Senior running back Jordan Nunnery and the Rio Mesa defense served notice in the team’s season opener, routing visiting San Marcos 44-7 on Friday.
Coach Bob Gregorchuk’s Spartans thoroughly dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage, making 17 first downs to the Royals’ one and outgaining them 369 yards to 82.
Rio Mesa’s blitz package was especially effective, allowing Mitchell Haerterich & company to put pressure on the San Marcos quarterbacks throughout, limiting the Royals to just one completion in 11 attempts.
“Our defense really played tough, hard-nosed football tonight,” said Gregorchuk. “I was especially impressed with how we were hitting.”