Camarillo High School celebrated a significant triumph on August 29, 2023, as senior running back Shane Feller led the team to a 22-14 victory over Rio Mesa in the 51st edition of their longstanding rivalry, known as the Black and Blue game. Feller delivered an impressive performance, rushing 32 times for 210 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and contributing a two-point conversion. This victory marked Feller’s first win against the Spartans during his high school career, breaking a four-game losing streak for the Scorpions.
The game commenced with an unexpected challenge for Camarillo, as they fumbled the ball on their own 25-yard line during the opening possession. This misstep allowed Rio Mesa running back Juan Munoz to score a touchdown shortly after, putting the Spartans ahead 6-0. Following a series of defensive plays from both teams, Camarillo found their stride with a 16-play drive culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Dylan Nicholson. Despite a blocked extra-point attempt, the score tied at 6-6.
Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, highlighted by a blocked punt from Rio Mesa and an interception of Nicholson’s deep pass by Nate Warren-Lewis. However, Camarillo regained momentum with a 79-yard drive that ended with another score from Feller, giving them a 14-6 lead. Rio Mesa’s Alec Fontyn responded effectively, scoring on a goal-line keeper and connecting with Warren-Lewis for a two-point conversion, leveling the score at 14-14 by halftime.
Despite the momentum shift created by their late first-half score, Rio Mesa could not capitalize as the second half began. A lengthy drive stalled at the Camarillo 25-yard line after a promising touchdown pass was nullified by an illegal motion penalty. “To come away with no points after a 16-play drive, that hurt,” said Rio Mesa head coach Jim Bittner.
Camarillo seized the lead again on their subsequent drive, scoring to make it 20-14. The Scorpions’ defense then made a critical play, resulting in a safety when senior Adriano Elizarraraz tackled a Rio Mesa player in the end zone.
Late in the fourth quarter, defensive back Carson Machado intercepted a long pass intended for Warren-Lewis, sealing the victory for Camarillo. “I knew they were going deep, and I played over the top,” Machado explained.
Camarillo’s defense showcased strength throughout the match, not allowing any points in the second half for their opponents in both of their opening games of the season. “I love our guys; they stepped up to the moment,” said head coach Nate Anderson. “They battled, they competed.”
Camarillo now holds a record of 1-1, while Rio Mesa remains winless at 0-2. The Scorpions are set to face Saugus at College of the Canyons in their next matchup, while Rio Mesa will host Ventura.