Defense Saves Undefeated Rio Mesa

Rio Mesa High stopped a last-ditch Santa Barbara drive at the Spartan 25-yard line in the final two minutes to preserve a 21-14 Channel League victory Friday night at Rio Mesa.

Quarterback Farhaad Azimi put the Spartans ahead for good when he capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive by completing a 21-yard pass to Scott Fujita late in the third quarter.

Azimi, who completed five of seven passes for 72 yards, also tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Fujita in the second quarter, then kicked the extra point to put the Spartans (5-0, 2-0) ahead, 14-7.

Santa Barbara (0-5, 0-2) tied the score, 14-14, midway through the third quarter on Tyrone Bowers’ four-yard touchdown run.

Carl Richardson, who rushed for 50 yards in nine carries, put Rio Mesa on the board first, scoring on a one-yard plunge early in the first quarter. Jay Flores led the Spartans with 87 yards in 21 carries.