Saddleback Uses Basics to Beat University

If it wasn’t textbook offense, it was close.

By establishing the run first and then going to the pass, Saddleback effectively covered the basics in a 33-15 Sea View League victory over University Thursday night at Santa Ana Stadium.

The Roadrunners (3-3, 2-1 in league) rushed for 37 yards in six carries during their first drive of the game, which resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by Adolfo Ornelas at the 7-minute 7-second mark of the first quarter. A University fumble then led to a six-play, 35-yard drive by Saddleback in which the Roadrunners stayed exclusively on the ground, finishing with Shon Caldwell’s eight-yard touchdown run.

Once University (0-6, 0-3) was forced to honor the run, Saddleback quarterback Danny Ruvulo took advantage of good pass protection to throw for 129 yards. Ruvulo’s 46-yard touchdown pass to Larry Maruffo midway through the third quarter gave Saddleback a comfortable 26-7 lead.

Ornelas finished with 89 yards in 14 carries and Aaron Pulsifer added 66 yards in 10 carries. University wide receiver Dov Herbstman had eight receptions for 108 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Chris Peake in the third quarter.