Lemus, Gillespie Named All-American for 2023 Season

See CCCFCA All-American and All-State Teams

VC football offensive tackle Jakob Lemus and defensive end James Gillespie both were named first team All-American by the California Community College Football Coaches Association for their play during the 2023 season. Lemus, a first team All-Northern Conference selection and Gillespie, the Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Year also headlined the Region III All-California first team selections by the CCCFCA.

Gillespie, from Woodbridge, VA, had 67 tackles from his defensive end position, 39 solo, and recorded 17 tackles for a loss on the year. Meanwhile, Lemus, a Hueneme High School graduate, led an outstanding offensive front for the Pirates that had a pair of 1,000-yard rushers for the first time in program history.

Zane Carter, a Ventura High School product, earned first team All-State honors in a utility position for his play as a defensive safety and as the Pirates punter. 

Lamonte James, also from Woodbridge, VA, led the potent VC rushing attack with 1,201 yards in 12 games with 13 touchdowns. He also had 24 receptions for 177 yards out of the backfield in earning first team All-State accolades.

The Pirates finished the season 8-4 overall and were 6-1 in SCFA Northern Conference play, sharing the conference title. It was the fourth straight crown for Ventura and the seventh conference championship in the past eight seasons. Ventura also upset Fullerton in the first round of the SCFA playoffs and hosted the SCFA Championship Game before bowing out in the state Final Four.