SANTA ANA – Despite the fact that Saddleback more than doubled Century in total yardage, Roadrunners coach Rob Thompson knows his offense could have done more.
“We’re gonna have to learn how to pick up the blitz because that’s what teams are killing us on right now,” Thompson said. “They’re (opponents) stacking the line, they’re coming through our gaps, and we’re having a hard time.”
Valentin Perea and Pedro León combined for over 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns as Saddleback rolled over Century, 29-3, at Century High in a nonleague game Friday.
The Roadrunners (3-1) led, 6-3, at halftime after two field goals from Emanuel Oropeza in the second quarter. His second field goal from 34 yards with 3:57 left in the opening half gave Saddleback the advantage for the first time.
Oropeza converted another field goal, a 27-yarder, 4:52 into the third, that gave Saddleback a 9-3 lead.
Jimmy Gutierrez’s 54-yard run on the Centurions’ first series of the game set up their lone score of the night. Three plays later, Juan Agustin’s 35-yard field goal gave Century (2-2) a 3-0 lead, capping a five-play, 67-yard march that lasted 3:07.
The Roadrunners’ defense would shut down the Century offense after that score while racking up 29 consecutive points, including touchdowns in three consecutive series in the third and fourth quarters.
Saddleback’s big run started by capitalizing on a fake punt that Michael Soria tried to run from the end zone but came up short, turning the ball over on downs on the Centurions’ 9 with 4:55 to play in the third.
León then scored on a 3-yard run for the first touchdown of the game, stretching the Roadrunners’ advantage to 15-3 with 4:23 left in the third quarter.
León totaled 84 yards on 20 yards with two touchdowns.
Perea closed the scoring for Saddleback on a 1-yard run with 5:55 left in the contest. He rolled up a game-high 121 yards on 14 rushes.
