Vivo welcomes rematch with RC: 'It's going to be a little different this time.'

Whether it's Fortnite or Friday night football, Waterford High senior quarterback Michael Vivo, a three-year varsity star, has "the juice."

The dual-threat quarterback engineered one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent playoff history, erasing a 24-point deficit to Rio Vista in the final 5 minutes, 29 seconds of their opening round game. In all, Vivo, whose gaming handle is "Mikey Juice," was responsible for seven touchdowns, including three on the ground.

Vivo is the American Chevrolet Athlete of the Week after delivering an improbable 51-44 victory over a reigning section champion in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Divison VI playoffs. The Wildcats trailed 44-20 with 5:29 left in the game when Vivo, a playground magician, found his rhythm. 

After turning the ball over four times in the first half, Vivo, a three-sport star who hopes to play football and baseball at the next level, couldn't miss down the stretch. He rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns on a career-high 24 carries, and he threw for 215 yards and four more scores. 

No. 12 Waterford travels to No. 4 Ripon Christian on Friday in all-Southern League showdown in the second round. The Knights whipped the Wildcats in their first meeting, 42-6, on Sept. 14. The game is a candidate for this week's Chicken Ranch Casino Game of the Week.

"I think it's going to be a little different this time," Vivo said with a sly smile. "We're healthy and I don't think they're giving us a shot."

Follow James Burns on Twitter @jburns1980, or email him at frontrowpreps@gmail.com.