TODAY’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Welker Proves You Can Go Home Again

When Mark Welker graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 1991 he wasn’t too excited about the prospects of attending Saddleback College the next fall.

Welker, an All-South Coast League offensive lineman, struggled academically in high school, and that hindered his chances of playing in a Division I program, which was his goal.

He still longed for the experience of being on his own, though, so he saved some money and moved into an apartment. But toward the end of last season at Saddleback, with his funds running low, he began paying a heavy price for his freedom.

Welker, who is 6 feet 3, was short on funds at times and not always interested in eating balanced meals. That, combined with the rigors of a long season, dropped his weight to a season-low 218 pounds in early December when Saddleback beat Cerritos in the Orange County Bowl to finish 10-1.

Welker said he felt quicker 30 pounds below his normal weight, but he also realized he needed more leverage and strength to have any success blocking opponents.

So this season he took a big step toward gaining back some weight--he moved back home.

Welker, who spent the summer working in the weight room and on his balance and footwork, bulked up to about 255 pounds and is quickly becoming one of the most impressive linemen in Southern California.

“Moving out of the house was a fun experience,” he said. “It helped me grow as a person, but not so much as a football player.”

Saddleback (3-0) will face its toughest challenge so far this season when the Gauchos travel to El Camino for a Mission Conference game at 7 o’clock tonight. Saddleback is ranked No. 1 in the nation by the J.C. Grid-Wire, and El Camino (2-0) is ranked sixth.

“He moves very well,” said Saddleback offensive line Coach Mac Moore, who is in his 15th season. “He is quick and very aggressive with a lot of determination. He is one of the best offensive linemen at Saddleback since I’ve been here.”

In today’s Mission Conference games:

Saddleback (3-0) at El Camino (2-0), 7 p.m.--Saddleback has the conference’s top-ranked offense, averaging 529 yards a game. Marcellus Chrishon leads conference in rushing with 550 yards in 67 carries. He has also scored nine touchdowns. Quarterback Tim Snowden is 32 of 54 for 618 yards and three touchdowns. He has had two passes intercepted. Saddleback expected to struggle on defense but has been impressive, allowing an average of 240 yards a game, second best in the conference.

Fullerton (0-2) at Pasadena (3-0), 7 p.m.--Fullerton has opened with two losses for the first time since 1964. Pasadena is ranked 12th in the nation by the J.C. Grid-Wire.

Palomar (2-0) at Orange Coast (2-1), 1:30 p.m.--Orange Coast’s offense got some confidence in a 42-35 victory over Southwestern last Saturday. But the pressure today is on the defense to stop Palomar, which is averaging 48 points and 520 yards a game.

Rancho Santiago (1-1) at Mt. San Antonio (2-1), 7 p.m.--Rancho Santiago needs to eliminate turnovers. The Dons gave the ball away five times last week, and all resulted in Pasadena touchdowns in a 35-13 loss to the Lancers.

Southwestern (1-2) vs. Golden West (0-2) at OCC, 7 p.m.--Golden West set a school record for points allowed in a 57-14 loss at Palomar last Saturday. The Rustlers didn’t help matters by getting only two first downs in the first half. Golden West finished with 12 first downs. Palomar had 32.