FOOTBALL LOSES THRILLER 27-26 IN CONFERENCE OPENER

SANTA MARIA - In stunning fashion, the high flying Allan Hancock College football team came down to earth, losing to Ventura College 27-26 at Righetti High School in their Western State Conference opener.

Hancock (2-1, 0-1 WSC) fell behind with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter when Ventura kicker Jonathan Johnson connected on a 47 yard field goal. The Bulldogs were unable to mount a last minute comeback. Quarterback Andrew Jones (So., Lompoc HS) overthrew wide receiver Ryan Bugg (So., Atascadero HS) on a fourth and ten with under a minute left to end any thought of a Bulldog comeback.

Jones was 11 for 23 passing for 128 yards. He threw one interception that was returned for a touchdown. Bugg led AHC with five receptions for 107 yards, including a 31 yard touchdown reception from Jones in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs built a 20-7 halftime lead on the strength of a three yard TD run by Drew Williams (Fr., Queens, NY), the touchdown pass from Jones to Bugg, and a sensational 70 yard interception return by Rick Aguilar (Fr., Lompoc HS). Linebacker Trevor Shamblee (So., Jamaica Queens, NY) made two tremendous blocks to clear the way for Aguilar.

Anthony Melton (Fr., Delano, CA) scored a one yard TD in the fourth quarter for the only points that Hancock could muster in second half. Williams led all running backs with 128 yards on 23 carries. AHC finished the game with 196 yards rushing and 324 yards in total offense. However, two turnovers and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown contributed to the defeat.

The Bulldogs are on the road next Saturday, September 25, when they travel to Valencia to take on the College of the Canyons at 7:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on KUHL-1440/Santa Maria and KTME-1410/Lompoc.