By Victor Carno
Saddleback Valley Christian ended a long and arduous game swinging, throwing one last touchdown pass with seconds left, bringing an end to the action of a 22-14 nonleague loss against Aliso Niguel on October 4.
The Warriors (3-2) knew coming in to the game that it was going to be an uphill battle, facing an opponent with more than double the amount of players they have. The Warriors have 26 players listed on their varsity roster. The Wolverines have 53. It was the first time since the 2004-2005 season, as far back as records on www.maxpreps.com go, that Saddleback Valley Christian played a major public school.
“I wanted to showcase our program and show everyone that a smaller team could hold their own against a bigger team … I’m very proud of our guys,” Warriors head coach Justin Reber said. “We were up against a tough and physical team and we showed that we had heart and desire, and that we fought tooth and nail to the very end.”
The two teams exchanged blows during the first quarter, entering the second quarter scoreless.
Sophomore Dalton Lohman put the Warriors’ first points on the board with an interception return for a touchdown late in the second quarter. Aliso Niguel answered back withe three consecutive touchdowns. With the fourth quarter coming to a close, Junior Jake Markum scored for the second and final time for the Warriors.
“Our team executed tonight, and the game really came down to two plays that could have made the difference,” Reber said.
Saddleback Valley Christian plays Indian Springs High on October 12.
