Title Is Decided By Seven

RIVERSIDE —  Seven proved to be an unlucky number for Faith Baptist High on Saturday.

That’s how many touchdowns Riverside Christian fullback James Farabelli scored in the Cougars’ 55-20 victory for their first Southern Section Eight-Man Large Division championship at Riverside Christian.

Farabelli, who entered the game leading Riverside County with 32 rushing touchdowns, scored on the Cougars’ first possession on a 46-yard run down the right sideline.

He finished with 285 yards in 30 carries and was quick to credit his line for clearing the way.

“The offensive line was excellent all year,” Farabelli said. “Today was their best performance, and we used technique and heart to get it done.”

Trailing, 13-0, after Farabelli scored on a 22-yard run, Faith Baptist (10-2) came back on quarterback Tim Greer’s four-yard touchdown run.

Greer hooked up with Rudy Mendoza on a 39-yard pass play later in the first quarter. Greer then threw to Steve Plise for a two-point conversion and a 14-13 Contender lead.

But Farabelli scored on runs of 13, four and 22 yards, and the Cougars (11-0) took a 33-14 halftime lead.

Mendoza opened the second half with a 39-yard reception before Greer found Plise on an 11-yard scoring pass to cut the Riverside Christian lead to 33-20.

Greer completed 12 of 25 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, and he rushed for 64 yards in 20 carries.

David Arellano, Faith Baptist’s leading rusher, injured his right ankle in the first quarter. He returned midway through the third quarter, but was held to 12 yards in five carries.

Scoring runs of 10 and three yards by Farabelli gave Riverside Christian a 48-20 lead early in the fourth quarter.