Buena Exhibits a Finishing Kick, 41-17

VENTURA — Buena High may have found a more potent weapon than star tailback George Keiaho on Friday night in its Channel League matchup against Santa Barbara--its short kicking game.

The Bulldogs turned two successful onside kicks into touchdowns in the third quarter to open daylight in their 41-17 win at Ventura High.

After Keiaho scored on a one-yard run and Jeff Stetler recovered his own kick, Buena quarterback Chris Carr connected with wide receiver Reggy Richins on a 47-yard flea-flicker to put Buena (4-2, 3-0 in league play), ahead, 27-17.

After a second onside recovery, Keiaho scored on an eight-yard run. He finished with 162 yards in 35 carries.

“They were keying in on me the whole game,” Keiaho said. “It opened everything else up and the onside kicks really psyched us up for the second half.”

Carr completed seven of 15 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with tight end Jason Bendenelli late in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.

It took a while for Keiaho to get going, but late in the first half he broke loose on a 24-yard touchdown run and finished with 78 yards in 15 carries before intermission.

But on the ensuing possession, Khalid Hurst ran up the middle for 63 yards, which allowed Santa Alfredo Moreno of Santa Barbara (4-2, 2-1) to kick a 25-yard field goal to put the Dons ahead, 17-13.

Hurst finished the first half with 160 yards in 14 carries, but could gain only 44 yards in nine carries the second half as the Dons had to throw the ball.