Saddleback drops close battle in opener

The Saddleback football team dropped the opening game of the season to Ventura College, 35-30, on Saturday night inside the stadium.  The Bobcats will play on the road next weekend.

Saddleback had its chances and led for much of the night.  The Bobcats rolled up 475 yards of offense and at times looked like the better team.  Unfortunately, that doesn't always add up to a win and Saddleback came out on the losing end of a tight contest.

Saddleback rolled up 317 yards of offense in the opening half, but only led 23-15 at the intermission due to a number of untimely penalties after committing 10 in the opening 30 minutes. The Bobcats would finish the night with 18 penalties for 148 yards, but still managed to hang with one of the highest ranked teams in the state.  

Trey Kukuk threw two for two touchdowns in the opening half, connecting with Marques Carrillo Edgar on a 36-yard strike and then to Jacob Sears later in the half for a 10-yard score.  Kukuk (pictured) would finish the night 22-of-34 for 314 yards and three touchdowns. 

Kukuk's most dazzling play of the night came in the fourth quarter with the Bobcats trailing 35-23.   The freshman from Capistrano Valley High School avoided no less than three defenders before rolling left and finding Carrillo Edgar wide open downfield for a 74-yard score.  It closed the gap to 35-30, but the Bobcats would get no closer.

Saddleback finished with 475 yards of offense, passing for 314 and rushing for another 161.  Paolo Burak led the ground attack with 87 yards on 16 carries.

The defense played gamely, forcing Ventura into a number of third and long, and fourth down situations.  Unfortunately, the Pirates converted on 8-of-13 third down attempts and 4-of-6 fourth down chances to make the best of every situation. 

Tristan McMurry and Michael D'Amato both had big nights for the defense, finishing with 13 tackles apiece.  D'Amato was all over the field, also finishing with two tackles-for-loss, one interception, one forced fumble, one pass break-up and a sack.  Trevor Romaldo finished with eight tackles, one tackles-for-loss, one interception and a pass break-up. 

Saddleback will be on the road next weekend when they travel to Santa Barbara City College next Saturday.  The kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.