Cats dominate Norco for 15th win

The Saddleback flag football team improved to 15-1 overall with a 40-0 win over Norco College in a non-conference battle on Tuesday inside the stadium.  The Bobcats return to Orange Empire Conference play on Thursday against Irvine Valley College.

Saddleback had three first-half interceptions from Mackenzie Smith in opening up a 27-0 lead at the end of the opening half.  Smith picked off the Norco quarterback on the second play of the game, and the Bobcats quickly capitalized a couple of plays later when Alana Sumayli ran for a 1-yard score and an early lead. 

Saddleback made it 14-0 at the 5:24 mark of the second quarter as Kirra Clavijo connected with Olivia Green on a 1-yard pass for a two-score advantage. 

Following a third Smith interception of the half, Saddleback scored quickly as Brooklee Harris threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Mikaela Thibodeaux and the Bobcats had a 20-0 advantage. 

Saddleback then picked up a late score at the end of the first half.  With the clock under 20 seconds Clavijo found Talita Robinson at the 5-yard line, and she put a move on two defenders to spring into the end zone for a 27-0 lead at the intermission.

Saddleback blew the game in late in the third quarter when Clavijo tossed her third touchdown of the game.  This time she found Grace Goedhart for a 13-yard score with under a minute remaining in the third quarter as the Bobcats opened up a 34-0 lead.

Saddleback's defense continued to shine in the second half when the Bobcats intercepted the Mustangs for a fourth time.  This time it was Ashley Sandmark as she went up and beat a wide receiver to a ball that was up for grabs in the middle of the field. 

The Bobcats would add a late touchdown when Sumayli took a direct snap and scored on a 1-yard run for a 40-0 lead.

Saddleback is now 15-1 overall for the season.  The Bobcats will play Irvine Valley College at Golden West College on Thursday at 3:00 PM.