Kepley Kicks and Catches Owls Past Moorpark

Moorpark, CA (Football) -- The Citrus College Football team's record moved to 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, after a 29-16 win at Moorpark College. Citrus College sophomore Isaiah Kepley had a hand in 16 of the 29 points, as the Owls have won their first two games of the year for the first time in recent memory.

After the offense stalled out on their first drive, the Citrus defense gave them the ball right back after forcing a Moorpark four and out on their first possession. The offense responded in kind as they took advantage of a solid return from sophomore JoJo Curiel, by going 43 yards in seven plays going up 7-0 after freshman Bernard Porter scored on a three yard scramble.

The defense continued to stifle the Moorpark offensive output, while the offense got more points on the board two possessions later when Kepley drilled a 44 yard field goal that made it 10-0. After another Raider three and out, the Owls marched 67 yards in seven plays making it 16-0 when sophomore Andre Holmes scored on a 17 yard carry.

Moorpark would answer with a touchdown drive on their next try, but the Owls didn't go away quietly getting a 20 yard field goal from Kepley as time expired in the second quarter going up 19-7 at the break.

The Raiders would come out of the half with a scoring drive that resulted in them converting a 46 yard field goal to make it 19-10. The Citrus offense meanwhile stalled out on the Moorpark 35 yard line, but got a break on the Raiders' second play when sophomore Rodney Mathews picked off the Moorpark quarterback and returned the ball nine yards to the Raider 11.

Despite positive field possession the Owls were kept out of the end zone. Again though, Kepley came through with his foot, booting a 36 yarder that made it 22-10 in favor of Citrus.

The Owls would put the game away for good in the fourth quarter when they drove 80 yards in 14 plays, all while eating up over six minutes of clock. The drive ended when freshman quarterback Tyler Pruszynski found Kepley from 10 yards out to make it 29-10. Moorpark would score again late, but by then the game was all but over.

Pruszynski would finish the day 14 of 19 for 109 yards and a touchdown throw. Porter was 15 of 26 for 217 yards and more importantly neither quarterback turned the ball over. Sophomore Michael Ball caught a game high eight balls for 60 yards, while Curiel led all receivers with six catches and 92 yards. Kepley would finish with seven catches for 73 yards, a touchdown, and three field goals in the win.

On the defensive side of the ball, freshman Justin Robles set the tone with a game high 11 tackles, including two for a loss. Freshman Maruice Dupleasis had seven tackles and a pair of sacks, while Mathews recorded five tackles and a pick.

The Owls will get their toughest test to date next week when they are on the road again at Grossmont College (2-0). The Griffins were ranked #14 in last week's SoCal CCCFCA/JCAthletic Bureau poll. Kick-off is set for 1:00 PM.