Nipomo linebacker Gabe Sanchez foiled a late Santa Ynez comeback attempt with a pass interception, sealing a 21-16 victory for the Titans in a football season opener Friday night at Nipomo.
Santa Ynez fell behind 14-3 at halftime and trailed 21-10 in the third quarter.
Junior quarterback Luke Gildred, making his first varsity start completed a long pass to Tyler Gregg and Isaac Moran scored on a 4-yard run, cutting the deficit to 21-16 with eight minutes left in the game.
The next time the Pirates got the ball they were on their 3-yard line following a punt.
Gildred moved the ball up field, completing passes to Cash and Canyon McClurg. The Pirates got to midfield when Sanchez made his big play with 1:47 left.
Gildred threw a touchdown pass to Aidan Scott and Leo Valencia kicked a 30-yard field goal in the first half for the Pirates.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.