Scripps Ranch 28, Mira Mesa 14

Scripps Ranch solidified a place in the postseason with a 28-14 win over Mira Mesa in the regular season finale.

The Falcons entered the night in the final Division I playoff slot, and the win assures that they will keep playing for at least one more week.

The Marauders came into the matchup occupying the first position outside of the Division II playoffs, and will likely start their offseason earlier than they had planned.

Mira Mesa opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tristan Hughes to Jaime Beltran, after most of the opening action was dominated by the defenses.

Scripps Ranch replied midway through the second quarter, as Zach Podraza escaped pressure and found Desmond Simmons streaking down the right sideline for a 46-yard bomb.

With just over a minute left in the half, the Falcons’ Jay Numanlia-wone turned a bobbled punt catch into a tackle-breaking 26-yard return. That set up a quick-strike drive, capped by Podraza connecting with Josh Fish on a four-yard touchdown toss, as Scripps entered the break with a 14-7 advantage.

The second half saw each side double their score, with the 28-14 final going in favor of the Falcons.