Jose Zumaya

Buena and Ventura lined up in formation for their next play.

After losing their last game to Rio Mesa, the Bulldogs (4-4) looked to rebound against their crosstown rival Ventura Cougars (5-3) at Larrabee Stadium Friday, Oct. 13. 

The game began with a Buena kick-off, where the Cougars were ready to pounce. Ventura returned the kick for a touchdown 7-0. Ventura’s crowd roared in the student section as their kick returner raced down the field within the first 30 seconds of the game. 

The Bulldogs weren’t able to gain anything from their first drive and were forced to punt the ball on the 4th down only for the Ventura defense to block it. Their student section grew louder with excitement as they got the ball back very close to their endzone.

Ventura scored quickly with a seven-yard touchdown run to increase their lead to 14-0. Bunea, still having no luck on offense, punted the ball away again.

Ventura had no intention of slowing down. On the next play, a 71-yard pass was thrown for another touchdown making the score an unfortunate 21-0 the Cougars had all the momentum at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter followed suit with the first. The Cougar’s defense continued to shut the Bulldogs out while their offense was scoring at will. The quarter ended with Ventura making a last-second touchdown making the score 35-0.

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Jose Zumaya

Junior Tyler Hoff races down the sideline with junior Aaron Cesario blocking.

Things slowed down a bit for both teams in the third quarter as it was full of empty possessions where neither team scored. It seemed that Buena’s defense finally figured out how to cool down the Cougars steaming hot offense. 

Finally, in the fourth quarter, Buena’s offense began to flow. Their student section erupted as they marched downfield. Thanks to a touchdown pass from senior Joey Reynoso downfield to senior Jordan Watts the score became 35-7. 

On the kickoff, the Bulldogs attempted an onside kick and recovered it. The Bulldogs’ student section was finally on their feet, but it was short-lived as they kicked the ball back three plays later.

Ventura took over possession with just over a minute remaining and went into victory formation. The Ventura student section stormed the field as they won and reclaimed the Suzanne Brown Memorial Cup. Buena will be coming back with a vengeance next year.