Camarillo Falls to Pasadena in 3 Overtimes

It had to end sooner or later.

The score was tied after regulation in Camarillo High’s first-round Coastal Conference playoff game against Pasadena. After two tie-breaker periods, it was still tied.

Finally, in the third overtime period, Camarillo’s Donald Dodson had a third pass intercepted, this time in the end zone by Kenny Phillips, as Pasadena won, 31-24, at Pasadena City College on Friday night.

“I just overthrew my receiver,” Dodson said. “I didn’t see the defensive back.”

After a 14-14 tie at the end of regulation, both teams kicked a field goal on their first possessions in overtime. Dodson then connected with Jason McAtee to give Camarillo a one-touchdown lead. But three downs later, Pasadena’s David Griffiths hit Shaun Liddell in the far corner of the end zone to tie the score again.

Liddell caught what proved to be the game-winner on Pasadena’s next possession. Two downs later, Dodson’s pass was intercepted to end the game.

“That was exciting,” Pasadena Coach Gary Griffiths said. “That’s the way football ought to be played.”

David Griffiths, the coach’s son, completed 11 of 21 passes for 124 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the two to Liddell in overtime.

Camarillo (6-5) had chances to win in regulation, but Dodson threw interceptions in the end zone on Camarillo’s final two possessions in regulation play.

Camarillo’s Bill Bell rushed 32 times for 117 yards and scored on a six-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to tie the score, 7-7. Pasadena had taken a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when linebacker Anthony Washington recovered a Bell fumble at the Camarillo seven-yard line and ran into the end zone.

Pasadena took a 14-7 lead in the second quarter when Griffiths connected with Liddell on a two-yard touchdown pass.

On Dodson’s first pass of the game, he hit Valencia for an 82-yard touchdown.