Davidson Lifts Rio Mesa to 19-15 Victory (- 0p9)

Rio Mesa Coach John Reardon expected a close game against his team’s biggest rival Friday night, and he got just that as his Spartans pulled out a 19-15 victory over Camarillo with just 2:04 left in the game at Rio Mesa on a 31-yard touchdown run on a reverse by Chris Davidson.

“I knew as soon as the play was called that we would score,” said Rio Mesa quarterback Steve Carolan. “We started out slow, but I knew if it was a close game we would win it.”

Camarillo still had a chance to win the game in the final minute, but Rio Mesa defensive back Geoff Freedman intercepted a pass from Mike Henry to end the threat.

Camarillo scored first when Tim Simonsgaard kicked a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter, but Rio Mesa took a 7-3 lead on Manual Sanchez’ 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Rio Mesa boosted its lead to 13-3 in the third quarter on a 2-yard scoring run by Sanchez, but Camarillo came back later in the third quarter on Bill Bell’s 10-yard touchdown run that cut the deficit to 13-9.

Camarillo took a 15-13 lead with 5:19 left in the game on Henry’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Gil Valencia, setting the stage for Davidson’s game-winning run.

“We were real lucky we scored on that play because Camarillo’s defense came out real tough in the second half, but we’ll take the win,” said Reardon.