After Hard Day’s Night, Paraclete Out of Playoffs

Jamar Day blocked a 20-yard field-goal attempt by Matt Horner with 11 seconds left to play Friday night at Antelope Valley College as Rosamond High held off Paraclete, 28-27, and knocked the Spirits out of playoff contention.

Down by a point and 84 yards from the end zone with 1 minute 5 seconds to play, Paraclete drove to the Rosamond one on three passes from Ben Joyce to Ryan Johnson. But after three incomplete passes, Day snuffed the Spirits’ hopes.

A one-yard run by Mario Varela and his conversion kick with 4:32 left put Rosamond in the lead to stay. Varela’s sneak capped an 11-play, 57-yard march. Day accounted for 33 yards rushing on the drive.

Day rushed for 171 yards, giving him 2,146 yards this season. He also ran back a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter after Paraclete had forged ahead, 27-14.

Rosamond improved to 7-3, 4-1 in High Desert League play, and finished in second place. Paraclete, which needed a victory to place third and secure a playoff berth, finished 5-5, 2-3.

Joyce completed eight of 21 passes for 204 yards, including touchdown plays covering 30, 27 and 31 yards. Johnson made five receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.