Clinging to a 26-20 lead in the final minutes at Robinson Stadium in Pasadena, Ventura gets the ball back as linebacker Ryan Panapa reels in a tipped ball for an interception with 1:59 left.

UPDATE: The game is final at Robinson Stadium. Ventura wins 26-20 to improve to 5-1, 2-0 in Northern Conference play.

Valley nearly tied the score with 6:45 left in the third quarter, but Brandon Lluis missed the extra point following Brent Visciglia's 30-yard touchdown pass to Travion Odom.

The kicker had also had a 20-yard field goal blocked and a 27-yard field goal strike the right upright and bounce out.

Ventura went on to take a 21-13 lead on Rafael Washington's 4-yard touchdown pass from Greg Jimenez, which was set up by an interception by Ryan Panapa.

If his senior year at St. Bonaventure High hadn't been ruined by foot and knee injuries, Ryan Panapa no doubt would be in a NCAA Division I stadium somewhere today.

Even after he fractured seven bones in his left foot, Washington and Nevada were still offering scholarships. It was the later ligament tear in his right knee which put him at strongside linebacker Saturday morning at Ventura College, scrimmaging NCAA Division III Cal Lutheran.

"I understand the (recruiting) game and I don't regret it at all," said Panapa. "It's fun being here.

"I'm happy to be back playing."

Panapa returned as a fullback for St. Bonaventure in the CIF sectional and state finals last December. The longtime middle linebacker was back on the defensive side of the field Saturday.