San Marcos Puts End to Buena’s Party Plans, 7-6

Buena High’s chances of winning the Channel League title outright were ruined when San Marcos scored in the second half to steal a 7-6 victory Thursday night.

Running back Nathan Ridgell scored on a 60-yard run to tie the score, 6-6, with 9 minutes 25 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Alfredo Moreno kicked the decisive extra point for San Marcos (6-4, 5-2 in league play).

With eight minutes remaining in the first half, Buena linebacker Damon Deck forced a fumble and recovered it at the San Marcos 16-yard line.

Three plays later, quarterback Glenn Dudley hit Nathan Coyle on an 11-yard scoring pass. After a high snap, kicker James Hammer missed the extra-point attempt.

Buena (6-2-2, 4-1-2) committed two second-half turnovers and fell into a three-way tie for the league championship with San Marcos and Ventura, which trounced Oxnard, 57-32. All three teams qualify for the Southern Section playoffs.

Dudley completed 12 of 31 passes for 119 yards.