Goleta, CA — JJ Bittner threw for a score and ran for score as the Spartans clinched the Channel League’s fourth and final automatic playoff berth with a road win. “Our kids plays hard,” Rio Mesa coach Jim Bittner said. “We had a real good first half defensively and a good second half offensively.” Noah Ramos caught six passes for 120 yards for Rio Mesa (7-3, 5-3), which was without senior star Chance Harrison due to injury. Rio Mesa awaits the postseason pairings Sunday. “I feel like we’re healthy,” Jim Bittner said. “We’ll keep hitting the weight room and practicing. I just don’t want to stop now.”