Saddleback Fulf illing All Its Expectations

Orange County’s five community college football teams have reached at least the halfway point. For some teams, high expectations have been met. For others, there have been few highlights. Here’s an update on each team.

Saddleback (6-0, 2-0): The Gauchos are the top-ranked team in California and No. 2 in the nation.

Saddleback has outscored opponents, 208-96, leads the 13-team conference in touchdowns (27), and already has beaten three teams ranked in the top 10 in Southern California.

“We’ve been pretty much injury free,” Coach Bill Cunerty said, “and that’s the real key on this level because nobody’s that deep. . . . We’ve got a big old target on our chests and people are going to give us their best game each week and our kids know that.”

Quarterback Justin Vedder (1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns) has been at his best when it mattered most. He has several talented receivers, led by Pete Campbell (21 catches, 336 yards) and Gabe Payne (19 catches, 426 yards).

Fullerton (3-2, 2-0): The Hornets lost the first two games but have won three in a row, including a 39-33 victory over Orange Coast Saturday. The defense has had some scary moments, including giving up 67 points to Cerritos.

But the offense has continued to improve. Carvel Gardner failed to gain 100 yards overall in the first three games but has gained more than 100 in each of the last two and has 360 yards for the season.

Rancho Santiago (3-2, 2-0)--The Dons, like Fullerton, lost the first two games, and have rallied since because of an improved running attack. The back in this case is Jermaine Gray, who has rushed for 484 yards, including 338 in the last two games.

Quarterback Mark Fausto (624 yards and five touchdowns) injured his knee two weeks ago and was replaced by Matt Mitchell (232 yards, one touchdown). Coach Dave Ogas isn’t sure yet if Fausto will be able to return this week against Orange Coast.

Golden West (1-4, 1-1): The Rustlers are in a transition season with first-year Coach Mike Shaughnessy, who took over in late spring. Golden West has been tough in the first half, outscoring opponents, 62-52. But in the second half, they’ve been outscored, 88-24.

Orange Coast (1-5, 0-3): There have been few positives for Coach Bill Workman but one is the recent performance of running back Chet Walker. He rushed for three touchdowns, including one for 80 yards, and also caught a touchdown pass Saturday. But the Pirates lost to Fullerton, 39-33.