COSTA MESA - Instead of having to play catchup  as they've done all year, Golden West got an early lead and saw its defense close out visiting Ventura Saturday night, 27-20, and improved to 6-0 on the season.

The Rustlers head into the bye week unscathed thanks to five interceptions on defense, including Daniel Tejeda's pick of Ty Ganji  on the final drive with 47 seconds to play.

"I've been here 10 years and we'd never been 4-0 much less 6-0, this is a great run for us," Golden West coach Nick Mitchell said. "Our defense has been solid all year and we've been able to win the turnover game thus far. "

 Johnny Johnson had two interceptions for the Rustlers' and Aszuan Whiley  had a first-half, 70-yard pick-6 to give Golden West a 20-0 lead.

Tristian Green had the other pick for the Rustlers.

Denim Sansom (111 yards 2 TDs ), Jordan Veasy (136 yards, TD) caught touchdown passes from Adam Vance.

Veasy had a game-best 136 yards on six catches.

Vance finished 15 of 31 for 322 yards, the three scores and was intercepted twice.

DJ Martin, Jake Mann and CJ Pride combined to gain 230 yards on 17 carries for Ventura, which was held to a season-low in points.

Brandon Jones and Gangi struggled all night behind center for Ventura, each throwing for 160 yards with one combined TD and five interceptions.

Humbert Maciel's  35-yard field goal gave the Rustlers a 30-7 lead with 9:22 to play in the third quarter.

Despite not scoring again and Ventura (3-3) closing the gap to 7 points, the Rustlers defense was again the difference.

"This is new territory for us to be undefeated this late but we've earned it, as always we need to get healthy and stay motivated during the bye week," Mitchell said.  

Golden West will host Santa Ana on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.

By Brian Reed-Baiotto