Italy wins 20-14 over Rio Vista with 100-yard field goal return as time runs out

RIO VISTA – The Rio Vista Eagle were in control throughout most of the game against the visiting Italy Gladiators, leading 14-7 by halftime and holding their advantage into the 4th quarter.

Italy’s lone touchdown through the first three quarters came from senior quarterback Gared Wood who raced up the gut of the Eagle defense for a 53-yard 6-pointer. Kicker Rogelio Torres-Landeros made the point-after to give Italy their seven.

With 9:27 remaining, however, Wood struck again on an 80-yard keeper to pull the Gladiators within one. Torres-Landeros tied the game on the bonus kick, 14-14, with freshman Tripp Slovak Holding and senior Austin Cate snapping.

The game eventually came down to the last 2.7 seconds. Rio opted to try a 35-yard field goal for the win but the fluttering kick only reached the goal line and into the waiting arms of none other than the speedy Wood.

As the final buzzer rang out, Wood headed left down Italy’s sideline where he picked up a couple of blocks before finding a convoy of Gladiators. A near stumble, Wood was aided by Cate as Wood kept his balance and completed the effort for a 100-yard field goal return walkoff. 

Italy survived to win 20-14 in regulation and improved their record to 5-1,2-0, with five straight wins to their credit. Rio drops to 2-3,0-1.

Italy has a bye this week but will face the Axtell Longhorns (6-0,2-0) at home on Oct. 18 with the kickoff set for 7 p.m., in what could be the game to decide the district race.