Feeble defense dooms Rustlers in season finale

Despite a fourth quarter comeback, Golden West was unable to secure sole possession of second place as Saddleback stole a 37-22 victory Saturday night at LeBard Stadium.

Golden West's (7-3, 4-2) defense was on its heels from the very first drive as Saddleback's (5-5, 4-2) Chris Dimry hauled in a 35-yard scoring pass from Ricky Bautista. Bautista went to the air again on the Gauchos' next drive connecting with Drake Griffin for a 13-yard score.

The second quarter was no different for the Rustlers as the offense had trouble getting anything going throughout most of the game. Saddleback's defense made Golden West quarterback Chris d'Entremont uncomfortable to the tune of 144 yards passing and 1 touchdown. Gauchos' kicker Erik Harris was kept busy this quarter draining field goals of 33 and 28 yards. Harris also nailed a 24-yarder in the third quarter.

At the start of the third quarter, Bautista was removed from the game in favor of backup Anthony Berg due to a hand injury. Bautista finished the night going 16-23 for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. This change did not affect Saddleback negatively as Berg produced a 7-yard rushing score.

Golden West had possession as the fourth quarter began on the verge of a 30-0 shutout. In what looked to be an inspiring and destined comeback attempt, d'Entremont put the team on his back and was a large part of 22 unanswered points. The first score was an 11-yard run by the Rustlers QB, followed by a 1-yard rush by Darius Miles. After recovering the onside kick, d'Entermont and Quest Truxton connected for a 13-yard passing score and also the ensuing 2-point conversion.

With over seven minutes left, Golden West kicked the ball away and almost got it back. Myron Buchanan fumbled at the 3-yard-line and the Rustlers' defense failed to fall on the ball. Saddleback made Golden West pay for the missed opportunity and drove all the way down field to setup a 2-yard rushing score by Griffin. The Gauchos offense carved though the Rustlers defense manufacturing 496 yards of total offense.

Even though Golden West came up short and its hopes for a post-season bowl berth are slim, d'Entremont had a season to remember. The Rustlers' signal-caller finished the regular season with a state-leading 38 touchdown passes and 2,995 passing yards. In his two seasons as a Rustler, d'Entremont threw for 5,294 yards and 62 touchdowns. He will be remembered as one of the most talented quarterbacks in Golden West history.