Tucker Responds in Moorpark Win

Any vestiges of what was a brewing Moorpark College quarterback controversy have vanished, disappearing as fast as the pitter-patter of Corey Tucker’s nimble feet.

Tucker, the Raiders’ incumbent, has been forced to stave off the challenge of Todd Preston, a transfer from California.

In Moorpark’s opener last week, the pair split time. But Saturday in a Western State Conference opener against Santa Monica, Tucker staked his claim.

Playing all but the game’s final minutes, he rushed for a touchdown and completed nine of 17 passes for 187 yards and another score as Moorpark beat the Corsairs, 21-0, at Moorpark.

Tucker completed only three passes in the second half, but they went for 103 yards. Included was a 51-yard strike to Alex Estrada for a touchdown that put the Raiders in a comfort zone, leading 14-0 midway through the third quarter.

Preston did not get off the sideline until 4 minutes 52 seconds remained in the game, just long enough to hand the ball off a few times and complete one of two passes for a one-yard loss.

“That’s just the way it worked tonight,” Tucker said diplomatically. “Things were working good. I guess if I’m doing bad I’d come out.”

Meanwhile, Moorpark (2-0) had its way with Dion Bergeron, Santa Monica’s highly touted quarterback.

Though similar to Tucker in size and style, Bergeron was operating with a handicap. Wherever he went, several members of the Moorpark defensive line were in hot pursuit.

Bergeron was sacked four times for minus-32 yards and completed six of 11 passes for 71 yards with one interception.

“They shut everything down,” Bergeron said of the Moorpark defense. “I never had time to throw the ball.”

Jacob James, who spent much of the night chasing Bergeron around the backfield, was quick to credit the Moorpark secondary. “Almost all of our big plays tonight came because their quarterback couldn’t find anybody open and he had to run,” the sophomore nose tackle said.

A fumbled handoff exchange between Bergeron and fullback Jason Patterson thwarted Santa Monica’s only scoring threat, which came in the fourth quarter. Demetrius Jones pounced on the ball at the Moorpark three after the Corsairs had marched from their own 32.

Ahead, 14-0, Moorpark put away Santa Monica (0-2) with a nine-play, 97-yard drive. Fullback Gil Carrillo (13 carries, 78 yards) carried five times for 24 yards on the march, including the final two yards.

Moorpark marched 93 yards in the second quarter, scoring on Tucker’s 17-yard run.