Riverbend denies Mountain View a homecoming victory
Riverbend used a late interception to spoil host Mountain View's bid for a homecoming victory Friday night.
"It's difficult to lose homecoming. I expected a tough game; they are physical," Mountain View head coach Lou Sorrentino said of the Bears after they handed the Wildcats a 13-12 loss.
In the third quarter, the visiting Bears opened up with a 79-yard touchdown drive that was capped off by Jojo Thomas' 13-yard score. A missed extra point left the game tied at 6-6.
Riverbend (3-2, 1-0) coach Ed Webb had this to say after the Bears' first Commonwealth District win: "The first half started a little shaky, but (in the) second half we looked good."
The Wildcats answered back with a score of their own. Jaylen Castro connected with Tyler Tanks for their second score of the night. A missed 2-point conversion left the lead at 12-6 with just over 3 minutes in the third quarter.
Riverbend immediately punched back with a Thomas' 6-yard score. Noah Walker converted the extra point to give the Bears a 13-12 lead they would not let go.
"Defensively we know we are good, so controlling the line of scrimmage is our game plan — play complementary football," Webb said.
Mountain View (3-2, 1-1) had one last chance left with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter. A mishandled punt by Riverbend gave the Wildcats the ball on the Bears' 42-yard line.
Four plays later, Kris Pruitt intercepted Castro's pass in the end zone to secure Riverbend's first district win of the season.
"It could have gone either way," Sorrentino said after the loss. "Our kids played hard and we were right there on the final drive in a position to win."
Friday's game showcased two different offenses. Mountain View seemed to be more pass-heavy, whereas Riverbend only had two passing attempts all game.
Running backs Luke Marlowe and Mekhi Davis combined for 160 rushing yards for the Bears and Thomas led all backs with 114 yards.
"If we control the line, we are good enough to slow people down. We grew up a little bit tonight and will look to continue," Webb said.
Castro finished the night with two touchdowns and 190 passing yards to lead the Wildcats.
"We got to be able to run and throw the ball," Sorrentino said. "Tonight it was hard because they are good defensively. I tell our guys, 'Let's turn disappointment into determination.' "
Next Friday, Mountain View will host Colonial Forge (5-1, 1-1) in hopes of stepping ahead of the Eagles in the district standings.
Riverbend will look to stay undefeated in the district when it hosts North Stafford (4-1, 1-0) the same night.
Riverbend00130—13
Mountain View0660—12
Second quarter
MV—Tyler Tanks 45 pass from Jaylen Castro (kick failed)
Third quarter
Rb—JoJo Thomas 13 run (kick failed)
MV—Tyler Tanks 5 pass from Jaylen Castro (2-pt. failed)
Rb—JoJo Thomas 6 run (Noah Walker kick)
First downs
Rushes-yards
Passing yards
Comp-Att-Int
Punts-avg
Fumbles-lost
Penalties-yards
Rushing: Riverbend—Josh Lautenschlager 5-38; Jojo Thomas 20-114, 2TDs; Luke Marlowe 11-80; Mekhi Davis 6-80; Camden Simmons 1-6; Team 3-(-15). Mountain View—Torie Martin 10-27 Jaylen Castro 4-(-4); Amari Collier 1-(-1).
Passing: Riverbend—Josh Lautenschlager 1-2-0, 13 yards. Mountain View—Jaylen Castro 14-22-1, 190 yards, 2TDs.
Receiving: Riverbend—Mason Fowler 1-13. Mountain View—Jack Lathers 2-18; Amari Collier 2-25; Jayden Huger 2-10; Tyler Tanks 3-67, 2TDs; Torie Martine 2-47; Austin Barber 3-23.
Brandon Roberts:
