In a thrilling display of athleticism, senior running back Shane Feller led the Camarillo High football team to a 22-14 victory over Rio Mesa in the 51st edition of the Black and Blue rivalry on August 29, 2023. Feller carried the ball 32 times for an impressive 210 yards, scoring two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. This victory marked Camarillo’s first win against Rio Mesa during Feller’s high school career, breaking a four-game losing streak against their rivals.
Feller’s performance was a testament to both his skill and the teamwork displayed by the offensive line. With support from linemen Brayden Chiapuzio, Jerome Esguerra, David Brandlen, Benjamin Sullivan, and Peyton Bennett, Feller navigated through defenses with remarkable agility, often requiring multiple defenders to bring him down. “I have just got to run aggressive,” Feller stated. “I always have, always will.”
The game began on a shaky note for Camarillo as they fumbled on their own 25-yard line during their first possession. This error allowed Rio Mesa’s running back Juan Munoz to score shortly thereafter, giving the Spartans an early 6-0 lead. Camarillo responded with a lengthy 16-play drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Dylan Nicholson, but a blocked extra-point attempt left the score tied at 6-6.
The second quarter was marked by defensive struggles and missed opportunities for both teams. A blocked punt by Rio Mesa, along with an interception of a deep pass intended for a Camarillo receiver, contributed to a scoreless period. However, Camarillo regained momentum with a 79-yard drive that featured a successful fake punt, ending with a touchdown and a two-point conversion by Feller to take a 14-6 lead.
Rio Mesa’s Alec Fontyn, in his second start as quarterback, managed to tie the game before halftime with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion pass. Fontyn completed 14 of 25 passes for 159 yards and one interception, alongside 10 carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.
As the second half commenced, Rio Mesa aimed to capitalize on their momentum. A promising 17-play drive reached the Camarillo 14-yard line but ultimately stalled due to an illegal motion penalty, preventing a score. “To come away with no points, that hurt,” said Rio Mesa head coach Jim Bittner.
Camarillo capitalized on this missed opportunity, with Feller scoring again to push the lead to 20-14. Following a bad snap on a Rio Mesa punt, Camarillo added a safety to extend their advantage to 22-14.
The Scorpions’ defense sealed the win with an interception from defensive back Carson Machado, who skillfully read the play and intercepted a long pass intended for a Rio Mesa receiver. “I played over top of him, he threw the ball and I caught it,” Machado explained.
With this victory, Camarillo improved to a record of 1-1 for the season. Coach Nate Anderson praised his players, stating, “They battled, they competed.”
Looking ahead, Camarillo will face Saugus at the College of the Canyons this Friday, while Rio Mesa prepares to host Ventura. The results of this rivalry clash will be remembered as a pivotal moment for the Scorpions, marking both a personal and team achievement.
