Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Rob Thompson is back as head coach of the Saddleback football team.
The Roadrunners’ athletic director confirmed this week that he has retaken the reins of the program and replaced Paige Nobles, who mutually parted ways with the school after last season.
“Coming out of retirement to get this program back in good standing,” Thompson said.
Saddleback finished 0-10 last season, including a forfeit to Orange in their Orange Coast League opener due to low numbers and injuries.
The Roadrunners went 2-8 and 3-7 the two previous seasons.
Thompson guided Saddleback from 2011-2016, leading the Roadrunners to playoff appearances in 2014 and 2015.
Thompson said he will remain an athletic director at Saddleback but the school is adding another athletic director so he can focus on football.
The addition arrives following the school opening an on-campus stadium in the fall.
Saddleback will be part of the Zeta League next season as county football shifts to league alignments based on Calpreps power ratings. The Zeta is the lowest-ranked of the county’s 12 leagues and includes Godinez, Savanna, Magnolia and Century.
Saddleback will open league against Godinez in Week 6.
Please send football news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy on X and Instagram
