Gaucho air defense intercepts Comets in latest win

The Saddleback defense rose to the occasion on Saturday in defeating Palomar College, 35-21, at Escondido High School.  The Gaucho defense intercepted six Comet passes, putting Saddleback in a tie for first place in the National Division Southern Conference.

Saddleback's defense has given up more than its share of big plays in 2012, but on Saturday it was the defense that rose to the occasion, giving the offense plenty of opportunities to win the game.  Gaucho defenders picked off six Palomar passes, returning one for a touchdown in a game filled with turnovers.

Freshman safety Doak Workman gave Saddleback an early lead when he intercepted Palomar quarterback Tyler Bergman and returned it 14 yards to give the Gauchos an early 7-0 lead.  It was one of three first-half interceptions for Saddleback, who darted out to a 21-7 lead at the intermission. 

The Saddleback offense also did its part, rolling up 538 yards, including a four-touchdown performance by James Marshall (pictured).  The freshman running back had three touchdowns on the ground and one through the air, as the Gauchos rushed for 221 yards on the ground. 

Saddleback had chances to put the game away early, but was victimized by the fumbling bug, turning the ball over four times on fumbles.  In the end, the Gauchos were too good on defense for Palomar, who managed only 24 yards rushing on the day in 37 attempts, while sacking Comet quarterbacks three times in the win.

Saddleback improved to 4-4 overall and 3-1 in National Division Southern Conference play.  The Gauchos are now in a four-way tie for first place with Santa Ana, Grossmont and Fullerton.  Saddleback will take on Grossmont next weekend at home at 6:00 pm.