San Marcos High School earned a coveted automatic playoff berth on Friday night, defeating rival Ventura High 13‑12 in a thrilling third‑place tiebreaker that decided the Channel League standings.
Key moments
The game began with Ventura taking an early 12‑0 lead, thanks to two touchdown passes from senior quarterback Mya Rodriguez. A 47‑yard strike to freshman Piper Limauro opened the scoring, and a 7‑yard reception by Kailey Champion doubled the advantage early in the second quarter.
San Marcos answered late in the first half when sophomore Victoria Aldana connected with Piper Kittle on a short touchdown pass, followed by a successful two‑point conversion run by Aldana, narrowing the gap to 12‑7.
Early in the fourth quarter, Aldana again proved decisive, delivering a 4‑yard touchdown pass to senior Mya Llewellyn that put the Royals ahead for the first time, 13‑12.
Last‑second drama
Ventura attempted a comeback on the final play, with Rodriguez scrambling for what appeared to be a 20‑yard touchdown as time expired. However, a penalty in the backfield nullified the score, granting San Marcos an untimed down.
On the ensuing play, Rodriguez launched a desperation pass from the Ventura 29‑yard line. Sophomore Scarlett Holian stepped in and intercepted the ball near the goal line, sealing the victory for San Marcos and prompting jubilant celebrations on the sideline.
Statistical highlights
Senior Victoria Aldana finished with over 200 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and a successful two‑point conversion run. Freshman Piper Kittle recorded a monster performance with 17 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Ventura’s Mya Rodriguez threw for two touchdowns, while Kailey Champion contributed a 7‑yard touchdown catch. Despite the loss, Ventura improved to a 17‑12 record and remains in contention for an at‑large playoff berth.
Looking ahead
San Marcos concludes the regular season at 15‑9 and will await the CIF‑Southern Section playoff schedule, expected to be announced on Friday. The Royals’ strong finish positions them well for the upcoming postseason competition.
Ventura, now 17‑12, will likely receive an at‑large invitation, keeping their playoff hopes alive as the CIF‑Southern Section finalizes its brackets.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
