With a new sophomore quarterback at the helm, West Ranch triumphantly returned from last week’s setback to defeat Saugus 48-24.

Blake Johnson was finally able to take the field as the Wildcat’s (3-3, 1-1) quarterback after sitting out the first six games due to the CIF’s six-game sit-out period rule. In addition to the win, Johnson also had the satisfaction of playing against his former team, Saugus (2-5, 1-2). 

“It really meant a lot to me. I came out here and tried to do my best and I think I succeeded by defeating them,” said Johnson. 

Johnson noted that having such a strong run game and a good offensive line helped ease some of his nerves at the start of the game.

“Our running backs did a great job. Our lineman blocked and I think we did pretty good,” said Johnson.

Luke Deperno played a big role in helping out his young quarterback by taking care of business in the run game with over 300 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.

Deperno’s flurry of touchdowns kick-started on the Wildcats’ second offensive drive when he scored a 63-yard touchdown.

In the second half, Deperno began to break free with three more rushing touchdowns from 40, 27 and 83 yards out.

From 40 yards out Luke Deperno scores his second touchdown of the night.
West Ranch 34 , Saugus 10 pic.twitter.com/pKyfhsTzX0

— KHTS Sports (@KHTSSports) October 5, 2024

Over the games, it has become usual for Deperno to have hundreds of yards and multiple touchdowns, which is why Head Coach Chris Varner sees him as the best running back in the Foothill League.

Besides having an offensive powerhouse, the Wildcats’ defense was just as electric. Due mainly to the D-line, West Ranch’s defensive unit mustered 14 points on the Centurions.

The first came off a strip sack by Max Piccolino in the first quarter, allowing linebacker Connor Wiseman to scoop the ball and take it into the endzone.

Connor Wiseman with a scoop and score for West Ranch
West Ranch 14 , Saugus 0 pic.twitter.com/fVdlyQluYX

— KHTS Sports (@KHTSSports) October 5, 2024

Late in the second quarter, Piccolino was pressuring Saugus quarterback Jake Nutall and forced an off-balance throw that Ethan Quesada intercepted for a pick-six.

While Nutall was under constant pressure, he still made some splash plays, rushing for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and connecting with receiver Landon Lattimore for a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Nuttall slips a tackle and scrambles to the endzone for a Saugus touchdown.
West Ranch 48, Saugus 24, with less than three minutes to play. pic.twitter.com/Ijj0CJnAcq

— KHTS Sports (@KHTSSports) October 5, 2024

Despite fighting until the very end, Saugus had too much to handle between an energetic West Ranch defense with 14 points and four turnovers and a star-studded running back in Deperno.

For the Wildcats, this was just the comeback they needed to spark new life into the team.

West Ranch is hopeful they can carry out the momentum into next Thursday when they face Castaic.

Saugus will have time to rest and work on the fundamentals as they enter a bye week. When they come back, they will play Castic on Oct. 18.

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