Saddleback Pounds Orange Coast, Moves Into Tie for First Place

Saddleback College moved into a tie for first place in Mission Conference football, as the Gauchos rolled over Orange Coast College, 41-10, Saturday at Orange Coast.

Saddleback quarterback Justin Vedder completed 20 of 34 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, throwing to nine receivers. Vedder also added a one-yard rushing touchdown on the first drive of the game, after a Joe Cesta interception on the Pirates’ first play from scrimmage.

While Saddleback’s offense compiled 460 yards, the defense held the Pirates (4-5, 3-2) to 210 yards, 60 in the first half.

“Our defense has been spectacular all year long,” Saddleback Coach Bill Cunerty said. “[Our offense] is doing well now too. This wasn’t our offense at the beginning of the season. Now we run a combination of five wide receivers and no backs. The guys are having a lot of fun with it. This is what it’s all about.”

After putting the Gauchos ahead, 7-0, Vedder added two more scores in the first for a 21-0 lead. Vedder passed to Josh Payseno from the Pirates’ 28-yard line. Payseno broke four tackles, spinning around the final defender for the score. On Saddleback’s next drive, Jackie Conners caught a 32-yard touchdown pass with 1:31 left in the quarter.

Saddleback (6-3, 4-1) also got scoring from Enrico Bozman and Mike Myers. Kicker Matt Davenport added two field goals for Saddleback, including a 44-yarder, his longest of the season.