Bobcats provide homecoming fireworks

The Saddleback football team won its third straight game with a 38-10 victory over Southwestern College on "Homecoming" night inside the stadium on Saturday.  The Bobcats rolled up 499 yards of total offense in the win.

Saddleback started slowly, but eventually cranked up the offense in rolling to a four touchdown win against the Jaguars.  It was the seventh straight win against Southwestern, as the Bobcats now hold a 26-3-1 advantage in the lifetime series.

Saddleback led 3-0 after the opening quarter and added to the lead to start the second quarter when Nicky Johnson connected with Andrez Lewis for a 10-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. 

Later in the quarter, Southwestern capitalized on a blocked punt and turned it into points to cut the lead to 10-7.  The Bobcats responded immediately when Omarjaye Black returned the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and a 17-7 lead.  The return from Black was the 13^th longest play in program history and the longest kick return since 2017 when Tyler Noble had a 100-yard return against Orange Coast and DaQu'an Davis returned one 98 yards against Grossmont.  The longest return in program history was recorded by Timmy Smith, who had an 108-yard return against Cerritos College in 2010 in a bowl game. 

Southwestern started the third quarter by jumping on a fumble and turning it into three points to cut the Saddleback lead to 17-10.  It would be the last time the Jaguars would score as the Saddleback defense clamped down on the Jaguars from that point forward.

Saddleback then drove 75 yards in 10 plays and Trey Kukuk connected with Dane Benedix for a 12-yard score to take a two-score advantage.  The Bobcats blew the game open to start the fourth quarter when Darrien Campbell rumbled 14 yards for a score.  Saddleback tacked on seven more points late in the fourth quarter when Kukuk found Black on a crossing pattern from 10 yards out to give the Bobcats a 38-10 lead.

Kukuk finished 13-of-17 for 187 yards and two touchdown passes.  Campbell led the team with 86 yards rushing while Lewis led the team with five catches for 82 yards receiving.

Breylon Wyatt led the Saddleback defense, finishing with five total tackles.  The secondary was active, with Dallas White making an interception on the first play from scrimmage and Jayden Harrington leading the team with three pass break-ups.  

Saddleback had 499 yards of total offense while controlling the clock for 37:35.  

Saddleback is now 3-1 overall and 1-0 in National Division Southern League play.  It is the best start for the program since starting 9-0 in 2019. 

Saddleback will try to extend the streak to four games next weekend when they travel to San Diego Mesa College to take on the Olympians.  The kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM in San Diego.