Belman guides Gauchos past Comets

The Saddleback football team found its stride on Saturday night, opening up a big lead and never looking back in beating Palomar College, 45-17, at "The Snakepit" in Mission Viejo.  Quarterback Tim Belman set one national record as the Gauchos improved to .500 with two games left in the regular season.

Belman needed just 12 pass attempts to set the national two-year career record and made quick work of the mark as he was 11-of-15 in the first quarter, setting the new standard with under two minutes remaining in the opening quarter.  His first pass of the second quarter was a 14-yard touchdown pass to RJ Dedrick.  It was the first of two hookups for the dup on the night, as Saddleback sprinted to a 14-0 lead.  Less than four minutes later Lee Griggs ran wide for a three-yard score and the Gauchos had a 21-0 lead, something that proved to be insurmountable for a Palomar offense that has struggled to move the ball for the entire season.

Despite the outcome of the game never really being in jeopardy, the only thing left to find out was whether or not Belman would set the national record for completions.  The sophomore slinger needed an improbable 47 completions to accomplish the feat, and came up 14 shy after finishing 33-of-46 for 372 yards and five touchdowns.  Barring any injuries, he will likely set the national record next week when Saddleback travels to Grossmont College.  Another national record that Belman has a chance to eclipse by the end of the season is passing yardage.  He now needs 854 yards to break the national record set by Geary Davenport from Marin College in 2002-03.  The record for attempts and completions had been held by former Pasadena City College quarterback David Pittman, who played for the Lancers in 2006-07.

The game proved to be another big stage for wide receiver Eric Lauderdale, who finished with nine catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns.   His second score came less than five minutes into the second half as most of the starters were pulled from the game over the final quarter.

On defense, Davontae Merriweather had another big night, leading the team with 10 tackles while making a pretty interception and recording a timely sack.  Linebacker Ka'ena Paikai also had his biggest game of the 2013 campaign, making nine tackles and consistently frustrating the Palomar rushing attack.

The win broke a two-game losing streak and was much-needed if the Gauchos are going to continue a streak of playing in bowl games for a record 12 straight seasons.  Saddleback is now 4-4 overall with games against Grossmont and Golden West remaining.  The Gauchos and Griffins will meet next Saturday at Grossmont at 1:00 PM with third place riding in the balance.  Both teams enter the contest at 2-2 in National Division Southern Conference play.