Southern Section Roundup : Rio Mesa Upsets Channel Islands, 19-18

Quarterback Mark Contreras’ two-point conversion pass fell incomplete with 5:40 to play, allowing Rio Mesa to hold on for a 19-18 upset of Channel Islands on Friday night at Hueneme High in a nonleague opener.

Channel Islands’ John Johnson, last year’s Marmonte League rushing champion, played sparingly because of a sore ankle. In the fourth quarter, however, Johnson broke loose over right tackle for a 47-yard touchdown run that set up the failed two-point conversion attempt.

Geoff Freedman, who rushed for 36 yards in 9 carries, scored on a two-yard run in the third quarter to give the Spartans a 19-12 lead.