UPDATE: El Camino College football team has made history with a record-setting performance during their thrilling victory over Palomar College on October 21, 2023, in Torrance. The Warriors gained a staggering 673 yards of total offense, with 469 rushing yards, showcasing their dominance on the ground.
The game was electrifying, as the Warriors (6-1, 4-0) faced a fierce challenge from Palomar (1-6, 0-4), who rallied from a 21-point deficit late in the fourth quarter. With just 6:18 remaining, Palomar closed the gap to seven points, making the outcome uncertain. However, the Warriors responded decisively.
On a crucial third-and-two play from their own 23, running back Damonte Bias broke free for a stunning 62-yard run to the Palomar 15-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Andrew Maushardt connected with wide receiver Jaden Moore for a 7-yard touchdown pass, extending El Camino’s lead to 45-31. This pivotal moment sealed the victory, as the Warriors’ defense held strong in the final minutes.
Bias’s performance was historic; he rushed for an impressive 266 yards on just 22 carries, breaking the previous single-game rushing record of 263 yards set by Delvon Flowers in 1998. The team also established a new record with their total rushing yards, surpassing the previous high of 343 yards set in 2021.
The game kicked off with a quick start for El Camino, as they scored on their first two possessions. Maushardt threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Brewer just two minutes into the game, followed by a 23-yard field goal from kicker Christian Miranda, giving them an early lead of 10-0.
Despite a few setbacks, including two fumbles by Moore that halted potential scoring drives, the Warriors maintained their offensive momentum. After a 47-yard field goal by Palomar’s Carson Beard, Bias ignited the offense with a series of explosive runs, including a key 44-yard run into the red zone, leading to a 9-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Jones, stretching the lead to 17-3 before halftime.
The second half saw both teams exchange blows. Bias scored on a remarkable 57-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 24-3 early in the third quarter. However, Palomar responded with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Bubba Garcia, igniting their comeback.
As the game progressed, the back-and-forth continued, with Palomar narrowing the score to 31-24 after a touchdown pass from KJ Chatham to Michael Perry-Mack. But the Warriors held on, with Moore scoring a crucial 2-yard touchdown to regain control.
Coach Gifford Lindheim commented on the intense battle, stating, “We were in a dogfight tonight against Palomar. We had a huge goal-line stand just before halftime.” His team’s resilience and ability to finish strong were evident as they navigated the late-game pressure.
The emotional engagement of the players was palpable. Bias reflected on the importance of their performance, saying, “When I got the ball I knew I needed to make a play and I saw green in front of me and I just took off.”
As the Warriors celebrate this historic victory, the focus now shifts to their next challenge. El Camino College aims to maintain their momentum as they prepare for upcoming games, looking to build on this record-setting night and solidify their position in the league.
Fans are eager to see how this record-breaking performance will influence the rest of the season. Stay tuned for more updates on the Warriors as they continue their quest for glory!
