East bests West in the 49th annual Ventura County All-Star Football Game

Like most participants in a high school all-star game, Nolan Story set out to have fun Saturday.

Instead, he created chaos. Raised havoc. Became a game-wrecker.

"It definitely was a lot of fun," said the Newbury Park High senior linebacker/running back. "But you always want to come away with the win. We just really came together in our practices. We had great chemistry. I wanted to do my part."

Indeed he did.

Story racked up a pair of interceptions — including a pick-six at the top of the fourth quarter — and had two forced fumbles, one sack and 12 tackles as the East toppled the West, 39-25, in the 49th annual Ventura County All-Star Football Game at Ventura College.

The event is sponsored by the Ventura Downtown Lions Club.

Story is without a collegiate offer for next year, but maybe — just maybe — he garnered some attention after earning Defensive MVP honors in the all-star showcase.

"That's the hope," he said with a smile.

The East's win over a stacked West squad that included Zane Carter, Delon Thompson, Joaquin "Juice" Johnson and Eli Aragon wasn't a one-man show.

Quarterback Kadyn Parr of Oak Park had the heaviest workload, and savored the opportunity. He was the only quarterback on the East roster, played every offensive snap, and delivered by accounting for four touchdowns.

Parr threw touchdown passes of 79 yards to Simi Valley's Caleb Alvary in the first quarter and a clutch 17-yard score to Calabasas' Jerry McGee in the fourth quarter. He put up the game-cinching score with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Fillmore's Nathan Delgadillo with 4:34 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Parr also ran for a 3-yard score to close out the East's 10-play, 70-yard scoring march on the game's first possession.

The East's Offensive MVP was all smiles at game's end.

"I've known most of these guys for a long time and played with a lot of them growing up," Parr said. "We wanted to win, and we all came together to make it happen."

Of course, all-stars will be all-stars. The West had its own share of big performances.

Oxnard's Aragon caught a 41-yard touchdown from Buena's Carter on the West's first play from scrimmage. The pair later collaborated on a 62-yard scoring play that knotted the game at 25-25 with 9:16 remaining in the fourth quarter.

"I wanted to win, but it was so much fun to go out and compete against such good players," said Aragon. "I can't ask for more than that. We worked hard in practice and we developed really good chemistry. It was a pleasure to play with these guys."

Aragon was surprised to find himself wide open on the 41-yard touchdown catch on the first West series.

"After the first 10 yards, I saw I was running free," he said. "I looked up and the ball was coming. No way I was going to drop it."

Rio Mesa's Sal Maria had a clutch interception near the end of the second quarter that included a 48-yard return. The pick set up the West at the 11-yard line, and was followed by Carter's 11-yard touchdown pass to Santa Paula's Bryce Zavala.

The West led 18-16 with 22 seconds remaining before halftime.

"I really wanted to score," Maria said with a laugh. "I got close, but we were able to score right after that. Really, it's fun to close out my high school career in a game like this. I wanted to win, but I thought we played well."

Carter ended up tossing three touchdown passes, but wasn't pleased with the outcome.

"It always sucks to lose, and this is no different," said Carter, who stars in football and basketball for the Bulldogs. "But I played with a great group of guys today, and that's special."

Alvary, Simi Valley's multidimensional star, had the reception of the day on his 79-yard touchdown play that featured tackle-busting to get into the end zone.

Turns out, he and Parr go way back. Parr was at Simi Valley for two seasons before transferring to Oak Park.

"We've always had great chemistry," said Alvary. "When we got to our first practice I told him, it's time for us to get it going again."

The duo hooked up for five competions, including a 27-yard play in the fourth quarter.

With the game tied at 25-25, the East responded with a 6-yard march that ended in Parr's 17-yard hookup with McGee with 5:41 left on the clock.

Following Story's second interception, the East closed out a short drive with Parr's scoring pass to Delgadillo, who also stars for Fillmore's basketball team.

Thompson rushed for a 12-yard score for the West. Nathan Alexander of Westlake kicked two field goals for the East, including a 43-yard boot as time expired in the first half to account for a 19-18 lead at halftime.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: East bests West in the Ventura County All-Star Football Game