Struggling Teams Look for Answers

The problems for the Golden West and Orange Coast football teams have been mostly one-sided this season. Unfortunately, that side has been the defensive one.

Orange Coast brings the Mission Conference’s worst statistical defense and Golden West the second worst into today’s Central Division game at 1:30 p.m. at Orange Coast.

Lack of experience, depth and talented opponents have led to the woes of each team. Orange Coast (1-3, 0-1) has allowed an average of 460 yards and 42 points per game. Golden West (0-3, 0-0) is allowing 441 yards and 36 points per game.

Golden West had a bye last week. Orange Coast is coming off a 42-35 loss to El Camino, but the offense had 442 yards and rushed for its first five touchdowns of the season.

Tailback William League had 191 yards and four rushing touchdowns against El Camino despite playing a little more than a half because of respiratory problems.

In other Central Division games:

Palomar (2-2, 0-0) at Saddleback (4-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.--Saddleback, second-ranked nationally by the J.C. Grid-Wire, is primmed for a letdown after rallying to beat Long Beach, 29-28, last week in an emotionally draining game. But Palomar offers plenty of incentive for revenge to the Saddleback sophomores. Palomar drilled Saddleback, 28-0, last year. Saddleback has won 10 in a row.

Riverside (0-3, 0-0) at Fullerton (1-2, 0-0)--Fullerton quarterback Paul Waldrop has thrown for 659 yards and eight touchdowns, but the Hornets have yet to establish a solid rushing attack. Fullerton is averaging 79 yards per game and has no back with more than 100 yards for the season.

In a Mission Conference game:

El Camino (3-1) vs. Rancho Santiago (1-2), Santa Ana Stadium, 1 p.m.--Rancho Santiago is coming off a 34-0 victory over San Diego Mesa, but its defense will be tested today. El Camino is averaging 404 yards and 26 points per game.