Football Recap: Newbury Park Sets Scoring Season-High Against Ventura + How To Watch

There's no place like home for Newbury Park, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They strolled past the Ventura Cougars with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 43-28. The Panthers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Brady Smigiel

Passer Rating

09/26/25 vs Ventura	157.2
09/12/25 @ St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy	66.3
09/05/25 @ Pacifica	144.7
08/29/25 vs Arroyo Grande	74.3
08/22/25 @ Millikan	70.7
+ 6 more games

It was another big night for Brady Smigiel, who threw for 268 yards and four TDs while completing 76.2% of his passes, and also rushed for 33 yards and one score. What's more, he racked up 157.2 passer rating, the most he's had since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Tyler Stromsoe, who rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown.

Another reason for the win was Newbury Park's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. Leading the way was Landon Stuart with two. Simon Mekari was another major factor on D, picking up a sack, making ten total tackles (4.0 for loss), and defending one pass in addition to snagging an interception.

Loss or not, Ventura got some senior leadership from Derek Garcia and Jack Cunningham. Garcia threw for 276 yards and three TDs, while Cunningham picked up 208 receiving yards and three scores. Those 208 receiving yards set a new season-high mark for Cunningham.

Newbury Park's victory bumped their record up to 2-3. As for Ventura, they moved to 3-2 with that defeat, which also ended their three-game winning streak.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Newbury Park will challenge Santa Barbara at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Dons' defense has only allowed 14.6 points per game this season, so the Panthers' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Ventura, they will face off against Buena at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Cougars will be up against the Bulldogs' rather soft defense (which has allowed 39.8 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.