Newbury Park Uses Balancing Act to Thwart Simi Valley

Newbury Park High used a balanced attack to roll up 460 yards and withstood a comeback by Simi Valley in a 41-27 Marmonte League victory Friday night at Newbury Park.

The Panthers (4-1, 2-0 in league play) took a 27-7 halftime lead, but the Pioneers (1-4, 0-2) got three touchdowns in the third quarter from Calvin Bell and cut the deficit to 33-27.

Quarterback Nick Czernek of Newbury Park connected with Brian Swett on a 33-yard scoring pass play with four minutes to play.

Czernek passed for four touchdowns, completing 14 of 32 passes for 254 yards, and ran for a touchdown. He had one pass intercepted.

Ryan Shipton rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown in 20 carries. It was the most rushing yards by a Panther back this decade.

Bell rushed for 59 yards and two touchdowns, and scored on an 82-yard punt return. Tim Bird passed for 260 yards and a touchdown, completing 17 of 37 passes.

Czernek connected on scoring passes of 12 and 59 yards in the first quarter to Cause Hanna, who has nine touchdown receptions this season.

Swett had an 11-yard scoring catch in the second quarter.