A week ago, Villanova Prep's football team and a few hundred of its fans celebrated a homecoming rout of St. Monica.

On Friday night, back at Ojai Community Stadium, a light but steady rain chased away all but a few dozen fans, and visiting Bishop Diego ran the Wildcats off the field, winning the Frontier League opener for both teams 35-6.

Aaron Skinner led the way for the visiting Cardinals (6-1, 1-0), rushing 12 times for 214 yards and five touchdowns.

The senior back did most of his work in the first quarter, finishing the opening quarter with 144 yards and three touchdowns.

"Villanova has been a good first-quarter team all year, so it was very important for us to come out and play well early," said Bishop Diego coach Tom Crawford, whose Cardinals improved to 6-1 on the year.

Bishop Diego's defense was equally impressive early. Martin Watts (eight tackles) and J.D. Saucedo and Eli Orsoco (each with five tackles, one fumble recovery) led the way, limiting the Wildcats to just 22 total yards and three first downs in the first half and just 109 yards and eight first downs for the game.

"But credit Villanova," Crawford said. "They're a well-coached football team, and they never quit."

After falling behind 21-0, Villanova (2-5, 0-1) played the Cardinals even for the next 18 minutes, thanks in large part to the work of linebackers Cody O'Malley and Lincoln Sprague, who combined to make 23 tackles and slow the Cardinals attack.

"Those two are tough kids who've played well all year long," said Villanova coach John Muller.

"But Bishop Diego is a good football team with a bunch of real athletic skill kids who were just too fast for us."

In addition to Skinner, Bishop Diego's Orosco had a trio of big gainers, and senior quarterback Christian Winnewissur was able to choose from a stable of open receivers, completing 8 of 12 passes for 99 yards on a night when the rain made it difficult to pass.

Villanova moved the ball into Cardinals territory only twice but managed to avoid the shutout, capitalizing after Bishop Diego fumbled on its own 25-yard line and scoring on a 1-yard plunge by Cian Lenehan, who finished with 34 yards on 14 carries.

Villanova continues Frontier League play next Friday when it goes on the road to face 3-3 Fillmore, which did not play Friday.