Drought Ends for Saugus in Win Over Hart

The drought is over.

No, not that drought. This one lasted longer and involved the Saugus High football team, which ended 10 years of futility against cross-town rival Hart with a 40-21 upset Friday night at College of the Canyons.

The win was Saugus’ first over the Indians since 1981. The teams tied in 1985.

What stopped Hart (2-2) cold in the first half--and the rest of the game, for that matter--was the loss of school-record-setting quarterback Ryan Connors, who left the game because of a back injury with 8 minutes 12 seconds left in the second quarter.

Connors was hurt after being dragged down from behind by Saugus’ Gerardo Mendez after a 16-yard gain.

“He got hit in the back real hard and whatever movement he does, (the back) goes into spasms,” Hart Coach Mike Herrington said.

Saugus took charge from the outset, holding Hart to 10 offensive plays while running up a 16-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Centurions (2-2) recovered three Hart fumbles and cornerback David Doyle picked off two Davis Delmatoff passes in the fourth quarter to stymie the Indians’ chances of a comeback.

“They played well and we were terrible,” Herrington said.

On Hart’s first three possessions, the Indians failed to cross their 28. Hart made it past its 40 just once in the first quarter but the play was called back for clipping.

After a Connors pass fell incomplete on fourth and three to end Hart’s first possession, Saugus drove 75 yards in five plays, Bobby Cowan scoring on a one-yard run up the middle.

On Hart’s second possession, John Lopata sacked Connors for a seven-yard loss and a fumble, which Rich Gutierrez recovered for Saugus at the Hart 18. Four plays later Rob Chilton’s 36-yard field goal put the Centurions ahead, 10-0.

Hart’s next three possessions ended in punts, but on their sixth possession, the Indians scored again with Doyle rolling around the left side for 36 yards.

With Connors gone, Hart reserve Delmatoff completed 11 of 19 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Hart finished with 288 yards in offense and Saugus totaled 277, 234 on the ground.

Doyle led all rushers with 93 yards in 15 carries and three touchdowns.

After the game, Saugus Coach Jack Bowman kissed Doyle on the hand then tossed him the game ball.

“David had a hell of a football game, on both sides of the ball,” Bowman said.