SANTA ROSA — Rio Hondo secured its first victory of the season after narrowly defeating Santa Rosa 21-13 at Warrior Field on Friday.
The Bobcats defense swarmed Santa Rosa quarterback Leo Lara almost at will while the Rio Hondo offense scored just enough to come out on top.
“It was exciting game,” said Rio Hondo head coach Rocky James. “They are a very good football team and their quarterback Leo Lara is the real deal.
“We knew watching him on film he was going to be tough to contain and he gave us all we wanted tonight. We squeaked out of here with a victory and we’re happy to get it. They got a great team and Coach Garcia is a good coach.”
It took Bobcats quarterback Daniel Flores just three plays to silence any critics he might have had concerning his throwing ability. The linebacker turned QB, took over the spot after the departure of Eli Pitones and did so in grand fashion.
“He started off fast and in the second half he started off fast again but I think he fizzed in there,” said James. “I don’t know if its fatigue on his part since he plays middle linebacker as well and didn’t get any rest at all.
“I’d give him a B right now but he took all of these snaps and I’m very happy with the way he is improving.”
With the third play into his senior season, Flores stunned the home crowd with a 69-yard touchdown pass to backup QB Joshua Gonzalez giving the Bobcats an early 7-0 lead. Flores threw two more touchdowns of 10 and 34 yards with the last being a diving backward catch to receiver Josue Garza making it 21-7.
Penalties and dropped passes were a problem for the Warriors. Santa Rosa accumulated seven penalties for 55 yards in the first half alone, ending the game with a total of nine for of 75 yards.
“This group isn’t into moral victories,” said Santa Rosa head coach Arturo Garcia. “These young men prepared to win and we’re disappointed we didn’t win.
“Nothing against Rio Hondo, they made more plays than we did tonight but the Warriors beat the Warriors with our penalties.”
Junior quarterback Lara dazzled the crowd with his scrambling abilities. Lara was able to get away from Rio Hondo’s pressure, but not every time. The elusive quarterback passed for 171 yards on the night however he was also caught behind the line for -26 yards rushing.
Just before the end of the first quarter Lara connected with receiver Devyn Saldivar for a 69-yard pass and finished it off four plays later as the two connected again to cut the lead 14-7. The two would connect again in the third quarter on a 46-yard TD pass.
Down 21-13 Deep in the fourth quarter the warriors were given multiple opportunities to threaten the Bobcats however penalties and dropped passes negated any progress.