COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Vedder Ups Production, Leads Saddleback to Victory

Quarterback Justin Vedder had his most productive game of the season, helping Saddleback to a 31-12 victory over Golden West in a Mission Conference Central Division football game Saturday in Mission Viejo.

Vedder, a freshman transfer from Boston University, completed 23 of 36 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns in a little more than three quarters.

His yardage total was the fourth best in a game for Saddleback. Vedder was coming off a 335-yard and three-touchdown performance against Riverside on Oct. 28.

His numbers have risen since Saddleback switched to a five-receiver set three weeks ago.

“Maybe it’s the new offense or a new attitude,” Vedder said, “We’re on a quest to win.”

The victory keeps Saddleback (5-3, 3-1 in the division) a game behind first-place Rancho Santiago. The teams meet in the regular-season finale, Nov. 18 at Saddleback.

Vedder’s touchdowns were for 30 yards to Adam Roman, 10 yards to Peter Campbell and 39 yards to Jeff Walker. The pass to Walker came with 10 minutes 54 seconds left to play and gave the Gauchos a 31-6 lead.

“He has a real feel for what we’re trying to do,” Saddleback Coach Bill Cunerty said of Vedder. “He’s doing a great job of spreading it around.”

Eight Saddleback players caught passes, led by Roman who had five for 91 yards. Josh Payseno also caught five for 63.

Saddleback’s defense had another strong game, allowing 297 total yards and getting eight sacks. David Cruickshank and Gage Oetgen each had 1 1/2 sacks.

Golden West wide receiver Wesley Morris had 10 receptions for 161 yards.