Camarillo Wishbone Batters Royal, 26-20

Camarillo High’s wishbone offense, which came up inches short of a possible upset last week, proved Friday it is as stubborn as it is potent during a 26-20 win over previously-unbeaten Royal in a Marmonte League football game at Camarillo High.

Last week, Camarillo (3-3 overall, 2-1 in league play) dropped a 21-14 decision to unbeaten Westlake when quarterback Corey Tucker came up inches short of the goal line on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter.

Friday, the Scorpions tossed the wishbone at Royal’s stubborn defense, which had allowed just 21 points all season, and the Highlanders needed the Heimlich maneuver. Camarillo, which amassed 254 rushing yards, used nearly every facet of the wishbone attack at will.

“Our worst dreams came true,” Royal Coach Gene Uebelhardt said. Royal’s nightmare came in four forms. Brian Vellmure gained 77 yards in 18 carries, Mike Madsen gained 67 yards in eight carries, Tag Johnson rushed 16 times for 56 yards, and Tucker added 51 yards in 11 carries.

Camarillo also overcame Royal’s Ryan Fien, who completed 13 of 21 passes for a season-high 237 yards and two touchdowns. But Camarillo wasn’t assured victory until Fien’s final throw was intercepted by Tucker at Camarillo’s 45-yard line with 1 minute 13 seconds left.

That’s because, with Royal trailing, 26-13, on Vellmure’s one-yard run on fourth down with 4:39 left, Tony Liming returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. Steve Prchal’s 20th consecutive point-after pulled Royal within 26-20 with 4:23 left.

Royal’s defense held Camarillo on downs at the Highlander 35 with 2:06 left. But Fien was tackled for a 2-yard loss by Eric Swindemen, and Tucker’s interception ended Royal’s drive.

Royal (5-1, 2-1), off to its best start in history, appeared early as if it would torment Camarillo’s secondary all night. Fien hit Tony Liming (three receptions for 94 yards) for a 70-yard score on Royal’s first play.

Camarillo answered with consecutive touchdown runs of one and five yards by Vellmure to take a 14-7 lead with 1:54 left in the first half. But Royal answered by driving 59 yards in one minute, capped by a 36-yard pass from Fien to Jeff Creed (seven receptions for 113 yards). Liming’s two-point pass attempt failed, leaving Royal with a 14-13 deficit at halftime.

Camarillo used Madsen’s one-yard run to extend its lead to 20-13 with 8:16 left in the third quarter.