Riverview 'D' shuts down California

CALIFORNIA: Riverview coach Joe Rossi couldn't help but shrug.

It wasn't pretty, but the first-year coach put his first victory on the shelf.

"It was good to get this one out of the way," Rossi said. "It's nice to get the win, but there's more work to do."

Riverview's defense swarmed California's runners, holding them to 72 yards rushing while shutting out the Class A Trojans, 11-0, Friday night at Booster Field.

"Defensively, we played a whale of a game, and our defensive coaches called a great game as well," Rossi said.

Riverview held California to six first downs. California did not convert its initial first down until the second quarter.

"Offensively, the holes were there. We just need to gel," Rossi said.

Riverview (1-0) did just enough on offense, namely using wide receiver Jon Lear, who had four receptions for 74 yards, including a 44-yard catch to set up the game's only touchdown.

Riverview quarterback Fred Federici ran off tackle for a 3-yard touchdown.

Featured Raiders running back Andrew Ardestani found tough running against the hard-hitting California defense. Ardestani rushed 21 times for 81 yards.

"Andrew has been hurt all week, and he played hurt," Rossi said. "His knee is a little banged up and it hurt his acceleration."

Federici added 64 yards rushing and racked up 107 yards through the air.

Riverview's margin of victory could have been greater, but the Raiders fumbled twice and kicker Jon Lear missed a field goal and an extra point.

Lear more than made up for that by booming a 31-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Riverview also recorded a safety when a California punt snap sailed into the back of the end zone.

"We knew California is a power team, and they kept it inside (between the tackles)," Rossi said. "We basically played a goal-line defense most of the game, and it worked."