Ventura 13, Rio Mesa 7 : KEY PLAYS

Ventura defensive end Jeff Benton recovered a fumbled snap that popped into his arms, then raced 30 yards into the end zone in the first quarter for a 6-0 Cougar lead. . . . Ventura’s goal-line defense, led by Eric Turner, twice held Rio Mesa from scoring on fourth down situations. The first time: with 46 seconds left in the first half from the one-foot line. The second time: from the three-yard line with 11:22 left to go in the game. . . . Ventura running back Eric Turner dove from the two to score Ventura’s winning touchdown in the third quarter.

KEY PLAYERS

Ventura’s defense, led by linemen Fernando Raya and Jeff Benton and backs Kris Kelly and Eric Turner, stopped Rio Mesa cold. Each, except for Turner, recovered a fumble. On offense, Turner ran for 101 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown. Rio Mesa quarterback Steve Carolan completed 12 of 24 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. Rio Mesa wide receiver Darren Romano caught six passes for 68 yards.

THE RECORDS

Ventura (4-1-0), 2-0-0 in league

Rio Mesa (3-1-1), 1-1-0 in league

Ventura 6 0 7 0 -- 13 Rio Mesa 0 0 0 7 -- 7