Comets produce, then get defensive

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 29, 2026

2026 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Comets Strike Before Halftime, Shut Down Ventura; Palomar Forces Three Turnovers to Win Opener

PALOMAR 19, VENTURA 6

EastCountySports.com staff report

VENTURA — Palomar turned two interceptions and a dominant defensive performance into a season-opening 19-6 road victory over Ventura on Saturday at the Sportsplex.

The Comets produced all 19 points during the second quarter, then protected the lead by shutting out Ventura throughout the second half.

After Ventura took a 3-0 lead, Toa Howard broke loose for a 23-yard touchdown run 17 seconds into the second quarter. The Pirates tied the game with another field goal, but Maurice Howard scored from 1 yard out with 1:06 remaining before halftime.

Palomar then delivered the decisive sequence. Matthew Gutierrez intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 6 yards, allowing quarterback Noah Schuback to connect with Princeton Anderson for a 19-yard touchdown with 20 seconds remaining. The two scores in the final 66 seconds gave the Comets a 19-6 halftime advantage.

Schuback completed 18 of 27 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown without an interception. Anderson caught five passes for 76 yards and a score, while Maurice Howard rushed 17 times for 51 yards.

Palomar was outgained 273-258 but forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and 10 tackles for loss and stopped Ventura on two of its three fourth-down attempts.

Nash Cooper spearheaded the defensive effort with nine tackles, 2½ sacks and 4½ tackles for loss. Tanner Doyle collected a team-high 10 tackles with two tackles for loss, while Jonathan Class added seven tackles, a half-sack and 2½ stops behind the line.

Gutierrez and Tresean Ellis supplied the interceptions. Dominic Hawk contributed 53 yards on three punt returns, including a 27-yard return.

The Comets did not score after halftime, but their defense kept Ventura out of the end zone for the entire game and limited the Pirates to two field goals.

Palomar will play its home opener against East Los Angeles on Saturday at 6 p.m.