Simmons’ Late Interception Helps Simi Valley Upset Thousand Oaks

Simi Valley High cornerback Nathan Simmons intercepted a Trevor Thompson pass with 10 seconds remaining to preserve the host Pioneers’ 27-26 upset of Thousand Oaks in a Marmonte League game Friday night.

Simmons’ interception stalled Thousand Oaks’ bid for a comeback at the Pioneer 28-yard line.

The win was Simi Valley’s first over Thousand Oaks since 1982.

Simi Valley quarterback Eric Bennett connected with Bryan Kalbfus on a 10-yard touchdown pass to boost the Pioneers to the winning score with 1 minute 32 seconds remaining.

Bennett completed 16 of 26 passes for 312 yards and touchdowns of 69, 75, 10 and 10 yards--all to Kalbfus--as Simi Valley (5-3, 3-2) bounced back from a 20-7 halftime deficit.

Three of Bennett’s scoring passes came in the second half.

Thousand Oaks (3-4-1, 3-2) scored two quick touchdowns in the second quarter after intercepting a pair of Bennett passes in the final 38 seconds to take the 20-7 lead. Mac Swink returned one 52 yards for a touchdown and the other helped set up a 22-yard scoring pass from Thompson to Greg Aguilar.