News Summary
In a thrilling double overtime clash, the Riverside City College football team fell to Saddleback College 40-34 at Wheelock Stadium. Despite holding a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter and impressive performances from quarterback Jared Doolittle and receiver Dominic Cox, Riverside couldn’t secure the win. The defeat drops Riverside’s record to 2-2 this season. The game was marked by crucial plays on both sides, with Saddleback’s quarterback leading a comeback to tie the game late in regulation. Head coach Kevin Craft emphasized the need for improvement as the season continues.
Riverside – The Riverside City College football team suffered a narrow defeat against Saddleback College, losing 40-34 in double overtime on Saturday afternoon at Wheelock Stadium. The loss marked a significant setback for the Tigers, who held a 14-point lead at one point in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell short in a thrilling matchup.
The defeat leaves Riverside with an overall record of 2-2 for the season. Despite amassing a total of 469 offensive yards during the game, the Tigers converted only 35% of their third-down attempts, successfully completing 6 of 17 attempts. Riverside’s quarterback, Jared Doolittle, finished the game with impressive stats, completing 20 of 41 passes for 331 yards and throwing three touchdown passes, although he also had two interceptions.
Dominic Cox emerged as a standout player for Riverside, catching three touchdown passes and accounting for a career-high 208 yards with eight receptions. His performance, however, was marred by two penalties for taunting during scoring plays. Riverside’s kicker, Timothy Tynan, contributed as well, making two field goals during the third quarter to keep the Tigers ahead.
On the defensive side, Riverside struggled to contain Saddleback’s offense, allowing a total of 514 yards. Saddleback’s quarterback, Tyler Dudden, had a remarkable performance, throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown. Dudden showcased his resilience by starting the game with nine consecutive completions and leading a comeback that included a game-tying touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining in regulation, forcing the game into overtime.
Riverside entered halftime with momentum, having scored 21 unanswered points. However, the tide turned in the fourth quarter as Saddleback’s running back, Kavaughn Clark, rushed for a crucial 53-yard touchdown, which reignited the Bobcats’ hopes. Riverside’s defense did manage a critical interception during the first overtime when linebacker David Lene intercepted a pass from Dudden, but the Tigers were unable to capitalize on this opportunity.
The second overtime saw Clark score a 9-yard touchdown, giving Saddleback the lead. Riverside’s final possession concluded with two incomplete pass attempts by Doolittle in the end zone, sealing the team’s fate in a competitive and hard-fought game.
This match highlights the challenges that Riverside faces in overcoming execution mistakes, as emphasized by head coach Kevin Craft following the game. Despite the disappointment of the loss, the players will look to regroup and improve in their upcoming matches as the season progresses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mission Viejo Suffers First Loss of Season Against McCallie
McCallie and Waxahachie Pull Off Major Upsets in Football
Riverside Tigers Fall in Double Overtime Thriller to Saddleback
Southern California High School Football Highlights
Orange County High School Sports Scores
Southern California Faces Scorching Heat Wave with High Temperatures
Excessive Heat Watch Issued for Orange County
High School Football Preseason Kicks Off in Southern California
Southern California High School Football Passing Tournaments Heat Up
Orange County Faces Scorching Heat Spike with Excessive Heat Watch Issued
Additional Resources
- Press Enterprise: Riverside City College Football Team Falls to Saddleback in Double Overtime
- Press Enterprise: In Former Inland Football Standout Tyler Dudden, RCC’s Loss is Saddleback’s Gain
- MaxPreps: La Sierra vs. Saddleback Football Game
- San Mateo Daily Journal: Riverside Tops California Community College Football Rankings
- Wikipedia: College Football
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
