The Nipomo Titans and host team Santa Ynez Pirates both entered their Los Padres League game Friday night with identical 4-4 overall and 2-3 league records. Santa Ynez featured league leading passer Billy Peters frequently on offense, while the Titans showcased the running of Billy Chambers, who ranks second in the LPL for rushing yards. Nipomo would generate 267 yards of offense on the field, while the Pirates would gain 266.

In such a close match-up, a disastrous first quarter for Santa Ynez led to 20-17 victory for the Titans.

“Ah, the first quarter. It was crazy,” said Pirate head coach Josh Cunningham.

The Santa Ynez defense would force Nipomo to punt on their first possession. A fumbled pass would give the ball back to the Titans on the 32 of Santa Ynez. A hit by Pirate defenseman Casey Harris would knock the ball loose from Chamber's grasp, which Chase Yost would grab for Santa Ynez. The Pirate offense would move the ball 30 yards down field before forced to punt on a fourth and long.

The long snap to Pirate kicker Austin Bartoo was well over his head however. The junior kicker would scramble after the ball and try to get a late punt off, however the special team unit of the Titans would have none of it. The batted down punt attempt would bounce into the end zone where junior linebacker Nick Cano would fall on it for the score.

The ensuing extra point attempt would miss.

Back with the ball the Pirates would try to start a retaliatory drive, but a key tackle by Titan linebacker Jeff Reynoso would force a third down pass attempt by Peters. The ball would be tipped crossing the line and Brent Seguine would snag the only interception of the game. A last minute shove by Pirates running back Brad Petersen would give the Titans the ball two yards from the end zone.

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“The defense has been solid all year and left us in great shape all night,” said Nipomo head coach Jon Hitchen.

In an impressive defensive display of their own, the Pirates goal line defenders held firm, holding the Titans to a field goal by Seguine.

The Pirates would fire back, with Peters connecting with Spencer Angel for a 28 yard sideline strike to Nipomo's 10 yard line. Zack Andrews would finish the drive with a four yard run.

Following half-time the Pirates would strike again. A 40 yard punt return by Kyle McQuitty, plus a face-mask call would give good field position. A screen play, and good running by Petersen would take the Pirates to the three yard line, but no closer. Bartoo would kick the field goal to give his team a one point lead.

“That defensive stand, together with that blocked punt won them the game,” summarized coach Cunningham.

The Titans running game began to wear on the Pirate defense in the second half however. Steve Otto would bust a big run to set up a four yard trot by Chambers for a touchdown on Nipomo's next possession. Kyle Webb would catch the two-point conversion toss.

Chambers would hammer away at the inside of the Santa Ynez line the rest of the game, and according to coach Hitchen, O-linemen like Garrett Frisby, Korben Boaz and Jimmy Teixeira kept those plays successful.

Chambers would run for three first down conversions on Nipomo's next series to help set up another Seguine kick in the fourth quarter.

“If the D-line is making the blocks, I can make all the cuts I need,” said Chambers, who also said confidence in his fellow runners Otto and Ray Cano to do their part helped his performance.

The Pirates would not go down quietly, with Peters throwing a last 29 yard strike to tight end Justin Andersen in the last minute of the game.

“I had a bad first half, snapping the ball over Austin's head and dropping a ball over the middle. I had to snap my mind out of that and come back,” said Anderson.

Peters ended the night with 178 yards off of 24 attempts with 15 completion's.

The onside kick was fielded cleanly by Nipomo, who kneeled out the last minute of the game clock.

The Pirates, with playoff hopes greatly dimmed, will host Morro Bay (6-3, 3-3) Friday.

“They had our number for four straight years so it was a big thing to get over that one,” said Hitchen about his fourth year varsity team beating the Pirates for the first time.

Nipomo (5-4, 3-3) will battle at home next week against the LPL's top ranked team, St. Joseph (7-2, 6-0).

“With so many firsts this year, why not beat them too,” said Hitchen with a grin.

“I think it'll come down to me and (Thomas) Sua to see who can get the most yards,” said Chambers.

Nov. 4, 2006