Vikings football loses final home game of the season 45-24 to Ventura

Ventura running back Javarien Salter scored two touchdowns with 51 rushing yards against the Vikings in a 45-24 loss for LBCC on Saturday. 

Before the game, the Vikings celebrated their sophomores, as it was the last home game of the season. 

“(Ventura) is the number two team in the state. I’m happy that we took them down, all the way to the second half. We a young team, I love the fight in the team. They fought to the end, so that’s all I could ask for” head coach Marques Cooper said. 

The first half of the game went back and forth, leaving the game tied at 24 going into half time. 

One of LBCCs’ touchdowns was a four yard rushing touchdown from running back Imari Conway, and the other was a 31 yard pass from quarterback Allen Fernett to wide receiver Justin Auston. 

^{Quarterback Allen Fernett prepares to make a pass while avoiding a tackle. The Vikings lost 45-24 to Ventura on Nov. 1 at Long Beach City College. (Bella Schultz)}

Ventura started to pull away, scoring under three minutes into the second half. 

Wide receiver Owen Tomich talked about the team doing good in the first half and how to improve for their final game of the season. 

“I think the first half, we look great playing together as a team. Little sparks here and there, but it’s about playing the full 60 minutes, we only played 30 minutes,” Tomich said. 

Defensive back Alex Koulovatos intercepted a pass being made by Ventura quarterback Braesen Leon. 

“I feel good. … good to get another one on the year so definitely felt good. It was a hard play too because the receiver tipped it in front of me too. I was playing it before he tipped it, I had to tip it back to myself,” Koulovatos said. 

The interception made by Koulovatos was late in the second quarter and allowed the Vikings to tie the game with a field goal from kicker Ethan Smithlin. 

The Vikings hold a current record of 3-6, and will play their final away game of the season on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Moorpark.

^{LBCC defense lines up against Ventura offense in the game on Saturday, where the Vikings lost 45-24 at Long Beach City College. This game was sophomore night and the last home game of the season. (Heaven Herrera)}