A touchdown pass in the last minute lifted Rio Americano over Vacaville in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin section Division 3 playoffs.

On second and six on Vacaville’s 10-yard line with under 40 seconds to play, senior quarterback Ryder Trantham found Josh Squaglia on a crossing pattern in the back of the endzone to put the No. 5 seed Raiders up 16-13 over the No. 4 seed Bulldogs.

Sophomore kicker Ryael Henry added the extra point. He also kicked a field goal earlier in the quarter to give Rio a 10-7 lead.

Vacaville reclaimed the lead with just over four minutes to play on a 4-yard touchdown run.

The Bulldogs, who piled up more offensive yards than Rio, were hurt by turnovers, handing Rio the ball twice on interceptions and twice on fumbles.

“It felt good to win. I’m glad our seniors get to end their season with a good playoff run and I hope we can go all the way to win the championship” said Aleck Duarte.

Rio faces No. l seed Woodcreek on Friday. Woodcreek defeated Destiny Christian Academy 42-14 in the first round and the beat Rio on Sept. 26th 20-7.

You can watch highlights of the game at MaxPreps.