Warriors Run Over Chaffey to Open League Play

TORRANCE, Calif. --- No. 10 El Camino College trounced visiting Chaffey, 52-35, in the National Southern League opener on Saturday night at Murdock Stadium.

The Warriors posted a season high 310 rushing yards against the Panthers (1-3, 0-1), averaging six yards per carry. It was the first time the Warriors have rushed for more than 300 yards since Sept. 23, 2023 when they racked up 303 rushing yards in a 65-29 win over Moorpark, also at Murdock Stadium. It's also the most rushing yards by a Warriors team since they put up 343 at Santa Monica on Sept. 4, 2021, which remains the most Warriors team rushing yards in a game in recorded history dating back to 2011.

Azeon Nelson had the best game of his Warriors' career as he set a new career high with 117 yards on 21 carries. He scored one touchdown and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. It was just his second 100-yard rushing game in 18 career games. It was also the first time he logged 20-plus carries in a game.

Damonte Bias and Ryan Young both added 65 yards on the ground apiece with Bias scoring an 18-yard touchdown on the ground.

Meanwhile, Evan Tomich had a great day throwing the ball as he went 16-for-26 for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Brandon Jones reeled in a game-high six catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns while Ramon Gilbert's lone catch went for 33 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Warriors racked up four sacks and forced three takeaways, all on fumbles.

Damian Matau and William Wright each recorded a strip-sack with Lolani Finau adding one sack and a fumble recovery. Jaden Birdsong led the way with six tackles on the night while Curtis Williams added five.

The Warriors jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and it appeared the rout was on but the Panthers made a game of it, trimming the deficit to 28-14 at halftime.

The Panthers would receive the second-half opening kickoff but the Warriors' defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive.

The Warriors would score the next 10 points to push their lead to 24 points and they never looked back.

Saturday's win was ECC's 10th over Chaffey and 12 lifetime meetings. They have won five straight dating back to 2016 and scored 50-plus points for the third time in the last four meetings.

The Warriors will hit the road for their next game on Saturday, Sept. 27 as they take on Mt. San Jacinto.