Cate rebounded from an Orcutt Academy touchdown on the first play of the game and romped to a 50-26 non-league win in an eight-man football game on Friday in Santa Maria.
Max Vasquez rushed for three touchdowns, and Dean Smith caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Nettesheim with eight seconds left in the first half to give the Rams a 28-18 lead.
Orcutt Academy completed a 65-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage to take a 6-0 lead. Cate’s defense recorded the tying TD when Abraham Tall recovered a fumble in the end zone. Vasquez scored on a two-point conversion for an 8-6 lead.
Coach Dave Soto lauded the play of Zach Ell on defense and receiver Chris Oh, who caught a TD pass.
Nettesheim and John Besar split time a quarterback for the Rams, who improved to 2-0.
