Ventura’s effort comes up short in state bowl

Despite a late surge led by quarterback Garcia, Cougars lose Division 3-AA game.

- By STEVE GALLUZZO

VENTURA receiver Jack Cunningham breaks a tackle in the second quarter of the 42-35 loss on Friday night.

(STEVE GALLUZZO For The Times)

Never stop fighting.

That was the Ventura High football team’s mindset Friday night at Fullerton High.

The Cougars drove 99 yards in eight plays and scored on a 12-yard pass from Derek Garcia to Tristan Phillips on fourth and goal to pull within a touchdown with 2:40 left, but San Francisco St. Ignatius College Prep recovered the ensuing onside kick and gained a first down to run out the clock and hang on for a 42-35 victory in the CIF Division 3-AA state bowl game.

“You are true competitors,” Derek’s father and coach, Tim Garcia, told his dejected players minutes later. “We fought, kept fighting, just came up a little short, but let’s not forget what you guys accomplished. You won the Channel League, you won CIF you won regionals and are state runner-up.”