GAME RECAP: Berwald and the Bobcats Fight Back to Win Third Straight

MISSION VIEJO, CA- On a cloudy and rainy night, Junior College Football returned to Saddleback College as the Saddleback Bobcats hosted the San Diego Mesa Olympians for Southern League Conference play.

The Bobcats started strong with a Kian Afrookhteh 29-yard field goal, taking an early 3-0 lead.

San Diego Mesa answered back with a 1-yard passing touchdown to Jordon Young, orchestrated by James Odom, putting them in the end zone.

The Olympians continued their momentum with a 24-yard field goal by Mauricio Escudero, extending their lead to 10-3 in the 2nd quarter.

San Diego Mesa wasn’t finished in the 1st half, as James Odom threw a 15-yard touchdown pass, giving them a 17-3 advantage.

As the rain poured down, the Bobcats closed the 1st half with a flourish. Branden Berwald connected with Tristan Duncan for a 7-yard touchdown, and Berwald ran for a 17-yard touchdown, tying the game at 17, scoring 14 unanswered points.

Saddleback wasted no time in the 3rd quarter, with Will Craven returning a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. Kian Afrookhteh added a big 39-yard field goal, giving the Bobcats a 27-17 lead heading into the 4th quarter.

Saddleback continued to build their lead in the 4th quarter, with Paolo Burak finding the endzone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, making it 34-17.

The Olympians showed signs of life in the 2nd half, as Richie Colmenero II connected with Kader Diop for a touchdown, narrowing the gap.

The Bobcats aimed to seal the game, with Branden Berwald finding Josh Jacobs in the end zone for a 4-yard passing touchdown, extending their lead to 41-24.

San Diego Mesa attempted a late comeback with a 23-yard passing touchdown from James Odom to AJ Gonzaque, but it was too late.

The Saddleback Bobcats secured their third consecutive win, improving to 2-0 in conference play as they headed into the bye week.

Saddleback College will return to action in two weeks, facing Palomar College at 6 pm on October 14th.