Saddleback cruises past Antelope Valley

The Saddleback football team improved to 2-1 with a 44-28 win over Antelope Valley College on Saturday night in Lancaster.  The Bobcats led throughout the game, opening up a 28-point lead in the third quarter.

Saddleback and Antelope Valley started slowly as neither team put up points in the opening quarter.  The Bobcats cranked up the offense in the second quarter, griding out three long drives in taking a 21-7 lead into the locker room.

Trey Kukuk found Nicholas Gentilella for a 21-yard touchdown to open the scoring with 9:37 remaining in the half.  It capped off a 12-play, 88-yard drive. 

Following a score by AVC to tie the game, Kukuk then found tight end Braden Bockler for a 48-yard catch and run and a 14-7 advantage with 2:56 remaining in the half. The Marauders would never get even the rest of the way.  Saddleback scored 1:43 later when Kukuk raced around the left side and ran 17 yards to paydirt for a two-score lead. 

Saddleback increased the lead to 28-7 to start the second half when the defense made a stop and the special teams blocked the punt, with Jackson Irwin returning the loose ball 15 yards for a touchdown.  Three minutes later Saddleback increased the lead when Christian Guarascio fumbled at the one-yard line and Gabriel Alvarado recovered the fumble in the end zone for a 35-7 advantage with 10:11 remaining in the third quarter.

Saddleback used the big lead to get a bunch of new jerseys into the game.  Antelope Valley scored to cut the Bobcat advantage to 35-15 late in the third quarter.  Saddleback quickly answered when Nicky Johnson found Marques Carrillo Edgar for a 29-yard touchdown for a 42-15 advantage.

Saddleback's special teams got to have a bit more fun following the final score of the evening by Antelope Valley.  The Bobcats blocked the extra point attempt and Dallas White scooped up the ball and returned in 97 yards for two points and a 44-28 lead.

Kukuk was very efficient, finishing 15-of-18 for 156 yards passing and two scores through the air.  He also added 24 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Darrien Campbell led a solid rushing attack as the Bobcats finished with 160 yards on the ground.  Campbell had eight carries for 69 yards on the night.  Bockler led all receivers with 43 yards receiving and a score. 

Jackson Irwin was the star on defense, leading the Bobcats with eight total tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and a blocked kick for a touchdown. 

Saddleback is now 2-1 overall for the season.  The Bobcats will host Southwestern College next Saturday inside the stadium on Homecoming night.  Game time is scheduled for 6:00 PM.