Community College Roundup : Expecting Battle, Saddleback Easily Beats San Diego Mesa, 36-7

Saddleback College dominated San Diego Mesa from the opening kickoff to the final gun Saturday night and scored an easy 36-7 Mission Conference win before 1,800 on Saddleback Field in Mission Viejo.

The Gauchos (3-0, 5-0), ranked third in the nation and second in the Southland, were expected to have a difficult time with the Olympians (2-1, 3-2), the eighth-ranked team in the Southland.

But San Diego Mesa, which had won three straight since a season-opening loss, looked helpless against the Gauchos, who recorded their 46th straight home victory.

Saddleback scored a touchdown and two field goals on its first three possessions and, at the same time, completely shut down San Diego Mesa’s high-powered passing game.

Quarterback David Darroch, hindered by Saddleback’s strong pass rush and the extra defensive backs employed on passing downs by the Gauchos, could complete only 10 of 31 attempts for 110 yards. Gilbert Hawkins, the state’s leading receiver, had only one reception for six yards.

In other action:

Grossmont 31, Fresno City 17--In a nonconference game at Fresno, Grossmont wide receiver Rich Zayas caught touchdown passes of 73, 10 and 33 yards from quarterback Barry Griffiths, leading the Griffins to their fourth win in five games. Zayas, who caught 6 passes for 136 yards in the game, now has 23 receptions for 618 yards this season.

Palomar 52, Los Angeles Southwest 6--Bill Jawitz and LaMont Parks had two touchdowns apiece, leading the Comets to an easy victory at San Marcos High School. Jawitz caught scoring passes of 36 and 2 yards, while Parks scored from 3 and 72 yards out. Parks gained 108 yards on 8 carries, and Shaun McBride had 70 yards on 3. Comet quarterback Ryan Beadle completed 13 of 29 passes for 179 yards. Palomar is 3-1.

Southwestern 31, Rancho Santiago 16--The Apaches won their fifth straight game and improved their Mission Conference record to 3-0 with this win at Santa Ana. Rancho Santiago is 0-3, 2-3.