The Bishop Badgers and Riviera Seahawks varsity football teams went onto the field with each vying for the final playoff spot in district 32-2A this past Friday in Riviera.

The Badgers struck quickly, scoring on the first play from scrimmage as sophomore running back Jacob Beltran scampered 77 yards for a Bishop touchdown.

Senior kicker Tommy Cavazos added the extrapoint, giving the Badgers the early lead 7-0 with 11:39 left in the first quarter.

Unfortunately, for the Badgers, that was the highlight of the game as they struggled to get the offense in gear in the remainder of the game.

Riviera responded with a six-play 54 yard drive, including the seven-yard pass completion from senior quarterback Wade Moore to sophomore receiver Brett Quackenbush.

Senor kicker Kevin Jimenez successfully converted the point after attempt to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:31 remaining in the opening quarter.

With 10:22 left in the second quarter, Bishop regained the lead as Cavazos split the uprights for a 30- yard field goal to give the Badgers a three point lead.

Riviera came back to take the lead on a 52 yard drive, eventually scoring on a 40-yard touchdown pass completion from Moore to senior receiver Justin Jimenez.

The two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Seahawks never looked back after taking the 13-10 lead with 1:21 remaining in the first half.

The Seahawks scored once more in the third quarter on yet another pass completion from Moore to J. Jimenez for a Riviera score.

Moore rushed in for the two-point conversion to extend the Seahawk lead 21- 10.

Meanwhile, the Seahawk defense controlled the line of scrimmage, holding the Badger offense in check.

Riviera continued to roll on offense in the final quarter, scoring twice to put the game out of reach for the Badgers.

The Seahawks scored on a four yard pass completion from Moore to senior receiver Brad Jameson, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

The other scoring drive for Riviera was a 45 yard drive that ended with a 34- yard jaunt by Moore for a touchdown.

The extra-point attempt failed, Seahawks lead 35-10 with 3:14 remaining in the game.

The game ended as the Seahawks kneeled the ball to run out the clock and leapfrog the Badgers for the final playoff spot with the 35-10 victory.

“We could have easily folded after the quick score by the Badgers to start the game, but we continued to play together all four quarters to get the win,” Riviera Seahawks Head Coach Artie De La Rosa said.

“I wish I could have led this team to the playoffs, but bad things happen in life, we must keep our head up. I am proud of this team,” Bishop Badger Head Coach Larry Vincent said after the game.

The Seahawks will face the Three Rivers Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, in West Oso.