The Roadrunners regroup during a practice session at the new stadium.
The Saddleback High School football team is under new leadership as Coach Rob Thompson aims to revive the program in the newly formed Zeta League. After a tough season with a record of 0-9 and four coaching changes in seven years, Thompson’s return offers hope. With a fresh coaching staff, key players ready to step up, and a new stadium providing a home-field advantage, the Roadrunners are eager to improve their performance and pursue a league championship this season.
The Saddleback High School football team is poised for revival under the leadership of Coach Rob Thompson as they prepare to compete in the newly formed Zeta League. After nearly two decades of struggles and finishing second in the Orange League, the Roadrunners look to improve upon last season’s disappointing record of 0-9 and move past a tenure that has seen four different head coaches in just seven years.
Rob Thompson returns to Saddleback, this time as head coach, after previously holding the position from 2011 to 2016. During his last tenure, the Roadrunners experienced moderate success, achieving a 6-5 record in 2014 and 2015 and securing playoff berths in both those seasons. Thompson succeeds Paige Nobles, who stepped down after one season of coaching, as the program faces the challenge of rebuilding following last year’s winless campaign.
This upcoming season will mark a fresh start for the team as they step into the Zeta League, which features competitive teams such as Godinez, Savanna, Magnolia, and Century. With the launch of the new league, which consists of five teams, hopes are high for a resurgence in the Roadrunners’ performance on the field. Coach Thompson is optimistic about the direction of the program, stating his commitment to getting the team back on track.
To aid in the revival effort, Thompson has assembled a completely new coaching staff that he feels has instilled a renewed sense of purpose in the players. The team’s primary goals this season include winning a league championship and making a substantial playoff run. With a much-improved atmosphere and expectations, the coaching staff is eager to harness the talent of the players, bolstered by several new transfers expected to join the ranks as well.
Key players for Saddleback this season include linebacker Joseph Torres, quarterback Andrew Alvarez, and a strong offensive line consisting of Ralph Vargas, Jeremiah Pedroza, Pablo Sanchez, Adrian Escobar, and sophomore Ryan Azpetia. In the backfield, junior running backs Fabian Bravo and Favian Soria, along with sophomore Chris Romero, are anticipated to play vital roles in the team’s offensive scheme.
Saddleback will continue to host its home games on campus at the newly built stadium, funded by the Santa Ana Unified School District, after unveiling it last September. This marks the second season that the team plays in the new facility, further enhancing the home-field advantage as students and community members are encouraged to support the Roadrunners.
The team’s schedule begins with a challenging matchup against Tri City Christian on Friday, August 23. Other scheduled games include:
With a renewed coaching strategy, a fresh roster, and the excitement of competing in a new league, Saddleback High School’s football program is poised to make a strong comeback this season, leaving behind a tumultuous history in hopes of achieving success on the field.
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