Bishop Diego came up eight yards short of victory at La Playa Stadium on Saturday night, failing to connect on three passes to the end zone in the final 12 seconds as Santa Paula held on to win a battle of two teams with the same mascot, 19-12.
Santa Paula running back Esteban Magaña scored his third touchdown just six seconds into the fourth quarter to end the night’s scoring, and Bishop’s defense came up big twice from that point forward. The hosts made a goal-line stand at the one with nine minutes left and recovered a fumble deep in their own territory with 5:26 to go. Despite a strong surge from quarterback Nolan Tisdale on the final drive, Bishop couldn’t find the end zone.
Santa Paula edged Bishop Diego on total yards in the game, 310-285.
Tisdale, who ran for a touchdown and threw for 140 yards on 10-24 passing, connected on five throws on the final drive before time ran out.
Brandon Gonzalez rushed for an early touchdown and 117 yard on 19 carries. His 14-yard scamper made it 6-0 in favor of Bishop with 9:25 remaining in the first quarter. The hosts missed the mark on both PATs in the game.
Tisdale’s touchdown came on a 3-yard run midway through the third quarter, and was facilitated by a 41-yard completion to Vince Figueroa.
Bishop Diego (1-2) plays at Fillmore on Friday, while Santa Paula (2-1) hosts Hueneme.
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SANTA PAULA 19, BISHOP DIEGO 12
Santa Paula….0 6 7 6 — 19
Bishop Diego….6 0 6 0 —12
First Quarter
BD — Gonzalez 14 run (kick no good), 9:25.
Second Quarter
SP — Magana 5 run (kick no good), 3:12.
Third Quarter
SP — Magana 8 run (Ayala kick), 9:50.
BD — Tisdale 3 run (kick no good), 6:16.
Fourth Quarter
SP — Magana 11 run (run no good), 11:54.
