Tagaloa’s Touchdowns Lead Saddleback Past University

IRVINE — Senior running back Joseph Tagaloa scored three touchdowns and rushed for 225 yards in 33 carries to lead Saddleback to a 24-6 nonleague victory over University Friday at Irvine High.

Saddleback (2-3) also got a solid effort from senior David Pedroza, who rushed for 51 yards in 13 carries.

University (0-4-1) was victimized by six turnovers, including three fumbles and three interceptions. Defensive back Gabriel Mendoza had two of the interceptions for Saddleback.

Quarterback Damian DeFeo led University by rushing for 91 yards in 11 carries. He completed eight of 22 passes for 132 yards with one interception.

Tagaloa gave Saddleback a 7-0 lead when he scored on a 15-yard run with 1 minute 51 seconds left in the first quarter.

Saddleback’s next score was set up when Jeff Rivas intercepted a pass near midfield late in the second quarter. Junior Carlos Rangel kicked a 30-yard field goal to put Saddleback ahead, 10-0, at halftime.

Saddleback took a 17-0 lead on Tagaloa’s one-yard touchdown run with 5:44 left in the third quarter. The Roadrunners made it 24-0 on Tagaloa’s three-yard run with 5:49 left in the game.

University avoided the shutout when DeFeo scored on a four-yard run with 3:53 left in the game.