Gonzalez Carries Saddleback Past University

Junior running back Joel Gonzalez rushed for three touchdowns to lead Saddleback to a 20-19 nonleague victory over University Friday night at Irvine High.

Gonzalez gained 210 yards in 31 carries for the Roadrunners (3-2).

Senior quarterback Pat Josten led University (2-3), completing nine of 15 passes for 180 yards. Josten also rushed for 68 yards in seven carries and scored on a six-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

University took a 7-0 lead on an eight-yard touchdown run by Colin Cavanaugh with 57 seconds left in the first quarter.

Gonzalez helped the Roadrunners tie the score at 7-7 when he scored on a 26-yard touchdown run with 8:10 left in the half.

Josten scored on a six-yard quarterback keeper with 1:33 left in the half to put the Trojans ahead, 13-7. But the point-after attempt by Zach Sherwood was blocked.

Saddleback then moved ahead, 14-13, on a one-yard touchdown run by Gonzalez with 6:49 left in the third quarter.

University countered on its next drive as Josten connected with Darrin Willard on a 60-yard touchdown pass, putting University ahead, 19-14. The Trojans missed a two-point conversion attempt.

Saddleback then went ahead, 20-19, on a three-yard touchdown run by Gonzalez with 8:02 left in the game. Saddleback missed its two-point conversion attempt.