Westminster Humbled by Saddleback, 41-0

Saddleback tuned up for next week’s showdown with Tustin by posting its second consecutive shutout Friday, a 41-0 Golden West League victory over host Westminster.

The Roadrunners (5-3, 2-0), who have won four consecutive games, used a balanced offense. Quarterback Ramon Saavedra completed 14 of 19 passes for 178 yards with four touchdowns. Joel Gonzalez had 17 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown.

“Our offense and defense have been playing well,” Saavedra said. “Each week we’ve been turning it up more.”

Saddleback has outscored its opponents, 135-19, during the winning streak and 90-0 in its last two games.

“The defense has really come along,” Saddleback Coach Jerry Witte said. “I hope we can continue to play as well. We do have two more important games left.”

The Roadrunners sacked Westminster quarterback Fidel Gonzales five times, including 2 1/2 by Kelly Talavou. Saddleback also intercepted four Gonzales passes.

Saavedra’s longest touchdown pass was a 35-yarder to receiver Emmett Briggs with 5 minutes 28 seconds left in the second quarter. A two-point conversion pass from Saavedra to Ismael Isais gave Saddleback a 28-0 lead.

Isais led Saddleback receivers with seven catches for 76 yards and a touchdown.

Westminster (2-5-1, 2-1) was led by fullback Hector Colunga, who rushed eight times for 89 yards.