Rio dominated Mira Loma in the Raider’s homecoming Friday, bringing players off the bench to contribute to the 51-20 win.

If Rio can build on the momentum of the game and beat Casa Robles Friday (7 p.m. at Del Campo) the team will make it into the playoffs for the first time in years.

After winning last year’s homecoming game against El Camino (28-6), team walked out on the field determined they would beat Mira Loma.

The game kicked off to a strong start, and by the second quarter coach Sammy Stroughter had pulled many starters.

“I feel that we have had tougher games leading up to this point,” said senior wide receiver Noah Metz. “It seems like coach Stroughter had really gotten the team ready for the big homecoming game.”

Although the team won, senior and defensive end Jimmy Vine found it to be the longest game of his life. “It lasted four and a half hours,” said Vine. “Except for that, it was a really fun game to play.”

Senior wide receiver Matthew Dixon found the game to be a success.

“Everyone on the team had a chance to play during the game, which was cool,” said Dixon.

The stakes are much higher for this Friday’s football game against Casa Robles.

Casa Robles is a tough opponent,” said Dixon. “But I think we got this.”

Last year, Rio beat Casa Robles during over time, and they expect to win again this year.

“It went double over time last year so I am excited for a good game this year,” Vine said.

Senior quarterback Max Davis said the upcoming game will be a greater challenge than homecoming.

“Casa Robles is more difficult than the Mira Loma football team,” said Davis. “We are hoping for a W.”

Stroughter was pleased with the homecoming win and feels the team is ready for Friday’s contest.

“I have confidence in my team playing against anybody,” he said. “As long as we continue to work together, I don’t see why we can’t accomplish all of our goals.”