PREP FOOTBALL : Saddleback Comes Back in Second Half for Victory

Saddleback High School, facing what appeared to be developing into a sure defeat, scored 21 points in the third quarter Thursday night to rally for a 28-18 victory over University in a Sea View League game at Santa Ana Stadium.

With the victory, the Roadrunners (3-5-1, 2-1-1) moved into first place in the close race for the Sea View League title. University (3-5-1, 1-2-1) falls to fifth.

At halftime, the Roadrunners trailed 16-0, having been outgained by University in total offense, 165 yards to 16. The best field position Saddleback could muster in the first half was at its own 25.

So what did Saddleback Coach Jerry Witte say to his team at halftime?

“I told them their seasons were over unless they start playing football,” Witte said. “I told them I haven’t given up, and I hoped they hadn’t.”

The Roadrunners’ response was more than Witte could have hoped for.

On the fourth play of Saddleback’s first possession, quarterback Jeff Blanco connected with Juan Acuna for a 44-yard touchdown passplay. Beto Zalvala’s kick eased Saddleback’s deficit to 16-7.

Moments later, Saddleback linebacker Dave Morris intercepted University quarterback Junior Oliver’s pass and returned the ball to the Trojan 32. Blanco hit Acuna on a 19-yard touchdown pass to make the score, 16-14.

On its next possession, Saddleback, boosted by a 35-yard punt return by Acuna, drove to the Trojan 1. Blanco scored on a 1-yard run to give Saddleback a 21-16 lead--one that it would never relinquish.

University, meanwhile, could not find its offense in the second half.

Running back Jim Roberson, who gained 102 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in the first half, was held to 32 yards in the second.

The Trojans scored their only points of the half on a safety with 8:01 remaining. They failed to cross midfield until late in the fourth quarter.

With less than a minute remaining, University reached the Saddleback 18, but could not capitalize.

Blanco completed 6 of 12 passes for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns, and rushed for another to lead Saddleback.

“The kids played their greatest offensive game of the year tonight . . . in the second half,” Witte said.