SMALL DIVISIONS FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Santa Paula 23, Verbum Dei 18--Aaron Sanchez rushed for 56 yards in 15 carries, including two first-half touchdowns, to lead the Cardinals at Santa Paula.

Chad Metelak connected with Michael Nava for a 65-yard touchdown pass to give Santa Paula (8-3) a 7-0 first-quarter lead. Sanchez scored on a pair of two-yard touchdown runs in the second quarter to give the Cardinals a 20-12 halftime lead.

Ryan Wymore kicked a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter to extend Santa Paula’s lead to 23-12.

Sanchez was playing in place of Jacob Macias, who was sidelined because of a neck injury. The Cardinals also played without fullback Morgan Montoya, who injured a knee last week.

Linebacker Chris Torres of Santa Paula intercepted a pass at the Cardinals’ 35 with 2:11 to play to secure the victory.