Ventura, CA — Quarterback J.J. Bittner threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Rio Mesa High team football earned a share of the Channel League championship with a 34-14 win at Ventura High on Friday night. Rio Mesa (8-2) shared the league title at 7-1 with Pacifica and Santa Barbara. Its last football title came in 2017, when it played in the Pacific View League. “I’m really proud of our guys,” head coach Jim Bittner said. “We lost two games by four points. … I’m happy that we at least get a share of that title. I think it’s great for the kids, great for the program.” J.J. Bittner completed 20 of 28 passes for 256 yards, Chance Harrison caught seven passes for 117 yards and one TD, and Sal Maria and KeVonn Johnson also caught TD passes. J’Lin Wingo rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries and Matt Romero kicked a pair of field goals for the Spartans, which built a 17-0 lead in the third quarter. Jim Bittner compared the Spartans achievement to the last time they won the Channel League in 1985, when they split the spoils with Santa Barbara and Ventura. “It’s a very good league,” the coach said. “It could have went any way. Even (fifth-placed) Ventura is pretty stinking good. ... There’s some good football teams, well-coached football teams in this league.” Logan Scarlett completed 20 of 35 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Ventura (5-5, 4-4). Josh Woodworth caught six passes for 76 yards and a TD and Liam Robinson caught three passes for 61 yards and a TD.