Murphy’s Law: 3 Touchdowns Key Buena Win

VENTURA — Cody Murphy had three touchdown receptions and Freddy Keiaho rushed for two touchdowns for Buena High in a 35-26 victory over Ventura in a Channel League game Friday night at Ventura High.

Quarterback Kyle Loughman was the driving force for the Bulldogs (5-4, 3-1 in league), completing 13 of 21 passes for 277 yards, including scoring plays of 75, eight and 23 yards to Murphy.

Murphy finished with seven receptions for 169 yards after sitting out last week’s 35-34 home loss to Santa Barbara with a biceps injury.

Keiaho, whose status was questionable because of a chipped bone in his ankle, had 47 yards in eight carries.

“I knew if I got behind the safety and Kyle got me the ball, I could score a touchdown,” said Murphy of the 23-yard reception, which provided the final margin with 1:49 remaining.

Buena jumped to a 28-20 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter on Murphy’s eight-yard reception.

The Cougars (4-4-1, 1-2) cut the deficit when quarterback Mike Anderson connected with Rashe Hall for a 58-yard touchdown play midway through the fourth quarter. But Buena failed to tie the score when a halfback option pass attempt from Tyler Ebell to Hall fell incomplete.

Ebell had 195 yards and two touchdowns in 23 carries. He scpored on runs of 29 and 65 yards. The 65-yard touchdown cut Buena’s lead to 21-20 late in the third quarter