The 220-pound Klintworth needed to turn in a big effort for the Vaqueros (3-2) in their division opener. Glendale college, which entered the contest ranked 16th in the latest California Community College Regional State Football poll, had spent many years competing in the Western State Conference.
“I wanted to get out there and make the plays,” said Klintworth, who picked up his biggest tackle on a third-down play near midfield late in the fourth quarter. “With our defense, we want to be out there to make the plays. I’m just trying to go after it.
“They beat us last year, so we had a lot to prove. We didn’t want to start off conference 0-1.”
Glendale college made things difficult for the Pirates (3-2, 0-1 in conference). The Vaqueros, who improved to 2-1 at home, led throughout the entire contest against a Ventura squad that came in ranked 10th in the state.
Ventura College finished with 416 yards of total offense, with 204 yards coming in the second half. The Vaqueros built a 17-0 halftime lead before the Pirates made their comeback bid.
Glendale college first-year Coach John Rome said the Vaquero defense was able to keep the Pirates at bay.
“Our defense stepped up and played fantastic,” said Rome, who got seven tackles apiece from sophomore linebacker Rudy Peterson and sophomore defensive back James Antaplyan and six from sophomore lineman Francisco Coronado. “I think we came out and kind of surprised [Ventura College].
“With Michael, he did a great job. He came here as a safety, then a linebacker before moving to defensive end.”
The Vaqueros took a 3-0 lead on a 28-yard field goal by Chris Chapman with 6:35 left in the first quarter. Glendale college extended its lead to 10-0 when wide receiver Josh Stangby caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dylan E. Martinez with 13:24 left in the second quarter. Brian Williams caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Martinez, who went 11 of 20 for 153 yards, to make it 17-0 with 34 seconds left in the first half.
Ventura College scored touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.
Glendale college running back Jason McNeil rushed for 77 yards in eight carries.
CHARLES RICH covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3228 or charles.rich@latimes.com.
