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.

Oxnard, CA — J.J. Bittner completed 14 of 22 passes for 231 yards and two TDs and three different running backs found the end zone as the Spartans (7-2) won their fourth straight.

Oxnard, CA — Not even Jim Bittner could escape the Rio Mesa High defense Friday night.

Ventura, CA — VENTURA, CA — Football may be the game of inches. Although, in the Channel League this fall, it has been a race of instants. “It came down to the 'club,' ” said Rio Mesa head coach Jim Bittner, referencing Gonzales’ black cast. It was the second straight one-point game for Rio Mesa, which fell at Santa Barbara last week when an open running lane closed up in an instant on the game-deciding conversion run in overtime. “Everything does really matter in this game,” said Rio Mesa center Anthony Garcia.

Oxnard, CA — The Spartans scored on their first five possessions to open Channel League play with an impressive home win.