Dons Lose First Conference Game

Saddleback Jojo Binda narrowly escapes Will Nicholson's grasp. / Arleeny Escarcega / el Don — Saddleback’s Jojo Binda escapes Will Nicholson’s grasp. / **Arleeny Escarcega** / el Don

By Laura Garcia

Visiting Saddleback College dominated the Dons, 37-14, Saturday.

The Gauchos controlled the first half as quarterback Johnny Stanton tossed two touchdown passes within the first eight minutes. Running back Matt Brock added another Gauchos touchdown in the final minute of the first quarter to extend the lead to 21-0.

Saddleback went into the half with a 24-0 lead. During the half time, the Centennial Class where honored along with Athletic Hall of Fame alumni.

The Dons finally got on the board with about eight minutes left in the third when Dons defensive back Jeremy Maxwell intercepted Stanton for a 48-yard touchdown return.

‘’We did alright, I think we could have played a lot better. I mean we are a better team than this,’’ Maxwell said. ‘’We just had a bye-week so I think that kind of set us back a little bit. ‘’

But the Gauchos didn’t let up.

Saddleback responded when Stanton scored on a 3-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 34-7.

Dons backup quarterback Thomas Becerra threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dorion Barnett in the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Saddleback kicker Aaron Ball made the final score of the game on a 42-yard field goal.

Saddleback’s defense made it difficult for quarterbacks Jason Habash and Thomas Bacerra to score.

‘’It was a tough defense, it was a tough team,’’ Becerra said.

Habash put the blame on himself.

‘’I need to see the defense better, work harder on making connections with my receivers that connect big plays after the catch,’’ Habash said.
The loss puts the Dons at 1-3 overall and a 0-1 conference. The Gauchos picked up its third consecutive win, improving to 3-2 overall and 2-0 conference.

The Dons host Chaffey College Saturday, Oct.10. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.