HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Van Nuys Montclair Prep 35, Santa Barbara Bishop Diego 7--Running back Eliel Swinton, who fumbled three times in the first half, redeemed himself by scoring a touchdown and returning an interception 58 yards to set up another score in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

The Mounties (13-0) never looked back in winning the Division IX championship at Santa Barbara San Marcos High.

The game was tied, 7-7, at halftime, mostly because of five Montclair Prep turnovers.

Swinton, who finished with 215 yards and two touchdowns in a season-high 32 carries, said he came out in the second half determined to atone for his fumbles.

“I was aggravated with myself,” Swinton said. “I knew I had to pull myself together before I could help the team.”

Bishop Diego (9-4-1) managed only 75 yards of offense.