Lindheim Passes Verry as No. 9 Warriors Edge Mt. San Jacinto on the Road

MENIFEE, Calif. --- No. 9 El Camino College scored a 31-27 National Southern League victory over Mt. San Jacinto on Saturday night at HCN Bank Stadium in Menifee, Calif.

With the victory, head coach Gifford Lindheim recorded his 55th career coaching win and passed the legendary Norm Verry (54-27-2; 1952-60) for third place on the Warriors all-time coaching wins list. Lindheim currently holds a 55-37 all-time record in his ninth season at the helm.

On Saturday night, the Warriors defense came up big with four interceptions including two from Anthony Delguidice to help secure the victory. The team also added two sacks with Cadence Turner racking up a team-high 11 tackles in the victory.

Damonte Bias led the offense with 118 rushing yards and touchdown as the Warriors posted 184 rushing yards on Saturday.

The teams traded the lead in the first half with the Warriors taking a slight 21-19 edge into the locker room at halftime.

In the second half, the Warriors struck first thanks to Delguidice snatching his second pick of the night and taking it 29 yards the other way for a touchdown to put the Warriors up 28-19.

The Warriors would add a field goal to make it 31-19 before the Eagles responded with a 48-yard touchdown reception by Dante Sams with 4:11 left in regulation.

After having to punt on their ensuing possession, the Warriors' defense held firm, turning the Eagles over on downs to get the ball back with 1:03 remaining in regulation.

The Warriors would use up the entire clock with their final possession as the Eagles only had two timeouts left. Lorenzo Chavez-Borrelli's punt on fourth down would sail into the endzone for a touchback as the clock hit all zeroes to secure the win for the Warriors and send them into the bye week with a 4-1 record through the first half of play this season.

In the 78-year history of the Warriors football program, Saturday night's game against the Eagles was the first ever matchup between the two teams.

The Warriors will rest up on the upcoming bye week and return to action on Thursday, Oct. 9 with another road game at San Diego Mesa. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

WARRIORS FOOTBALL ALL-TIME COACHING WINS

1. John Featherstone (1985-2015): 216-117-2
2. Ken Swearingen (1962-75): 98-30-5
3. Gifford Lindheim (2016-Present): 55-37-0
4. Norm Verry (1952-60): 54-27-2
5. Bill Vincent (1976-81): 39-18-1
6. Amby Schindler (1947-51): 26-22-2
7. Jack Reilly (1982-84): 19-11-0
8. Doug Essick (1961): 5-4-0