A glimpse into the 2024 Ventura High School football season

The Ventura High School Football season officially kicked off on Aug. 30 with a home game against Thousand Oaks High School, the game ended with a score of 13-20. The following week on Sept 9, VHS took another loss against Rio Mesa. The game began with RMHS leading the score, Ventura quickly came back to tie the score after half time. Finally in the last three minutes of the game RMHS pulled out a win and the game ended with a score of 20-33.

Safety Gavin Calderon ‘25 said, “We started off rough, going 0-2, but this upcoming game, I think we’re gonna bounce back. Our team has been bonding, but after these few days of practice, we’ve been bonding a lot more, and I think are going to do a lot better.” Calderon’s prediction was proven as VHS took their first victory of the season against Camarillo High School on Sept.13 with the final score of 35-34. 

Inside linebacker Tristan Philips ‘26 said, “Season has been off to a rough start as a team but I have been playing tremendously. We will bounce back and make things happen.” The team is starting their comeback and is now 1-2 overall. “This season is different from last season because of the way we started. It’ll turn out to be a good thing as we can build off of it,” said Phillips.

As of the first three games, wide receiver Jack Cunningham ‘26 is currently leading the team in receiving yards, averaging 110 yards per game and has two touchdowns. Rushing yards are lead by Gage Kushner ‘26 averaging 34 yards. Phillips has the most tackles, 45 in total and sacks, 1. Christiano Alvarez ‘25 has the only interception.

League hasn’t started yet, meaning they are still in pre-season. Their first game is Oct. 4, an away game at VHS’ rivalry school, Buena High School. “My goals are be the best player I can be and definitely beat buena, go to playoffs, hopefully go to CIF and get pick six,” said Calderon.  “My goals for this season are to win league, become a 5 star and win CIF,” said Phillips. Teammates Calderon and Phillips both expressed their ambition and goals of the season.

Although the season began with two loses the team followed with a win and players hope to recover and come back stronger for league.