Community College Football Roundup : Saddleback Beats Pasadena

Saddleback College’s football team has long been know for its wide-open offensive style that even included a no-huddle offense during the last three seasons.

But the Gauchos turned to a ball-control scheme Saturday night and although their offense was sometimes boring, it was effective enough to beat Pasadena, 21-7, in a Mission Conference game in front of about 500 at Saddleback.

Saddleback (4-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play) used backup quarterback Lance Stewart in place of Scott Stark because Stark was bothered by a sore right shoulder. Both are expected to play in next Saturday’s game with Orange Coast.

Stewart was just 5 of 13 for 74 yards and threw only 5 times in the second half. But Saddleback was leading, 21-0, in the third quarter.

“We were conservative by choice,” Saddleback Coach Ken Swearingen said. “We wanted to control the ball and just get back to basics.”

Pasadena (3-2, 3-1) came in averaging 378 yards in total offense and the Saddleback defense was last in the conference, allowing 390 yards a game. But Saddleback had given up only 52 points going into the game.

Saddleback built the 21-0 lead late in the third quarter on a 25-yard scoring run by Darrin Sweazy. Sweazy led Saddleback on the ground with 59 yards in 7 carries. Aly Diaz, returning from a leg injury, had 45 yards in 7 carries.

Saddleback had 219 yards in total offense compared to Pasadena’s 349 yards. But Pasadena’s only score came late in fourth quarter on a 46-yard run by Anthony Wallace.

“The defense played better,” Swearingen said. “We are not concerned how many yards they get running or passing. Just how many points they get and they only got seven.”

Saddleback turned two interceptions into a 14-0 lead in the first half.

Eric Brass got his fourth interception of the season and returned it 32 yards to the Pasadena 2 to set up Saddleback’s second touchdown in the middle of the second quarter. John Burns scored on a 2-yard run and Saddleback led, 14-0.

Pasadena tried to pass off a fake field goal with 30 seconds left in the half, but the pass was intercepted by Robby Smith and returned 42 yards. It was Smith’s third interception this season.

Saddleback had scored it first touchdown on a 1-yard dive by Diaz.

In other Mission Conference games:

Rancho Santiago 24, Cerritos 21--Tony Gonzales intercepted a pass by Cerritos quarterback Sean McConnell in the end zone as time ran out to preserve the victory for visiting Rancho Santiago. Rancho Santiago is 4-0-1, 3-0-1. Cerritos falls to 1-5, 0-4.

Fullerton 42, Grossmont 21--Running back Ray Pallares scored 3 touchdowns for host Fullerton. Quarterback Victor Williams completed 18 of 26 passes for 256 yards to lead Fullerton (5-0, 4-0) and running back Jeff Andrews gained 151 yards in 21 carries. Grossmont is 1-4, 0-4.

San Diego Mesa 16, Orange Coast 9--A 4-yard return of a blocked punt for a touchdown by David Cipranic lifted host San Diego Mesa to the victory. Orange Coast (3-2, 1-2) had only 164 yards total offense. San Diego Mesa (2-3, 1-2) had 92 yards in total offense.