Some more late-game heroics

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Saugus wasn’t the only team in the region to post a dramatic Friday night victory. According to the Ventura County Star, Pacifica had its fair share of last-second glory as well.

After holding Simi Valley standout RB Langston Jackson to a measly 23 yards in 21 carries, Pacifica took advantage of a 15-yard scramble by QB Vince Moraga to set up Antonio Vega‘s 40-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Pioneers, 17-14. Not bad for a team coming off a 44-7 pounding by Lompoc Cabrillo in Week 1.

Games like this make me wonder if Pacifica has what it takes to make it to the postseason. I realize Simi Valley isn’t the most spectacular team ever to grace a football field, but the Tritons have demonstrated a definite playoff potential I didn’t see a couple weeks ago.

I know Rio Mesa and Camarillo are the clear favorites for the Tri-Valley League title, but I wouldn’t be totally shocked to see Pacifica pick up the final playoff berth. Hueneme will be snipping at its heels the entire way with DI prospects Travan Nixon and Andre Austin giving the Vikings a one-two punch at receiver and running back.

But everybody knows things are looking bleak for Oxnard and Channel Islands. The Yellowjackets don’t look like playoff material after losses to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo and Channel Islands has been outscored 78-0 in three games. Ouch.

- Austin Knoblauch