Top-seeded Saddleback moves on to CIF quarterfinals after opening round win

Saddleback’s Fabian Bravo gains yards in Friday’s CIF playoff opener. (Photo courtesy Christopher Leon).

Saddleback’s football team, top-seeded in Division 13, is off to the quarterfinal round of the CIF playoffs. The Roadrunners (9-2) will play at Santa Rosa Academy (9-2), which tied for first place in the Cottonwood League.

Saddleback, the Zeta League champion, defeated Pacific 21-17 Friday night at home. Santa Rosa Academy defeated Heritage 35-21.

“Friday was a nailbiter. “Saddleback Coach Rob Thompson said Monday. “We played well on both sides of the ball. Defense really stepped up and kept us in the game. We had two goal line stances that changed the tone of the game. We had seven sacks as well.

“Of course, I’m excited that we won, and we look forward to our game this week vs. Santa Rosa Academy.”

Saddleback was led by quarterback Andre Scott, who completed 12 of 20 passes for two touchdowns. He also rushed for one touchdown but threw two interceptions, according to Thompson.

Andrik Valenzuela hauled in the game-winning reception of 45 yards with 50 seconds left in the game. He finished with receptions for 136 yards.

Fabian Bravo had 10 carries 63 yards and also caught three passes for 33 yards for the Roadrunners.

Valenzuela also had 15 tackles on defense. Chris Romero had 20 tackles and one field goal block and Ralph Vargas had eight tackles.

The winner of Friday’s game meets the winner of the Woodbridge vs. Buena Park quarterfinal the following weekend in the semifinals. Buena Park and Woodbridge, two Omicron League rivals, play Friday night at University.

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