Ebell’s Feats Sound Like Broken Record

Ventura High is not done. Neither is Tyler Ebell.

With the state season rushing record safely tucked away, Ebell is chasing--and breaking--national records.

The senior running back set a national season record with his 56th touchdown rushing last week against Royal. According to national records updated through 1998, Ebell broke the record of 55 set by Brett Law of Sheridan, Ind., in 1988.

The UCLA-bound Ebell has 3,901 yards in 12 games and is 186 yards from the national mark set in 1996 by Travis Henry of Frostproof, Fla.

“If he plays well, he should get that this week,” against Lompoc in a Southern Section Division IV semifinal Saturday, Ventura Coach Phil McCune said.

Henry, who set the record in 14 games, is a senior at Tennessee.

Ebell is third on the national list and needs 144 yards to catch Ken Hall, who ran for 4,045 yards in 12 games for Sugar Land, Texas, in 1953.

Ebell still has a few state records to chase.

He is four touchdowns from the career mark of 107 set by Steve Wofford of Bakersfield from 1992-94.

Ebell, who has 6,791 yards rushing in his career, is fourth on the state all-time list, 466 yards from the career record set by David Dotson of Moreno Valley Valley View from 1989-91.

Ebell is three touchdowns from DeShaun Foster’s state season record of 59. In 1997, Foster had 54 touchdowns rushing and three receiving, and two interception returns for touchdowns at Tustin.

“I really think that [Ebell] will look back on the season and realize how great it was after it’s over,” McCune said. “I think right now he’s focused on playing this week and then one more week after that. That’s a tribute to him.”

Ebell has propelled Ventura (11-1) into the national record books for team scoring.

With 61 touchdowns rushing, the Cougars are tied for fourth with four teams for season performance.

Big Sandy, Texas, holds the record with 114 touchdowns rushing in 1975.

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BEST IN THE NATION

A look at the top 10 season rushers in national history:

*--*

Player, School Years Yards Travis Henry, Frostproof, Fla. 1996 4,087 Ken Hall, Sugar Land, Texas 1953 4,045 Tyler Ebell, Ventura 2000 3,901 Rodney Thomas, Groveton, Texas 1990 3,701 Jermaine Marshall, Kilpatrick 1999 3,586 Wes Danaher, Corpus Christi, Texas 1995 3,569 Cedric Benson, Midland, Texas 1999 3,526 David Dotson, Valley View 1991 3,523 Robert Strait, Cuero, Texas 1987 3,515 Ken Hall, Sugar Land, Texas 1952 3,458

*--*

BEST IN THE STATE

A look at the top 10 career rushers in state history:

*--*

Player, School Years Yards David Dotson, Valley View 1989-91 7,257 Michael Jones, Laguna Hills 1995-97 7,175 Steve Wofford, Bakersfield 1992-94 7,100 Tyler Ebell, Ventura 1998-00 6,791 Manuel White, Valencia 1997-99 6,745 Marcus Guzman, Norco 1997-99 6,625 George Keiaho, Buena 1990-93 6,615 Justin Fargas, Notre Dame 1995-97 6,352 Onterrio Smith, Sacramento Grant 1995-98 6,178 Russell White, Crespi 1986-88 5,998

*--*

PLAYOFF MATCHUP

Southern Section Semifinals

(All games 7:30 p.m.

unless noted)

FRIDAY

Division III

* Hart vs. St. Francis

at College of the Canyons, 7 p.m.

* Notre Dame at Mira Costa

Division IV

* Arroyo Grande at Agoura

Division XII

* Paraclete vs. Kern Valley

at Antelope Valley College

SATURDAY

Division IV

* Lompoc at Ventura

Division XI

* St. Bonaventure vs. Carpinteria

at Moorpark High

Division XII

* Montclair Prep vs. Bosco Tech

at Valley College