Saddleback Will Test Golden West : Community colleges: Rustlers are averaging 370 yards per game. But Gauchos have conference’s best defense.

It’s no secret that Golden West is struggling on defense. The Rustlers are last in the 14-team Mission Conference, giving up 475 yards and 32 points per game. But first-year Coach Dennis Dixon said from the outset that it takes time for everything to fall into place.

While the transition has been slow for the defense, the offense has become one of most effective in the conference, averaging 370 yards per game. The total is sixth best in the conference.

The Golden West offense faces its toughest test of the season at 7 tonight when the Rustlers play at Saddleback (4-3, 2-1 in the division), which has the conference’s top-ranked defense. The Gauchos give up 250 yards per game.

Golden West (4-4, 2-1) has the good fortune to have a pair of talented quarterbacks in Dan Blahy and Brian Schneider. Blahy, who took over as the starter two weeks ago, has completed 55 of 107 for 811 yards and seven touchdowns. He went down because of an ankle injury in the second half and Schneider replaced him and led Golden West to a 41-37 victory over Fullerton. Blahy is expected to start tonight.

Schneider, who has also played on special teams, is 67 of 149 for 838 yards and five touchdowns. He has had 10 passes intercepted and Blahy three.

All the throwing has enabled Golden West to use its talented receivers led by Wesley Morris. He has 45 catches for 684 yards and four touchdowns. B.J. Crabtree, a tight end, has caught 36 passes for 428 yards and four touchdowns.

In other Mission Conference Central Division 7 p.m. games:

Orange Coast (3-4, 2-1) vs. Fullerton (2-4-1, 2-1), CS Fullerton--Orange Coast has developed into the conference’s best rushing team in recent weeks, averaging 186 yards per game. William League leads with 645 yards. Orange Coast had 391 yards rushing in a 41-23 victory over Southwestern last Saturday.

Fullerton boasts a fine running back in Mike Jacot, who has gained 702 yards. He has scored in eight consecutive games for the Hornets over two seasons.

Rancho Santiago (5-2, 3-0) at Southwestern (2-5, 0-4)--Rancho Santiago has won four in a row and is in first place in the division. Chad Flick, a sophomore tight end, has nine touchdown receptions and needs one more to set a Dons’ single-season record.

Casey Wilson, a sophomore kicker, has 17 career field goals and needs one more to break the college’s all-time record. Rancho Santiago’s defense has given up fewer than 300 yards in each of the last four games.

James Stewart, a sophomore defensive back, has six interceptions this season and nine in his career.