El Camino College Football Achieves Record-Breaking Victory Over Palomar

The El Camino College football team delivered a stunning performance on October 7, 2023, setting multiple records during a decisive victory over Palomar College. The Warriors amassed a remarkable total of **673 yards** in offense, including **469 rushing yards** and **204 passing yards**, leading to a final score of **45-31**.

Despite a commanding lead, the match remained competitive until late in the fourth quarter. Palomar College, struggling with a season record of **1-6** and **0-4** in conference play, rallied from a **21-point deficit** in the third quarter. With just over six minutes remaining, they narrowed the gap to **seven points**, putting pressure on El Camino.

Facing a crucial third-and-two on their own **23-yard line**, the Warriors turned to running back **Damonte Bias**. The Leuzinger High School alumnus responded with a stunning **62-yard run**, driving the team deep into Palomar territory. This pivotal play set the stage for quarterback **Andrew Maushardt** to connect with **Jaden Moore** for a **7-yard touchdown pass**, extending the lead to **45-31** and solidifying the win.

Bias’s performance was a standout, as he rushed for **266 yards** on **22 carries**, breaking the previous single-game rushing record of **263 yards** set by **Delvon Flowers** in **1998**. The team also achieved a new record for total rushing yards, surpassing the previous high of **343 yards** from 2021.

El Camino’s offense started strong, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions. Maushardt found **Cameron Brewer** for an **11-yard touchdown** just two minutes into the game, followed by a **23-yard field goal** from kicker **Christian Miranda**, giving the Warriors an early **10-0 lead**.

As the first half progressed, the Warriors faced challenges, including two fumbles by Moore that halted additional scoring opportunities. Palomar managed to cut the deficit with a **47-yard field goal** by **Carson Beard**, reducing El Camino’s lead to **7 points** with just over **11 minutes** remaining in the half. Yet, Bias quickly responded with a **21-yard run** followed by a **44-yard sprint**, bringing the Warriors back into the red zone. Two plays later, Maushardt connected with **Brandon Jones** for a **9-yard touchdown**, extending the lead to **17-3**.

Palomar appeared poised to respond after recovering a fumble at the El Camino **2-yard line**, but the Warriors’ defense held firm, stopping four consecutive run attempts and preserving their lead at halftime.

“We were in a dogfight tonight against Palomar,” said head coach **Gifford Lindheim**. “We had a huge goal-line stand just before halftime, and then we came out and Damonte Bias got a big touchdown run to put us up 21, but they fought back.”

Bias continued to dominate in the second half, scoring a **57-yard touchdown run** shortly after the break, putting El Camino ahead **24-3**. Palomar responded quickly, with **Bubba Garcia** returning the ensuing kickoff for a **99-yard touchdown**, narrowing the score to **24-10**.

The back-and-forth continued, as Garcia scored again on a **27-yard run**, followed by a **26-yard touchdown pass** from **KJ Chatham** to **Michael Perry-Mack**, bringing the score to **31-24**. Despite the pressure, Moore extended El Camino’s lead with a **2-yard touchdown**, but Palomar answered with another touchdown catch, this time by **Vincent Landry**.

In the end, Bias and Moore’s contributions closed out the game for El Camino. Moore reflected on the challenges faced during the match, saying, “I had to overcome a little bit of adversity and get my head right. When they got close, we just talked to the team, and our guys were able to finish it out.”

With this victory, El Camino College improved to **6-1 overall** and remains **4-0** in conference play, marking a significant achievement in their season.