Saddleback Handles Laguna Beach, 21-12

Saddleback running back Joel Gonzalez and his senior classmates wanted to end their high school football careers on a high note. Their wish came true.

Gonzalez finished with 160 yards in 24 carries, and had an interception and a quarterback sack on defense, helping Saddleback to a 21-12 nonleague victory over Laguna Beach Friday at Santa Ana Stadium.

“I just tried as hard as I could because the seniors wanted to go out with a win,” said Gonzalez. “The team played well overall.”

The Roadrunners (4-6) lost two fumbles in the first half, one of which led to an Artist touchdown. Saddleback quarterback Ramon Saavedra missed Joel Gonzalez on an option pitch, and Mike Zatezalo recovered for Laguna Beach on the Roadrunner 35-yard line. Three plays later, Pat Chesley (138 yards in 23 carries) scored on a four-yard run with 1:44 left in the second quarter. A two-point conversion failed, and Laguna Beach (3-7) led, 12-6.

Saddleback regained the lead for good when Victor Ortiz caught a lateral pass from Saavedra and threw to a wide-open Jesse Romeo (four receptions, 104 yards) for a 55-yard touchdown. The Roadrunners led 14-12 after Saavedra threw to Ismael Isais for two points with 3:31 left in the third.

Gonzalez, a linebacker on defense, helped preserve the victory by picking off Ryan Schissler’s pass at the Saddleback 35.