Saddleback’s Defense Leads Way to 33-11 Victory Over Palomar

MISSION VIEJO — Several big plays by Saddleback’s defense helped the Gauchos defeat Palomar, 33-11, in a Mission Conference Central Division game Saturday at Saddleback.

Saddleback, ranked second in the nation, had three interceptions--two by PJ Deschamps--two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Two of Palomar’s (2-3, 0-1) turnovers led to 10 points for Saddleback (5-0, 2-0), which has won 11 consecutive games over the last two seasons.

Saddleback kicker Brett Thompson set one record and tied another. A freshman from Capistrano Valley High, Thompson kicked a Saddleback-record 52-yard field goal to give the Gauchos a 6-3 lead with 8:33 left to play. He also made field goals of 22, 43 and 44 yards to tie the Saddleback mark for a game.

Saddleback put the game away when Gabe Payne made a diving catch in the end zone on a 21-yard pass. The touchdown put Saddleback up, 26-3, with 6:14 left in the third quarter.

Saddleback had 150 yards rushing, but 78 of the yards came on a touchdown run by Brendan McGraw in the fourth quarter.