November 21, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Portola lineman Sam Gatta decides to play football for Saddleback College

Portola lineman Sam Gatta played in the Orange County all-star game. (Photo courtesy Portola football)

Portola’s High’s standout offensive lineman Sam Gatta will be playing football at Saddleback College next season, according to Portola Coach Peter Abe.

“Sam Gatta had a few different offers, but has elected to continue to pursue his education and athletic career at Saddleback College with the storied Gaucho football program,” Abe said Wednesday.

The 6-2, 270-pound Gatta was a first team All-PCL player and competed in the Orange County all-star football game.

Another former Bulldog Jared Van Haeren “is preparing to begin his next chapter of football and higher education, having signed with Concordia University, St. Paul (in MInnesota),” Abe added.

Other players are making decisions too, Abe said.

“We are waiting on a couple more Bulldogs to make their final decisions for college, and will continue to support/guide them through these critical decisions throughout their unique student-athlete situations,” Abe said.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com