By james art 
BLOOMINGTON — A third-quarter touchdown sums up the way things are going in the battle of Skyline League teams fighting for an automatic playoff berth
Fontana quarterback Ruben Camacho threw a pass intended for Akari Augustin. Bloomington linebacker Richie Sanchez got his hands on the ball and tried to bat it away. Instead of falling to the ground, the tipped ball deflected into the hands of Fontana senior Winston Velasquez for a touchdown.
The score and the ensuing extra point gave Fontana a 36-0 lead with 1:01 left in the third quarter. It started to flow and Fontana rolled to a 43-0 victory over Bloomington.
Fontana finished the regular season with a 6-4 overall record and 3-2 in the CBL. Five of the wins have been eliminated and the Steelers are guaranteed a playoff spot. Bloomington (4-6) is 2-3 in the Skyline League and will wait until Sunday to see if they will be granted an at-large berth.
“I was in the right place at the right time,” Velasquez said. “It feels great. Two years ago, people said we were lucky to be in the playoffs.”
Velasquez had a 68-yard touchdown run 3:30 into the game. That didn’t sit well with Velasquez. He ate fries before the game and felt like throwing up.
“The tip game summed up our night,” Bloomington coach Rick Salazar said. “They came up and took advantage of our mistakes. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.”
Fontana coach Eric Gonzalez was amazed by the slant-pass touchdown.
“Their kid made a great game, but Veláquez made an even better game,” Gonzalez said. “I’m so proud of our kids. It was win or go. We want to put Fohi football back on the map.”
Fontana took the lead very quickly. Augustine returned the kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. In addition to Velasquez’s touchdown, Rashon Williams scored on an 8-yard touchdown run with 2:02 left in the first quarter. Williams also scored the final touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.
“They couldn’t cover all of our offensive linemen,” Gonzalez said. “Our running game is where we make our money.”
Camacho cited improved teamwork as a major reason for Fontana’s success. Prior to 2022, Fontana had not made the playoffs in several years. Gonzalez said the team is aware of Fontana’s tradition.
“We stick together as a team,” Camacho said. “We have to minimize mistakes and work as a team. The seniors really stepped up.”
Bloomington started six sophomores.
“We have a young team and I’m hopeful for the future,” Salazar said. “Next year we will be better.”