SOUTHERN SECTION ROUNDUP : CHANNEL LEAGUE

Rio Mesa 36, Ventura 28--Sal Balsano returned a fourth-quarter interception 61 yards for a touchdown as Rio Mesa (6-4, 4-3) spoiled Ventura’s attempt at an undefeated league season. Balsano finished with three touchdowns, kicked four extra points, ran for a two-point conversion, caught four passes for 52 yards and ran for 95 yards in 15 carries.

Running backs Jack Hammond and Derek Swafford of Ventura (7-2-1, 5-1-1) each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for a season, a school first.

Swafford gained 209 yards in 22 carries and two touchdowns, while Hammond had 110 in 18 carries and also scored twice.