Gaige Weddle throws five TD passes as Rancho Bernardo eliminates Del Norte

Rancho Bernardo sophomore quarterback Gaige Weddle had not thrown more than three touchdowns in any game this season.

However, on Friday night in the Broncos’ home CIF-San Diego Section Division 1 playoff game against No. 10 Del Norte, Weddle threw five first-half touchdowns to fuel No. 7 Rancho Bernardo to a 49-15 victory.

As a result, the sophomore phenom, who also plays defense, was given the entire second half off after having a 42-7 lead after two quarters.

“We haven’t had a huge offensive, exploding game this season,” said Weddle, who completed 9-of-13 passes for 234 yards with five touchdowns and an interception. “That was the challenge our coaches gave to us. It was, ‘How many points can we really put on the board in the least amount of time.’ ”

Although Rancho Bernardo was without its top receiver, senior Hugo Gonzalez, Weddle found four different receivers for touchdowns, showcasing the Broncos’ receiving depth.

“It’s great as a quarterback, knowing you have great receivers at every position and a great O-line that can hold up and give you the time to find those receivers,” Weddle said. “But when you spread the ball out, it’s awesome. It’s awesome for the team and the camaraderie for the receivers.”

The sophomore quarterback’s final touchdown of the night went for 48 yards to junior wide receiver Brody Cella, who had also caught a 19-yard pass on the previous play for his two receptions.

However, Cella also produces in the run game and on special teams in both kick return and punt return.

Rancho Bernardo head coach Eric Weddle said Cella is unstoppable when it comes to being in the open field.

“He’s a weapon for us,” the third-year head coach said of Cella, who had four carries 61 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown run to open the scoring. “He filled in that role for Hugo, playing running back and playing outside and inside. We move him around everywhere and he’s only going to get better.

“The sky’s the limit for him.”

As the offense was rolling, so was the defense and special teams.

The Broncos defense and special teams combined to recover three fumbles while also adding a couple of sacks.

Gaige Weddle said getting those takeaways are vital to him getting back under center.

“The turnover margin is one of the most important (statistics) in football,” he said. “To have those turnovers, and then execute and perform on offense, and take advantage of turnovers, is awesome.”

Ultimately, those three turnovers directly translated into two touchdowns, both in the first half.

Del Norte (4-7) was led by junior quarterback Alex Wiliams, who completed 21-of-32 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown pass, which came in the second quarter, capping off a drive where he completed nine consecutive passes. Junior Alex Rubio caught the 16-yard touchdown pass from Williams as he led the Nighthawks in receiving with 10 catches for 87 yards.

Next week, Rancho Bernardo will travel to face No. 2 Granite Hills in the CIF-SDS Div. 1 quarterfinals. Kickoff between the Broncos and Eagles is slated for 7 p.m.

____________________________________No. 7 Rancho Bernardo 49, No. 10 Del Norte 15

Del Norte                    0         7         8         0  —  15

Rancho Bernardo   21         21         7         0  — 49

R – Cella 54 run (Franklin kick)

R – Strachan 22 pass from Weddle (Franklin kick)

R – Wilcox 34 pass from Weddle (Franklin kick)

D – Rubio 16 pass from Williams (Orosco kick)

R – Durham 49 pass from Weddle (Franklin kick)

R – Strachan 36 pass from Weddle (Franklin kick)

R – Cella 48 pass from Weddle (Franklin kick)

R – C. Gonzalez 40 pass from Fields (Franklin kick)

D – Goldmann 33 run (Taylor pass from Goldmann)