Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Rob Thompson says he returned as Saddleback’s football coach motivated to help the program reclaim respect.
The Roadrunners took a major step toward that goal last week by defeating Pacific 21-17 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 13 playoffs. It was Saddleback’s first postseason victory since 2006.
Saddleback is eager for more.
The Roadrunners (9-2) will play at Santa Rosa Academy of Menifee (8-3) in the quarterfinals Friday with the aim of extending a postseason run full of championship aspirations.
“We’re very hungry for it,” said Thompson, who returned last season for his second tour as the school’s coach. “That’s been our goal all along. I told the kids at the beginning of the year, a (Zeta) league championship wasn’t any big deal for us this year.”
“We’re looking for the CIF championship, and they bought into it. We deserve it. It’s about time. It’s been 40 years since we last won a CIF championship.”
In 1985, Saddleback and coach Jerry Witte conquered the CIF-SS Central Division as part of a winning streak that reached 17 games late into the 1986 season.
Saddleback isn’t an O.C. powerhouse like it was in the mid-1980s, but the team has developed more confidence and expectations, Thompson said.
The Roadrunners finished 0-10 in 2023 before Thompson’s return.
The coach credits the turnaround to his players’ hard work and attitude, and their connection with the coaching staff.
Thompson said quarterback Andre Scott has helped the program “jump to the next level.” Linebacker Chris Romero and wide receiver Andrik Valenzuela aren’t too far behind.
The three players are part of 18 seniors on the team.
Scott has passed for 2,360 yards, 27 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Valenzuela, a transfer who went through the sit-out period, has caught 12 touchdown passes in seven games.
Last week against Pacific, Valenzuela caught a game-winning, 45-yard touchdown pass from Scott with about 55 seconds left.
“He’s a special player,” Thompson said of Valenzuela, who also leads the team with six sacks.
Romero anchors the defense with 157 total tackles. He had 20 against Pacific and blocked a field goal.
“He just has no fear,” Thompson said of Romero.
On the coaching front, Thompson hired Tim Skaggs, an assistant coach at Orange Coast College, to coordinate the offense. Alfredo Ornales is the defensive coordinator.
“You have to have coaches who know what they’re doing first of all, and then you also have to have coaches who understand our kids,” said Thompson, who also serves as co-athletic director at Saddleback. “Most of our players, they just love high school football. They don’t plan on playing after high school.”
“And you got to be a little more lenient in regard to their home life,” the coach added. “A lot of them have rough home lives. Some of them have to work. Some of them have to babysit. … We’re more understanding of their situation, but we do expect them to play at the top level that they can play at.”
Saddleback’s profile looks close to complete, especially for Division 13.
The top-seeded Roadrunners feature size along the line with players such as offensive guard/defensive tackle Ralph Vargas (6-0, 315). They have additional playmakers at the skill positions with running back Fabian Bravo (11 TDs) and wideout Andrew Alvarez.
Robert Alcaras is a strong kicker. And the senior leadership comes from Scott, Romero, wide receiver/cornerback Favian Soria and center Josiah Pedroza.
“We have a very tight-knit group,” Thompson said. “I like the chemistry. I like the kids who are on this team.”
FRESHMAN TRANSFERS TO TUSTIN
Bishop Montgomery freshman safety Kingston Fatu transferred to Tustin earlier this season, Tillers coach Anthony Lopez confirmed.
In Tustin’s 45-8 loss to Rancho Cucamonga in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs, Fatu returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown.
Lopez said Fatu — a product of the Buckeyes’ youth program — will be a “big part” of Tustin’s team next season.
Bishop Montgomery encountered several problems this fall and canceled its varsity football season in early September after playing one game on the field.
MARCUS FAKATOU RECLASSIFIES
Orange Lutheran defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou (6-7, 285) has reclassified to join the class of 2027.
Fakatou, a two-year starter, enters the Lancers’ Division 1 playoff game Friday at St. John Bosco with 67 tackles, including 16 for loss, seven sacks, two caused fumbles and eight blocked kicks.
“I was fortunate to be able to play varsity in the Trinity league as a freshman,” Fakatou said of his decision. “I’m almost done with my sophomore year and I just feel confident that after the season next year, I’ll be ready to move on to the next level.”
O.C. MILESTONES
Huntington Beach senior wide receiver Troy Foster finished his high school career with 3,255 receiving yards and 38 TDs. …
San Clemente coach Jaime Ortiz notched his 100th career victory in the Tritons’ 38-21 triumph against Beaumont in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs. Ortiz’s record with the Tritons is 100-61. …
La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta enters the quarterfinals against Cathedral in Division 4 with 249 career wins with the Highlanders. Mazzotta ranks fifth in Orange County history, one spot ahead of former Valencia coach Mike Marrujo (284).
INTERESTING STAT
Orange County league champions went 5-7 in the first round of the playoffs. The wins came from Dana Hills, Troy, Beckman, Pacifica and Saddleback.