Ventura Remains Unbeaten Behind Ellis, Ebell, 44-11

Scott Ellis threw two first-quarter touchdown passes and Tyler Ebell scored four touchdowns, and Ventura High remained undefeated with a 44-11 nonleague victory over Rio Mesa on Friday night at Rio Mesa.

Ellis drove Ventura (4-0) 63 yards in six plays on its opening possession, capping the march with a 28-yard scoring pass to tight end Bryan Easterly on fourth down. Three minutes later, Ellis connected with receiver Chris Foster on a 48-yard scoring pass.

Then it was Ebell’s turn.

The junior tailback produced his fourth consecutive 100-yard performance by rushing for 151 yards in 20 carries, including touchdown runs of 20, 21, four and seven yards.

Ebell’s 20-yard run put Ventura ahead, 21-0, with 1:19 left in the first quarter.

Tom Saxey of Rio Mesa (2-2) kicked a 31-yard field goal with 8:25 remaining in the sceond quarter.

Two plays later, Ellis completed a 41-yard pass to Clark Goodwin to set up Ebell’s 21-yard touchdown run.

Brandon Ramey and Mike Liranzo of Rio Mesa each gained 43 yards in nine carries, and Anthony Manasala rushed 11 times for 42 yards.

Rio Mesa scored its only touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Pancho Tinoco to Liranzo in the third quarter.