A perfect sendoff

The Saddleback football team finished the season with a 42-7 over San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday night inside the Saddleback stadium.  It was a perfect way to say goodbye to longtime defensive coordinator Steve Crapo, who will be retiring at the end of the semester.

Crapo's defense had a sensational night, totaling nine sacks and surrendering just one big play the entire night as the Bobcats finished the season on a high note.

The first 25 minutes of the game were frustrating for the offense, but in his final game coaching the cardinal and gold it was Crapo's defense that kept them in the game throughout the first half.  The Bobcats trailed 7-0 with under four minutes remaining in the half when defensive lineman Jordan Duson strip-sacked the quarterback and Isaiah Sierra fell on the ball deep in San Bernardino Valley territory.  One play later the game was tied as DJ Ralph connected with Yasir Berry for a 13-yard score to get the Bobcats even.

With just over a minute remaining in the half, Crapo's defense again made a big play on what seemed like a case of deja vu.  Nathan O'Rourke broke through the offensive line and again stripped the ball from Wolverine quarterback Nathan Eggleston, with Hiram deFries falling on it at the San Bernardino eight yard line.  One play later Ralph found Zachary Roebuck wide open for a touchdown and the Bobcats were off and running with a 14-7 lead.

San Bernardino Valley kicked off to start the second half and after a penalty on the kickoff were forced to kick again from their own 15-yard line.  Daniel Stokes returned the kick to the Wolverine 29 yard line, giving the Bobcats tremendous starting field position.  Saddleback again cashed in on the first play as Ralph found Samuel Hicks for a 29-yard score and the Bobcats had a 21-7 lead. 

Saddleback's defense kept the pressure on and quickly forced a turnover when Bryan Sanders picked off Eggleston and gave Saddleback the ball at their own 41-yard line.  The Bobcats again made quick work and scored two plays into the drive when Ralph found Darius Maxwell all alone down the middle of the field for a 64-yard score and a 28-7 lead.

Saddleback tacked on a score on the last play of the third quarter when Ralph found Boden Groen for a 7-yard touchdown.  It was Ralph's fifth touchdown pass of the game as he finished 13-of-22 for 164 yards and five scores.  The Bobcats would add another score with 10:09 remaining when Anthodius Ashley raced around the left side untouched for a 42-yard touchdown and a 42-7 lead.

Saddleback finished with nine sacks on the night as Jordan Duson (picture below c/o JP Westerbeck) led the unit with three of his own.  The Bobcats also had two interceptions as Juan Lua and Bryan Sanders both had interceptions in the second half of play.  The interception by Sanders was arguably the most entertaining play of the game as the ball hit six different players' hands before Sanders snatched it out of the sky for an interception.  Nathan O'Rourke finished with a team-high eight tackles and had two sacks on the night.

Saddleback finished the 2021 campaign at 4-6 overall and 2-3 in National Division Southern League play.  It was a perfect ending for Crapo, who played at the school in the late 70's, and then returned to coach at the school for 22 years. 

Enjoy your retirement, coach!