September 23, 2025

Riverside Tigers Fall in Double Overtime Thriller to Saddleback

News Summary

In a dramatic double overtime clash at Wheelock Stadium, Riverside City College’s football team suffered a heartbreaking 40-34 defeat against Saddleback. The Tigers led by 14 points in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on, allowing Saddleback to stage a comeback. Standout player Dominic Cox shone with three touchdown receptions, while quarterback Jared Doolittle had 331 passing yards but also faced challenges with turnovers. The Tigers must regroup to address their shortcomings as they move forward in the season.

Riverside – Riverside City College’s football team faced a heartbreaking defeat against Saddleback, losing 40-34 in a dramatic double overtime clash held at Wheelock Stadium. The Riverside Tigers had a comfortable 14-point lead in the fourth quarter but were unable to secure the win, allowing Saddleback to mount a comeback and eventually take the victory.

Dominic Cox, a standout player and Upland High graduate, had an exceptional performance in the loss, making three remarkable touchdown receptions and achieving a career-high of 208 receiving yards on eight catches. However, his efforts were marred by two penalties for taunting during scoring plays, which may have impacted the game’s momentum.

Despite Riverside’s offensive output of 469 total yards, the team struggled with efficiency, converting only 35% of their third downs (6 of 17). Head coach Kevin Craft attributed the defeat to critical mistakes and a lack of effective execution from the players. The Riverside defense allowed Saddleback to compile 514 yards of total offense, a significant factor in the outcome of the game.

Saddleback’s quarterback, Tyler Dudden, had a notable performance, passing for 317 yards and tossing two touchdown passes. Dudden began the game with a perfect completion rate, connecting on his first nine passes, and also added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped tie the game in the closing moments.

Riverside initially struggled, falling behind 10-0 before rallying to score three touchdowns and take a 21-10 lead. Notable contributions to this comeback included touchdowns from Jared Doolittle and Kiyel Shine, along with two field goals from kicker Timothy Tynan in the third quarter, which helped Riverside lead 27-24 going into the final minutes of regulation.

The fourth quarter remained tense, with Dudden leading the Chargers on a final drive that culminated in a touchdown with just 40 seconds left, tying the game at 34-34 and pushing it into overtime. In the first overtime period, Riverside’s linebacker, David Lene, made an impressive interception off Dudden’s pass, halting Saddleback’s progress and keeping Riverside’s hopes alive.

During the second overtime, however, Saddleback took the lead when running back Kavaughn Clark scored a 9-yard touchdown. Riverside had opportunities to respond, but their final possessions ended in failure as quarterback Jared Doolittle’s last two pass attempts fell incomplete, sealing the loss for the Tigers.

Doolittle completed 20 of 41 passes for 331 yards, along with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Through four games this season, Doolittle has now thrown seven interceptions, a troubling statistic for the Riverside offense as they look to improve their performance in upcoming games.

Riverside City College’s football team will need to regroup and address the issues highlighted in this match as they prepare for their next contest. The combination of a strong offensive showing and defensive struggles will be crucial for their path to recovery in the remainder of the season.

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