 55-54 lead. With just 16 seconds left, the Mountie defense held firm to secure the victory — and a share of the conference championship.
Mt. SAC's defense came up big when it mattered most. Teyondre Coleman led the charge with 15 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Dakota Mendoza added 10 stops and Michael Young contributed nine. A crucial second-half interception and 32-yard return by Kanyee Childress swung the momentum in Mt. SAC's favor.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Total Offense: Mt. SAC 516 | Ventura 581
- Rushing Yards: Mt. SAC 183 | Ventura 194
- Passing Yards: Mt SAC 333 | Ventura 387
- First Downs: Mt. SAC 33 | Ventura 29
- Time of Possession: Mt. SAC 26:40 | Ventura 33:20
KEY PLAYERS:
- Aiden Ramos: 22 carries, 98 yards, 3 TDs
- Hunter Herrera: 20-of-29 passing, 316 yards, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD
- Damari Wiggins: 3 receptions, 38 yards, 2 TDs
- Teyondre Coleman: 15 tackles
NEXT UP:
With the conference title secured, the Mounties now set their sights on the postseason. As the No. 3 seed, Mt. SAC will host No. 6 El Camino on Saturday, November 22 at 6:00 PM. The road to a championship starts at home — don't miss it!
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Football on Twitter @mtsacfootball or Instagram /mtsacfootball/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.