SCORPION KINGS - CAMARILLO CONTINUES ITS ASSAULT ON THE 805

Camarillo wide receiver Colby Stevens runs past Ventura defenders during the third quarter of the Scorpions' 48-7 trouncing of the Cougars, improving their record to 5-0 (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

Using rare shift and motions on offense that looked reminiscent of Boise State, Camarillo’s latest wrinkle still led to similar results: a lot of points on the board.

Jake Constantine finished with 15-of-20 passing for 340 yards and threw all four of his touchdown passes in the first half, Ryan Muscarella had a breakout evening of 148 receiving yards – all in one half - and running back Isaiah Otis scored three times through running and receiving, as the Scorpions cruised to a 48-7 rout of Ventura on Sept. 25 at Carl Thompson Field.

The Scorpions (5-0) would often shift three receivers or tight ends to the opposite side of the field simultaneously, which threw Ventura’s defense into confusion. The result led to another high-powered balanced night for Cam.

“We’ve been able to run and pass the ball in the last five games,” Constantine said. “It’s no big surprise (for the offense). We’ve been looking forward to this since the summer. So far, we’ve exceeded expectations.”

Camarillo quarterback Jake Constantine dives for the end zone during the first quarter of the Scorpions' 41-point romp of Ventura at home (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

Desmond Clancy set the tone at tight end by rumbling 33 yards on his first reception during the opening drive. Otis ended the drive with a 1-yard scoring run.

Ventura would tie the game up at 7-7 with a lengthy drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Roan Moran. But then the rout was on for Camarillo.

Muscarella – on the first play of the next drive – took a swing pass from Constantine, found a crevasse on the left side of the field and turned on the jets for a 71-yard touchdown score, placing the Scorps ahead 13-7.

That wasn’t the only big reception for the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior. He caught a 24-yard touchdown catch to make it 20-7 and adjusted nicely to a 43-yard lob from Constantine on the next series. On that play, Muscarella drew one-on-one coverage, swung his hips toward the falling pigskin and came down with the jump ball. Two plays later, Constantine connected with Frankie Tostado on a 4-yard air ball, extending the lead to 27-7.

“They (Ventura) were throwing everything around. Our receivers just adjusted well to the coverages they were making and we played well,” Muscarella said. “We had some big plays. Our line was making blocks, receivers were catching the ball and our quarterback made some great throws. We just had a great game and we connected well.”

Defensively, Camarillo took the trench battle with defensive end Bronson Smith wreaking the lines. Linebacker Brett Triebold and safety Collin Kirksey were all over the field with their ability to read and attack.

“We work as a team. Our offense kind of goes with our defense and it gives us a lot of touchdowns. The offense makes it easy on us,” Kirksey said.  

Camarillo has a bye on Friday, Oct. 2. The following week has Camarillo taking on St. Bonaventure (Ventura) in a marquee non-league showdown at Ventura College.

Video credit: The Ventura County Star: