PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: College Football Week 5 Edition

Chaffey Panthers @ Saddleback Bobcats
Saturday, Sept. 27 – 6:00 PM | Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)
Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW

It’s Homecoming in Mission Viejo as the Saddleback Bobcats (3-1) return to their home field for the first time since September 6th, when they handled Citrus 45-28. This week, they welcome the Chaffey Panthers (1-3) in a National Southern League matchup.

Saddleback enters fresh off a dramatic 40-34 road win over Riverside City, a game where the Bobcats’ offense came alive once again. Quarterback Tyler Dudden continues to prove why he’s one of the top signal-callers in the 3C2A, throwing for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23-of-33 passing last week. He spreads the ball well, with Nick Gentilella (95 yards) and Francisco Martinez (40 yards) pacing the receiving corps, while Niko Lopez added a score through the air.

On the ground, Kavaughn Clark carried the load with 127 yards and 2 touchdowns, giving Saddleback balance and explosiveness offensively. Dudden also added a rushing score, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

Defensively, the Bobcats tightened late, led by Noah Luginbill (8 tackles) and Emon Carter (7 tackles). Coen Ali and Jaden Humphrey each had interceptions, while Orlando Gonzalez and Luke Averell brought pressure with 2 combined sacks. The Bobcats’ ability to create turnovers may be the difference again this week.

The Panthers come in off a 52-35 loss to El Camino but showed plenty of offensive firepower. Quarterback Francisco Villalbazo threw for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Evan Powell added 155 yards and 1 score through the air. Their receiving corps is dangerous, featuring Justin Benson (82 yards, TD), Nehemiah Harrison (76 yards, TD), and Brennan White (74 yards, TD).

Chaffey struggled to establish the run last week — Powell and Hakim Halliburton combined for just 56 yards on 18 carries — but their passing attack will test Saddleback’s secondary. Defensively, Joshua Padilla (13 total tackles) and Zyhaire Lewis (10 tackles, INT) lead a gritty unit, though they’ve given up explosive plays in recent weeks.

PREDICTION

JP’s Prediction:
Saddleback puts on a show for Homecoming, with Dudden and Clark powering the offense and the defense making a statement against Chaffey’s aerial attack.

Saddleback 45, Chaffey 14